2020 Lincoln Navigator vs 2020 Hyundai Palisade

The 2020 Hyundai Palisade was a standout in terms of styling, with a design that could easily be mistaken for a luxury brand. Its bold appearance was marked by a massive grille and thin headlights, complemented by a unique LED character line. The use of chrome was distinctive, with a large strip running from the A-pillar over the side windows, giving the SUV a busy yet handsome look. Inside, the Palisade offered an upscale cabin with a digital instrument panel and a large touchscreen, creating an elegant and simple interior. The Limited trim impressed with its quality leather upholstery and ambient lighting, making it a top choice for those seeking luxury features.

In contrast, the 2020 Lincoln Navigator exuded luxury with its chrome accents and unique design elements, such as the Lincoln Embrace lighting system and lattice-type grille. The Navigator's styling was distinct from its Ford Expedition counterpart, featuring full-width taillights and a wraparound glass appearance. The Reserve Monochromatic Package added a custom look with body-color enhancements and 22-inch wheels. Inside, the Navigator offered a spacious and comfortable cabin with 30-way Perfect Position front seats and a mid-century modern dashboard. The use of high-quality materials and a panoramic glass roof further enhanced its luxurious feel, making it a convincing flagship SUV.

The 2020 Hyundai Palisade was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, offering both front-wheel and all-wheel drive options. The Palisade's drive mode dial allowed drivers to switch between Sport, Comfort, Eco, Snow, and Smart modes, with Smart mode adapting to driving habits. The Limited trim featured a self-leveling rear suspension, enhancing driving dynamics. Fuel economy for the Palisade was 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 22 combined for FWD, with AWD slightly lower.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator boasted a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. This engine was mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive standard and four-wheel drive optional. Lincoln Drive Modes tailored the powertrain for various conditions, including Conserve, Normal, and Excite. The Navigator's towing capacity reached 8,700 pounds with RWD and 8,300 pounds with 4WD, aided by Pro Trailer Backup Assist. Despite its power, the Navigator's fuel economy was 16.4 mpg on the testing loop, with an EPA estimate of 18 mpg combined.

The 2020 Hyundai Palisade offered impressive versatility with 45.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and 86.4 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. The third row was suitable for adults on longer trips, while the second-row captain's chairs provided comfort and storage options. The Palisade's interior was designed to handle family needs, with multiple cup holders and seatback pockets for added convenience.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator required a climb to enter, but once inside, it provided ample space for passengers. The test vehicle's 30-way Perfect Position front seats offered exceptional comfort, with power-adjustable pedals and steering wheel. The second row could be configured with a bench or captain's chairs, with a large center console available. The Navigator's third row offered unmatched legroom and thigh support, making it a leader in passenger comfort. Cargo space was class-leading, with 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 103.3 cubic feet in the standard model, expanding further in the Navigator L.

The 2020 Hyundai Palisade came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The SEL trim offered an optional Driver Guidance package with a larger 10.25-inch screen and navigation. The Limited trim featured a Harman Kardon audio system, surround-view monitor, and head-up display, enhancing the tech experience.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator's Sync 3 infotainment system was less impressive, with slow loading times. However, it included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Lincoln Connect services. The Navigator also featured "Phone As A Key" technology, allowing smartphone access to the vehicle. The Reserve's Luxury Package added a 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system, providing a rich audio experience. Additional tech included a surround-view camera and head-up display, though the optional rear-seat entertainment system was not present in the test vehicle.

The 2020 Hyundai Palisade earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, featuring a reversing camera, airbags, and advanced driver-assistance tech. Standard safety features included forward-collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and a unique blind-spot camera system, enhancing driver awareness.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator came with Lincoln Co-Pilot360, offering forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. The adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning systems operated smoothly, providing a refined driving experience. The Navigator received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though its RWD model had a three-star rollover resistance rating.