2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2020 Lexus GX

The 2020 Lexus GX, despite some new design tweaks, retained much of its decade-old styling. The updated GX featured the hourglass grille design, which was more palatable on this model compared to other Lexus vehicles. The interior, however, showed its age with a large, chunky center console and big buttons reminiscent of early 2010s Lexus cabin styling. While this might not appeal to those seeking modern aesthetics, it worked for the rugged nature of the GX. The GX was available in three trims: 460, 460 Premium, and 460 Luxury, each offering a range of features from leather upholstery to advanced navigation systems.

In contrast, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator exuded elegance and understatement, despite its massive size. The Navigator's design included simple rectilinear shapes, a body-color grille, and a few chrome accents, making it look classy. The interior was impressive with seven color palettes and high-quality materials. The Navigator Reserve trim featured heated rear seats, a three-zone climate system, and a floating center console with chromed switches. The front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, making the Navigator feel luxurious and modern.

The 2020 Lexus GX was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD. While these figures might not impress compared to modern engines, the V8 provided a satisfying swell of power. The GX's steering was light yet responsive, and the self-leveling air suspension offered a smooth ride. The GX excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to its 4WD system and various chassis controls. It could tow up to 6,500 pounds and had a tight turning radius of 19 feet. However, its fuel economy was poor, averaging 16.3 mpg in combined driving.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator featured a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine from the Ford Raptor, delivering 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, made the Navigator feel sprightly despite its size. The Navigator's 4WD system was smooth and efficient, and it could tow up to 8,700 pounds with the RWD model. Fuel economy was also poor, averaging in the teens, with an EPA-estimated 17 mpg combined. The Navigator's adaptive dampers provided a decent ride, but it lacked the superior control and handling of some competitors.

The 2020 Lexus GX offered second-row captain's chairs and power-folding third-row seats in the Luxury trim. While the captain's chairs were convenient for families, accessing the third row was challenging for adults. The GX had 64.7 cubic feet of cargo space with all rear seats folded, which was less than some competitors. The side-opening rear hatch was unique but not particularly advantageous, though the separately opening rear window was a useful feature.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator had ample interior space, accommodating six adults comfortably. It offered 19 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 57 cubic feet behind the second, and 103 cubic feet in total. The long-wheelbase Navigator L provided even more storage. The rear glass opened separately from the tailgate, a convenient feature. The Navigator Reserve trim included heated rear seats and a three-zone climate system. The front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, making visibility excellent. However, parking was challenging due to its size.

The 2020 Lexus GX's infotainment system showed its age with a last-generation Lexus Enform setup. While it lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the true touchscreen interface and large buttons made it user-friendly. This simplicity was a tradeoff for missing modern connectivity features.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's 10-inch touchscreen felt small compared to newer systems. It lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the cameras were low-resolution. However, the software was intuitive, and the voice recognition was fast and accurate. The Navigator included onboard 4G WiFi, wireless device charging, and a smartwatch app. The rear entertainment system featured Roku media streaming and various connections. The drive mode animations were a nice touch, and the overall simplicity was a relief compared to more complex systems.

The 2020 Lexus GX came standard with the Lexus Safety System+, which included 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 added to its safety.

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