2020 Lexus RX vs 2020 Lincoln Navigator

Lexus refreshed the RX for the 2020 model year, giving it significant upgrades inside and out. The exterior featured standard 18-inch wheels, slimmer headlights, and L-shaped taillights, with optional triple-beam LED headlights. The grille was redesigned to resemble Lexus cars, and two new paint colors were introduced: Moonbeam Beige Metallic and Nori Green Pearl. The rear received a new shape with dual exhaust, a rear diffuser, and updated reflectors, along with an available hands-free tailgate. Inside, the cabin remained well-appointed with various interior colors and material combinations, including wood and satin-brushed aluminum trim. The F Sport appearance package added unique features like a special steering wheel, shift knob, aluminum pedals, and 20-inch wheels, among others. Leather-wrapped surfaces provided a premium feel, though the center stack's design appeared dated.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator, sharing a platform with the Ford Expedition, distinguished itself with unique front and rear styling elements and the Lincoln Embrace lighting system. The lattice-type grille insert mimicked the Lincoln star logo, and the illuminated star in the center added a touch of elegance. Fender vents, full-width taillights, and black roof pillars gave the Navigator a distinctive look. The new Reserve Monochromatic Package offered a custom look with body-color grille and side mirror enhancements and 22-inch black-painted wheels. The Navigator was available in standard and long-wheelbase versions, with rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. The test vehicle, a standard-length Navigator Reserve with 4WD, featured a Dark Slate leather interior with 30-way Perfect Position front seats, a dashboard with mid-century modern styling cues, and a wide, two-tiered storage console. Digital instrumentation, a 10-inch infotainment touchscreen, and piano-key transmission controls set the Navigator apart from the Expedition. A panoramic glass roof and high-quality materials added to the luxurious feel.

The 2020 Lexus RX 350 was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, producing 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The three-row RX 350L had the same engine but was limited to 290 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid RX 450h combined the V6 with an electric motor, achieving 308 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque, while the RX 450hL had 259 horsepower from the gasoline engine and 165 horsepower from an electric motor. The RX 450h and RX 450hL featured an electronically-controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive. The RX took 7.9 seconds to go from zero to 60 mph, with the RX 450hL taking slightly longer. The RX 350 achieved an EPA-estimated 23 mpg combined, while the RX 450h AWD got 30 mpg combined. The F Sport models had adaptive variable suspension and 20-inch wheels, enhancing agility. The RX offered various drive modes, including Normal, Eco, Sport, and EV mode for hybrids. The RX 350 F Sport provided a smooth driving experience with good throttle response and shifting, though it struggled in snowy conditions.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator 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, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, Deep Conditions, and Slow Climb with the optional towing package. The maximum towing capacity was 8,700 pounds with rear-wheel drive and 8,300 pounds with four-wheel drive. Pro Trailer Backup Assist made towing easier by allowing the driver to steer the trailer using a dashboard knob. The Navigator's acceleration was strong, with a subtle engine note. The SUV averaged 16.4 mpg on the testing loop, with an EPA rating of 18 mpg combined. The Navigator's adaptive damping suspension provided good body motion control, though impact harshness was an issue with 22-inch wheels. The Navigator felt large around town but was more maneuverable with a tight turning radius, parking assist system, and numerous camera views. The automatic hold function was useful in heavy traffic.

The 2020 Lexus RX interior was functional but not as stylish as its German competitors. The two-row RX model comfortably seated four adults, while the three-row RX-L's third row was best for small children or pets. The cabin was wide and tall in the two-row configuration, with comfortable front seats and good outward visibility, though the A-pillar impeded the driver's view of curbs and corners. The cargo area was smaller than rivals, with a high load floor compromising space. The RX 350L and 450hL had even less cargo space compared to competitors like the Lincoln Aviator. A hands-free liftgate was available on RX 350 and 450h models and standard on long-wheelbase RX-L versions.

Entering the 2020 Lincoln Navigator required climbing up, but once inside, passengers found plenty of room. The test vehicle's 30-way Perfect Position front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with power-adjustable pedals and a heated steering wheel. The second row offered a choice between a three-person bench or captain's chairs, with the latter option including a large center console. Triple-zone climate control and heated rear seat cushions ensured comfort across all three rows. The third-row seat provided ample legroom and thigh support, unmatched by competitors. Cargo volumes were class-leading, with the standard-length model offering 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and 103.3 cubic feet maximum. The longer Navigator L increased these measurements to 34.3, 73.3, and 120.2 cubic feet, respectively.

The 2020 Lexus RX's infotainment system was often criticized, but improvements were made for the 2020 model. The standard 8.0-inch display and available 12.3-inch touchscreen were moved 5.5 inches closer to the driver. Despite this, the system remained difficult to navigate. Apple CarPlay was standard, providing a solution to many of the system's issues. The RX also offered Amazon Alexa, Android Auto, Google Assistant, Spotify, Pandora, Google Maps, Waze, Apple Music, Apple Maps, and WhatsApp compatibility. The center console touchpad system was more responsive, and two additional USB ports were added, bringing the total to six. The standard 12-speaker audio system was adequate, with a 15-speaker Mark Levinson audio system available. A CD player was also standard.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator's Sync 3 infotainment system was slow to load content, but a new Sync 4 platform was expected to improve this. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Lincoln Connect services with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, 911 Assist, a Lincoln Way smartphone and smartwatch app, and wireless device charging. "Phone As A Key" technology allowed the smartphone to function as the vehicle key. Sync 3's voice recognition system worked reasonably well but was not as advanced as some competitors. The Reserve's Luxury Package included a 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system with three listening profiles. Additional technologies included a surround-view camera system and a head-up display, though the test vehicle did not have the optional Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2020 Lexus RX came with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitoring. The 2020 enhancements added daytime bicyclist detection, low-light pedestrian detection, road-sign assist, and lane-tracing assist. The RX also included a three-year subscription to Lexus Enform Safety Connect and a 10-year subscription to Enform Service Connect. The RX received good safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, though not as high as newer models.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator featured Lincoln Co-Pilot360, which included forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assistance, a blind-spot warning system with trailer coverage, a rear cross-traffic warning system, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Reserve trim added adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The Navigator's adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance operated with refinement. The Navigator received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though the rollover resistance rating was three stars with RWD. The IIHS had not tested the 2020 model.