2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2020 Jeep Wrangler

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler was instantly recognizable on the road with its circular headlights, seven-slat grille, and boxy styling. Its industrial look was accentuated by exposed hinges and bolts, and the removable top added to its rugged persona. Inside, the Wrangler maintained a retro look with circular climate vents and gauges, emphasizing utility over luxury. The trims ranged from the basic Sport with manual windows and locks to the upscale Sahara and the off-road king, Rubicon, each offering varying degrees of comfort and capability.

In contrast, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator exuded elegance and understatement despite its massive size. The exterior featured simple rectilinear shapes, a body-color grille, and splashes of chrome, while the interior impressed with seven color palettes and high-quality materials. The Navigator's cabin was modern and muted, with a floating center console and a minimalist digital instrument panel. The Black Label trims offered even more luxurious textures and softer leather, making the Navigator feel like a high-end vehicle worth its $92,000 MSRP.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited offered a base 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic transmission. A turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque was also available. The new-for-2020 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel engine delivered 260 hp and an impressive 442 lb-ft of torque, making it ideal for off-road adventures. However, the Wrangler's on-road performance was less refined, with significant road noise and a rough ride compared to car-based SUVs. Fuel economy for the diesel engine was 22 mpg city, 29 highway, and 25 combined, which was an improvement over the gas-powered versions.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator featured a powerful twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine from the Ford Raptor, producing 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Navigator felt surprisingly sprightly for its size. The 4WD system was smooth and efficient, and the towing capacity was impressive at 8,300 pounds for 4WD models and 8,700 pounds for RWD models. However, the Navigator's fuel economy was poor, averaging in the teens, and the suspension felt rudimentary compared to competitors. Despite these drawbacks, the Navigator's low-end thrust and quiet cabin made it a refined and powerful highway cruiser.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler was available in two-door and four-door Unlimited versions, with the latter being more popular. The Wrangler's doors and windshield were removable, and the roof could be retracted or removed in various ways. The base soft top was easy to retract, while the hardtops offered more protection from the elements. The Sky One-Touch roof provided a convenient retractable cloth option. With the rear bench lowered flat, the Wrangler Unlimited offered about 72 cubic feet of cargo space, which was less than many less-capable SUVs.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered ample space for six adults, with a possible total of eight passengers if the second-row bench was chosen. The boxy shape provided generous cargo space: 19 cubic feet behind the third row, 57 behind the second, and 103 in total. The long-wheelbase Navigator L offered even more storage. The rear glass opened separately from the tailgate, and the second-row seats could be removed for maximum storage. The front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, with features like separate thigh extensions, torso bolsters, and massage programs. However, parking the Navigator was challenging due to its size.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler's Sport and Sport S trims came with a basic 5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth and USB connectivity. The Rubicon and Sahara featured a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an optional 8.4-inch Uconnect system added navigation, HD Radio, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The Alpine premium audio system provided excellent sound quality even at highway speeds.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's 10-inch touchscreen felt small compared to newer systems, and its instrument panel and cameras were less advanced. However, the software was intuitive, and voice recognition was fast and accurate. The Navigator offered 4G WiFi, wireless device charging, and a smartwatch app, but lacked onboard apps and wireless software updates. The rear entertainment system included Roku media streaming and various connections, and drive mode animations added a touch of elegance.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler came with standard safety features like airbags, electronic roll mitigation, and a backup camera. Optional safety packages added rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, adaptive cruise control, and full-speed forward-collision warning. These features were particularly helpful given the Wrangler's awkward sightlines.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received five stars overall from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with four stars for rollover resistance in 4WD models and three stars in RWD models. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and auto high beams. Adaptive cruise control was optional, but the Navigator's self-steering capabilities were not as advanced as some competitors.