2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2020 GMC Acadia

The 2020 GMC Acadia was positioned as a premium brand, intended to be nicer than Chevys but not as luxurious as Cadillacs. Built on the same platform as the Cadillac XT5, the Acadia shared powertrains and assembly origins with its more upscale sibling. The 2020 Acadia came in various trims, including the luxurious Denali, which featured all-wheel drive, Satin Steel Metallic paint, and a Technology Package, bringing the price to $52,385. Design changes were most noticeable in the front, with squared-off headlights and a boxier grille, while the cabin saw minor updates like new electronic transmission shift switches and real open-pore wood trim for Denali models. Despite these updates, the interior still contained a mix of soft surfaces and hard plastic panels, with controls laid out logically but lacking in premium feel beyond the leather upholstery and wood trim.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator, on the other hand, was a significant departure from its Ford Expedition roots, offering a unique and luxurious experience. Priced at $92,000, the Navigator Reserve impressed with its elegant and understated design, featuring rectilinear shapes, body-color grille, and 22-inch wheels. The interior was equally impressive, with seven color palettes and high-quality materials. The Slate Gray interior of the test vehicle showcased finer details like layered wood trim, a floating center console, and a minimalist digital instrument panel. The Navigator's Perfect Position seats offered 30 different adjustments, providing exceptional comfort. While the Navigator's ride quality and handling were not as refined as some competitors, its overall refinement and power made it a standout in its class.

The 2020 GMC Acadia offered three engine options. Lower trims featured a 193-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, while the SLT trim came with a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 230 hp and 258 pound-feet of torque. The AT4 and Denali variants boasted a 310-hp 3.6-liter V6 engine, available in most other trims as well. All engines were paired with a new nine-speed automatic transmission, and the Acadia was available in front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), except for the AT4, which had a standard dual-clutch AWD system. The V6 engine and nine-speed automatic provided smooth and refined power, with a towing capacity of up to 4,000 pounds. The test vehicle averaged 20.1 mpg in combined driving, slightly below the EPA rating of 21 mpg. The Acadia's ride and handling were finely tuned, offering a comfortable and predictable driving experience, though it lacked memorable driving character.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator featured a single, powerful engine: a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 from the Ford Raptor, producing 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Navigator was available in rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). The Navigator's 4WD system was smooth and responsive, with a towing capacity of 8,300 pounds for 4WD models and 8,700 pounds for RWD models. Fuel economy was poor, averaging in the teens, consistent with the EPA-estimated 17-mpg combined rating. The Navigator's adaptive dampers provided a comfortable ride, though not as refined as some competitors. The steering and brakes were less precise, but the Navigator's low-end thrust and quiet cabin made it a refined and powerful highway cruiser. Paddle shifters added a touch of sportiness with quick reaction times and rev-matched downshifts.

The 2020 GMC Acadia offered seating for five, six, or seven passengers, depending on the trim level and configuration. The Denali trim featured standard second-row captain’s chairs, with a bench seat available as a no-cost option. The front seats were wide and supportive, with 10-way power adjustments, heating, and ventilation. The second-row captain’s chairs were also heated and comfortable, with air conditioning vents, USB ports, and a household-style power outlet. The third-row seat was roomier than expected, though the distance between the seat and the back of the SUV was limited. Interior storage space improved with new electronic transmission controls and a reconfigured center console. Cargo volume measured 12.1 cubic feet behind the third row, 41.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 79 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered ample space for six adults, with a possible total of eight passengers with the optional second-row bench. The boxy shape provided generous cargo space, with 19 cubic feet behind the third row, 57 cubic feet behind the second row, and 103 cubic feet in total. The long-wheelbase Navigator L offered even more storage, with 34, 73, and 120 cubic feet, respectively. The rear glass opened separately from the tailgate, a convenient feature for accessing the cargo area. The Navigator Reserve featured heated second-row seats and a three-zone climate system. The front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, with separate thigh extensions, bolsters, and massage programs. Visibility was excellent, though parking was challenging due to the vehicle's size. The 360-degree cameras were helpful but not high-resolution.

The 2020 GMC Acadia included essential infotainment features like Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and GMC Connected Services with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The 8-inch touchscreen had a higher resolution display, simplified user experience, and improved voice recognition. The test vehicle featured navigation and a Bose premium sound system, with voice-recognition technology performing well. The infotainment system was user-friendly and intuitive, with new USB-C ports, a more powerful wireless charging pad, a high-definition surround-view camera, and a rear camera mirror providing an unobstructed wide-angle view.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's 10-inch touchscreen felt small compared to newer competitors, but the software was intuitive and easy to use. The instrument panel couldn't show full-screen maps or different designs, and the cameras were low-resolution. The infotainment system didn't support wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, but it included onboard 4G WiFi, wireless device charging, a smartwatch app, and the ability to use a smartphone as the vehicle's ignition key. The rear entertainment system included Roku media streaming and various connection options. Drive mode animations were visually appealing, and the overall simplicity of the system was a relief compared to more complex competitors.

The 2020 GMC Acadia came with standard safety features like a rear-seat reminder system, Teen Driver technology, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning. However, advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) like forward collision warning and low-speed automatic emergency braking were only available on higher trims and as part of a Driver Alert Package. The Acadia received 5-star ratings in most NHTSA crash tests, with a 4-star rollover resistance rating. The IIHS provided incomplete data, with high marks in available tests but no ratings for headlight performance or small overlap frontal-impact protection for the front passenger.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received five stars overall from the NHTSA, with five stars in every test except for rollover resistance (four stars for 4WD models, three stars for RWD models). The IIHS had not rated the Navigator in its current generation. The Navigator offered standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and auto high beams. Adaptive cruise control was optional, though the Navigator's self-steering capabilities were not as advanced as some competitors. Optional inflatable rear seat belts for the second row were a rare safety feature aimed at reducing chest injuries.