2020 Lexus RX vs 2021 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 other 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 2021 Lincoln Navigator, in contrast, was a standout in its class, distancing itself from its Ford Expedition roots. The Navigator's design emphasized elegance and understatement, with rectilinear shapes defining the grille, windows, headlights, and taillights. The Monochromatic Package added body-color elements, while chrome accents on the door trim, grille, and fender logos maintained a classy look. The Pristine White example with a white-painted grille, black wheels, and illuminated Lincoln logo was particularly striking. The interior impressed with seven color palettes and fine details like layered wood trim, a floating center console, and a minimalist digital instrument panel. Materials were high-quality, and panel gaps were tight, with Black Label trims offering even more luxurious textures and softer leather. The Perfect Position seats provided exceptional comfort with 30-way adjustability.

The 2020 Lexus RX 350 was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The three-row RX 350L had slightly reduced power at 290 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid RX 450h combined the V6 with an electric motor for 308 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque, while the RX 450hL had a total output of 259 horsepower from the gasoline engine and 165 horsepower from the electric motor. The RX's performance was adequate, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.9 seconds for most models. Fuel economy was a strong suit for the hybrid models, with the RX 450h achieving 30 mpg combined. The RX F Sport models featured adaptive variable suspension and 20-inch wheels for improved agility, along with various drive modes including Normal, Eco, Sport, and EV mode for hybrids.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was equipped with a powerful twin-turbo V6 engine from the Ford Raptor, producing 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Navigator offered both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) options. 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. Fuel economy was less impressive, averaging in the teens and fitting the EPA-estimated 17 mpg combined rating. The Navigator's adaptive dampers provided a decent ride, though not as refined as the Cadillac Escalade's magnetic shocks and air springs. The steering and brakes were less precise, but the Navigator's low-end thrust and quiet cabin made it a comfortable highway cruiser. Paddle shifters added a touch of sportiness with quick reaction times and rev-matched downshifts.

The 2020 Lexus RX's interior was functional but not as stylish as its German competitors. The two-row model comfortably seated four adults, while the three-row RX-L's third row was best suited for small children or pets. The cabin was spacious in the two-row configuration, with comfortable front seats and good outward visibility, though the A-pillar could obstruct the driver's view of curbs and corners. The cargo area was smaller than rivals, with a high load floor that compromised space. The RX 350L and 450hL also had 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.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered ample space, resembling a small bedroom in size. It could accommodate six adults comfortably, with a seven-passenger configuration that included a power-folding third-row middle seat. The second row featured standard manually-reclining and tilting captain's chairs, with an optional bench for a total of eight passengers. The boxy shape provided generous cargo space, with 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, a convenient feature for loading and unloading. The Navigator Reserve had heated second-row seats and a three-zone climate system, though it lacked some features found in German competitors, like five-zone climate control and side window shades. The front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, with large windows and a high driving position for excellent visibility.

The 2020 Lexus RX's infotainment system was often criticized, but improvements were made for the 2020 model year. The standard 8.0-inch display and available 12.3-inch touchscreen were moved closer to the driver. Despite this, the system remained difficult to navigate, with a cumbersome interface. However, standard Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, Android Auto, and other integrations helped mitigate these issues. The center console touchpad system was more responsive, and the RX now had six USB ports. The standard 12-speaker audio system was adequate, with an optional 15-speaker Mark Levinson system available.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's 10-inch touchscreen felt small compared to newer systems like the Cadillac Escalade's advanced displays. The Navigator's infotainment system lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the instrument panel couldn't show full-screen maps or different designs. However, the software was intuitive and easy to use, with fast and accurate voice recognition. The Navigator included onboard 4G WiFi, wireless device charging, a smartwatch app, and the ability to use a smartphone as the vehicle's ignition key. The rear entertainment system featured Roku media streaming and various connections. Drive mode animations were a nice touch, and the overall simplicity of the system was appreciated.

The 2020 Lexus RX came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features under the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, including adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitoring. The 2020 model 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 2021 Lincoln Navigator received five stars overall from the NHTSA, with five stars in every test except for rollover resistance. The IIHS had not rated the Navigator in its current generation. The Navigator lacked knee airbags but offered optional inflatable rear seat belts for the second row. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and auto high beams. Adaptive cruise control was optional, though the Navigator's self-steering capabilities were not as advanced as some competitors.