2020 Lexus GX vs 2020 Lincoln Navigator

The 2020 Lexus GX, despite some new design tweaks, was a decade-old vehicle. It featured the garish hourglass grille design that had become a hallmark of the Lexus lineup. While this grille was hard to look at on some Lexus models, the GX wore it better than the larger LX. The GX's cabin, however, showed its age with a large, chunky center console and big buttons, reminiscent of early 2010s Lexus styling. Despite its dated interior, the GX's rugged capability, shared with the Toyota 4Runner, made it a reliable and capable SUV.

In contrast, the 2020 Lincoln Navigator offered a more modern and luxurious experience. Sharing a platform with the Ford Expedition, the Navigator featured unique front and rear styling elements, including the Lincoln Embrace lighting system. The Navigator's design included a lattice-type grille insert, illuminated star logo, and full-width taillights. The test vehicle, a standard-length Navigator Reserve with 4WD, showcased a Dark Slate leather interior with 30-way Perfect Position front seats, a panoramic glass roof, and high-quality materials throughout. The Navigator's mid-century modern styling cues and digital instrumentation set it apart as a convincingly luxurious flagship SUV.

The 2020 Lexus GX 460 was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD. While these specs might not impress compared to modern V6 or turbocharged engines, the V8 offered a distinctive swell of power in real-world driving. The GX's light yet direct steering and self-leveling air suspension provided a smooth and composed ride. The GX excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to its various 4WD modes and adjustable suspension. It could tow up to 6,500 pounds and had a tight turning radius of 19 feet. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, averaging 16.3 mpg in combined driving.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator, on the other hand, featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine generating 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Navigator offered multiple drive modes tailored to different driving conditions, and its maximum towing capacity was 8,700 pounds with RWD and 8,300 pounds with 4WD. The Navigator's acceleration was strong, and its adaptive damping suspension provided excellent body motion control. However, the 22-inch wheels and 285/45 tires resulted in some impact harshness over imperfect pavement. The Navigator averaged 16.4 mpg in combined driving, similar to the GX.

The 2020 Lexus GX offered second-row captain's chairs on the Premium and Luxury trims, with power-folding third-row seats standard on the Luxury trim. The captain's chairs provided a small access way to the third row, but getting into the third row was a chore for adults. With all rear seats folded, the GX offered 64.7 cubic feet of cargo space, less than some competitors. The GX's side-opening rear hatch was unique but not particularly advantageous, though the separately opening rear window/hatch was a useful feature.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator required climbing up into the SUV, but once inside, passengers found plenty of room to stretch out. The test vehicle's 30-way Perfect Position front seats were exceptionally comfortable, and the second row offered a choice between a three-person bench or captain's chairs with a large center console. The Navigator's third-row seat provided ample legroom and thigh support, unmatched by competitors. Cargo volumes were class-leading, with the standard-length model offering up to 103.3 cubic feet and the longer Navigator L providing up to 120.2 cubic feet.

The 2020 Lexus GX's infotainment system showed its age, featuring a true touchscreen with large buttons for audio, navigation, and climate controls. However, it lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which might be a tough tradeoff for some drivers. The simplicity of the system was a plus for those who preferred a straightforward interface.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator's Sync 3 infotainment system was less impressive, taking time to load content. However, it offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Lincoln Connect services, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and wireless device charging. The "Phone As A Key" technology allowed drivers to use their smartphone as a key. The Reserve's Luxury Package included a 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system, a surround-view camera system, and a head-up display. The optional Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system added dual 10-inch displays and wireless headphones.

The 2020 Lexus GX came standard with the Lexus Safety System+, including forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. It also featured blind-spot monitoring and an available surround-view camera. The GX's great visibility, with massive windows and mirrors, added to its safety.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator included the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 collection of advanced driving assistance systems, such as forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assistance, and a blind-spot warning system with trailer coverage. The Navigator's adaptive cruise control operated with refinement, and the lane-keeping assistance system was subtle yet effective. The Navigator received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though its RWD version had a three-star rollover resistance rating.