2020 Lincoln Navigator vs 2021 BMW X5

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator stood out with its luxurious design, featuring chrome and brightwork that differentiated it from the Ford Expedition, on which it was based. The Lincoln Embrace lighting system, lattice-type grille insert, and illuminated star logo added to its distinctive appearance. The Navigator also offered a Reserve Monochromatic Package with body-color enhancements and 22-inch black-painted wheels, available in White, Ceramic Pearl, and Infinite Black. 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 featured 30-way Perfect Position front seats, a dashboard with mid-century modern styling cues, and a panoramic glass roof.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW X5 maintained the brand's signature look with its kidney grille and body shape, making it unmistakably a BMW. The X5 featured full adaptive LED headlights and various trim options, including the sporty M Sport styling with body-color matched trim and high-gloss black accents. The interior, while consistent with BMW's design language, included an abundance of black plastic and leather. The M Sport models offered unique styling elements like an M sports steering wheel and model-exclusive trim strips. The X5's interior was spacious, though the front seats could feel hard on long trips. The split liftgate and vehicle height adjustment button made loading cargo easier.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It offered multiple drive modes, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, Deep Conditions, and Slow Climb with the towing package. The Navigator's towing capacity was 8,700 pounds with RWD and 8,300 pounds with 4WD, aided by Pro Trailer Backup Assist. The SUV 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. Features like a tight turning radius, parking assist system, and numerous camera views improved maneuverability.

The 2021 BMW X5 offered multiple powertrain options, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base X5 sDrive40i/xDrive40i had a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 335 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque. The X5 M50i featured a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 with 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, while the X5 M delivered 600 hp, or 617 hp with the Competition Package. The new X5 xDrive45e plug-in hybrid achieved 389 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, with up to 30 miles of all-electric range. The X5's steering dynamics were less impressive, especially at higher speeds, and the SUV's handling was not as engaging as other BMW models. The X5 xDrive45e's fuel efficiency was rated at 50 MPGe when using both electricity and gas.

Entering the 2020 Lincoln Navigator required climbing up into the SUV, but once inside, passengers enjoyed ample space and comfort. The test vehicle's 30-way Perfect Position front seats, power-adjustable pedals, and heated steering wheel provided exceptional comfort. The second row offered a choice between a three-person bench or two captain's chairs, with heated rear seat cushions and triple-zone climate control. The third-row seat provided class-leading legroom and thigh support. Cargo space was also impressive, with 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and a maximum of 103.3 cubic feet. The longer Navigator L offered even more cargo space.

The 2021 BMW X5 made good use of space, with cupholders at the front of the center console and a wireless phone charging pad. The front seats were comfortable for short trips but could feel hard on longer drives. The rear seats were spacious enough for two adults, and an optional third row was available. The X5's climate controls were easy to manage, and the split liftgate with full power functionality made loading cargo easier. The X5 xDrive45e offered slightly less cargo space than the traditional X5, but the difference was negligible for most buyers. Moving children and cargo in and out of the second row was less convenient due to the narrow door openings.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator's Sync 3 infotainment system was its least impressive feature, taking time to load content. However, it offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Lincoln Connect services, and wireless device charging. The "Phone As A Key" technology allowed the smartphone to function as the vehicle key. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system provided a compelling audio experience, and additional technologies included a surround-view camera system and a head-up display. The test vehicle did not have the optional Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2021 BMW X5 came with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The standard features included a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a 10-speaker sound system, voice recognition, Bluetooth, five USB ports, navigation, HD Radio, satellite radio, automatic climate control, proximity key, and a panoramic moonroof. Optional upgrades included remote start, a head-up display, quad-zone automatic climate control, massaging seats, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and premium audio systems. The BMW iDrive system required some acclimation but was easy to use once familiar.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator came with the standard Lincoln Co-Pilot360 suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Reserve trim added adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The Navigator 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 2021 BMW X5 was equipped with standard safety features like blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, fatigue and focus alert, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Driving Assistance Professional Package included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, but it had issues with reacting to stopped traffic and lane-keeping in sunlight and rain. The X5 received nearly all Good ratings from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, despite being the subject of seven recalls.