2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, despite its decade-old design, maintained a timeless appeal. It showcased traditional Jeep styling cues like a 7-slot grille and trapezoidal fenders, presenting a balanced appearance suitable for both rugged trails and upscale environments. This versatility made it attractive to a diverse range of buyers. Prices for the Grand Cherokee started at $32,150 for the Laredo and went up to $52,495 for the Summit, with high-performance versions like the SRT and Trackhawk priced at $68,895 and $87,400, respectively. The tested Limited X model, priced at $53,275, featured a ventilated hood, sport-themed bumper, and 20-inch aluminum wheels, giving it a mild-custom look. However, the interior, especially in models priced over $50,000, was criticized for its overuse of hard plastic, detracting from the overall premium feel.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator, on the other hand, distinguished itself from its Ford Expedition roots with a unique design and luxurious features. Priced at $92,000 for the Reserve model, it exuded elegance and understatement, despite its massive size and 22-inch wheels. The Pristine White example tested featured a monochromatic package with a body-color grille, black wheels, and an illuminated Lincoln logo, making it a standout in winter conditions. The interior impressed with seven color palettes, high-quality materials, and tight panel gaps. The Black Label trims offered even more luxurious textures and softer leather. The Perfect Position seats, adjustable in 30 ways, provided exceptional comfort, making the Navigator's interior one of the best in its class.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee came standard with a 295-horsepower, 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, delivering satisfying acceleration and an EPA-rated 21 mpg in combined driving. However, the test vehicle achieved only 19.4 mpg. For those seeking more power, three V8 engines were available: a 360-hp 5.7-liter Hemi V8, a 475-hp 6.4-liter Hemi V8 in the SRT, and a 707-hp supercharged 6.2-liter V8 in the Trackhawk, which could accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds. The Grand Cherokee offered various 4WD systems, with the Trailhawk model being the most capable off-road. The Limited X model tested featured the Quadra-Trac II 4WD system, which performed well off-road but had mixed driving dynamics on pavement, with excessive suspension movements and average steering and brakes.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator featured a powerful twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This engine, borrowed from the Ford Raptor, made the Navigator feel surprisingly agile for its size. The 4WD system was smooth and responsive, with a towing capacity of 8,300 pounds for 4WD models and 8,700 pounds for RWD models. However, fuel economy was poor, averaging in the teens, matching the EPA-estimated 17 mpg combined rating. The Navigator's adaptive dampers provided a decent ride, but it lacked the refinement of competitors like the Cadillac Escalade. The steering and brakes were less precise, but the Navigator's overall refinement and power made it a comfortable highway cruiser.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered seating for five and cargo space of 36.3 cubic feet behind the backseat, expanding to 68.3 cubic feet with the backseat folded. The front seats were heated and 8-way power-adjustable, but the Limited X trim lacked ventilated seats. The backseat provided adequate legroom and comfort for both children and adults. Interior storage was decent, with useful trays and bins, though the glovebox was small. The Grand Cherokee's interior, while functional, was criticized for its overuse of hard plastic in higher-priced models.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator, with its spacious interior, could comfortably accommodate six adults. The third row's middle seat was best suited for children, and the second row featured standard captain's chairs with an optional bench for up to eight passengers. Cargo space was generous, with 19 cubic feet behind the third row, 57 cubic feet behind the second, and 103 cubic feet in total. The long-wheelbase Navigator L offered even more space. The rear glass opened separately from the tailgate, a convenient feature for loading and unloading. The Navigator Reserve model tested had heated second-row seats and a three-zone climate system, though it lacked some features offered by competitors, such as side window shades and electrically reclining second-row seats. The front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, with excellent visibility and a high driving position.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured the Uconnect infotainment system, known for its speed, graphics, and ease of use. The Limited X trim included an 8.4-inch touchscreen, navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM satellite radio, and SiriusXM Guardian connected services. A 4G LTE WiFi data plan was available, supporting up to eight devices. The test vehicle had a 9-speaker Alpine premium sound system, though higher trims offered a 19-speaker Harman Kardon system. Unique to Jeep, the Uconnect system included Off-Road Pages for off-roading information and Performance Pages for performance metrics in the SRT and Trackhawk models.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's 10-inch touchscreen felt small compared to newer systems, and its technology lagged behind competitors like the Cadillac Escalade. The instrument panel couldn't display full-screen maps, and the cameras were low-resolution. The infotainment system didn't support wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. However, the software was intuitive, with a unique Lincoln interface. The Navigator offered 4G WiFi, wireless device charging, a smartwatch app, and the ability to use a smartphone as an ignition key. The rear entertainment system included Roku media streaming and various connections. Drive mode animations were a nice touch, and the overall simplicity of the system was appreciated compared to more complex competitors.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered three collections of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). ProTech I, standard on all trims, included a reversing camera, parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. ProTech II added low-speed forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Advanced ProTech II included full-speed forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, semi-autonomous parking assist, and rain-sensing wipers. Despite these features, the Grand Cherokee received a 4-star overall rating from the NHTSA and poor ratings from the IIHS for driver and passenger protection in certain tests.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received a five-star overall rating 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 automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and auto high beams. Adaptive cruise control was optional, though it didn't match the self-steering capabilities of some competitors. Optional inflatable rear seat belts for the second row were a unique safety feature aimed at reducing chest injuries.