2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2020 Lincoln Navigator

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator, based on the Ford Expedition, distinguished itself with unique front and rear styling, including the Lincoln Embrace lighting system that sequentially illuminated the SUV to welcome its owner. The Navigator featured a lattice-type grille insert, an illuminated Lincoln star, fender vents, and full-width taillights. The new Reserve Monochromatic Package added a custom look with body-color grille and side mirror enhancements, and 22-inch black-painted wheels. The test vehicle, a standard-length Navigator Reserve with 4WD, was priced at $92,385 and included the Luxury and Reserve Monochromatic option packages. Inside, the Dark Slate leather interior boasted 30-way Perfect Position front seats with heating, ventilation, and massaging functions, a dashboard with mid-century modern styling cues, and a panoramic glass roof.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, redesigned in 2019, adopted a tougher, more angular design reminiscent of the Toyota 4Runner. The front fascia featured stacked, trapezoidal apertures and a perforated grille, complemented by dark trim around the wheel wells and doorsills. Available in four trims—LE, XLE, XSE, and Limited—the RAV4 Hybrid offered 17-inch wheels on lower trims and 18-inch wheels on the XSE and Limited. LED headlights and taillights were standard, with adaptive headlights available on the top trim. Inside, the RAV4 Hybrid's design was simple and functional, with tasteful trim and comfortable fabric seats. The interior materials were nice, though not as luxurious as some competitors.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 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 SUV's maximum towing capacity was 8,700 pounds with RWD and 8,300 pounds with 4WD. Pro Trailer Backup Assist made towing easier by allowing the driver to steer the trailer using a dashboard knob. The Navigator averaged 16.4 mpg on the testing loop, with an EPA rating of 18 mpg combined. Despite its size, the Navigator's body motion control was excellent, though it felt huge around town. A tight turning radius, parking assist system, and numerous camera views helped with maneuverability.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid's 219 horsepower, combined with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and two electric motors, delivered a combined EPA fuel economy rating of 40 mpg. The hybrid system provided plenty of instantaneous electric power, making the RAV4 Hybrid quicker to accelerate than the non-hybrid model. Regenerative braking was smooth, and the electric motor assist was nearly seamless. The RAV4 Hybrid could tow up to 1,750 pounds and featured standard trailer sway control. The hybrid system's efficiency was enhanced by Predictive Efficient Drive, which used data from multiple sources to optimize battery discharge and charge. The RAV4 Hybrid's steering was light, and the suspension was soft, ensuring a comfortable ride.

Entering the 2020 Lincoln Navigator required climbing up into the SUV, though available power running boards helped. 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 two captain's chairs, with a large center console available. The third-row seat provided ample legroom and thigh support. Cargo volumes were class-leading, with 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 offered even more space.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid's interior featured excellent ergonomics, with a standard 7-inch touchscreen (8-inch optional) positioned atop the center dashboard. The center console included space for a cell phone, two cupholders, and a large storage bin. The RAV4 Hybrid's cabin could be quieter, though the hybrid system mitigated engine noise. The rear seat offered impressive legroom, accommodating three adults comfortably. The hybrid model did not compromise interior or cargo space, providing 98.9 cubic feet of passenger volume and 37.6 cubic feet of trunk capacity, matching the standard RAV4.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator's Sync 3 infotainment system was slow to load content, though it offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Lincoln Connect services, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and wireless device charging. "Phone As A Key" technology allowed the smartphone to function as the vehicle key. The voice recognition system worked reasonably well but required specific command pathways. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system provided a compelling audio experience. Additional technologies included a surround-view camera system and a head-up display, though the test vehicle lacked the optional Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard features, along with SiriusXM Radio. The Entune multimedia software was less preferred compared to Google Maps or Apple Maps. WiFi Connect was available with a 3-month, 2GB trial. The RAV4 Hybrid included a USB-A port on the dash, with additional USB-A charging ports in higher trims. Predictive Efficient Drive improved hybrid system efficiency by optimizing battery discharge and charge. The drive mode selector offered Eco, Sport, and Trail modes, with corresponding changes in accelerator pedal responsiveness and AWD system optimization.

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

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included a pre-collision system with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, full-speed range dynamic radar adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beams, lane-tracing assist, and road-sign assist. Safety Connect provided emergency assistance and a stolen vehicle locator. Standard safety equipment included stability control, LATCH anchors, and eight airbags. Blind spot monitoring and front and rear parking assist with automated braking were optional. The RAV4 Hybrid received a five-star rating from the NHTSA, with four stars in the frontal crash test, five in the side crash test, and four in the rollover test. The IIHS had not tested the RAV4 Hybrid, though the standard RAV4 earned a Top Safety Pick designation. The RAV4 Hybrid had two safety recalls in 2020.