2021 Ford Expedition vs 2020 Lincoln Navigator

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator stood out with its luxurious design, featuring chrome and other brightwork that set it apart from its Ford Expedition counterpart. Designers went the extra mile to differentiate the Navigator with unique front and rear styling elements, including the Lincoln Embrace lighting system that sequentially illuminated the SUV to welcome its owner. The Navigator also boasted a lattice-type grille insert mimicking the Lincoln star logo, illuminated star in the center, fender vents with simulated exposed front door hinges, and full-width taillights. Black roof pillars, except those framing the windshield, gave the Navigator’s glass a wraparound appearance. The new Reserve Monochromatic Package added to its custom look with body-color grille and side mirror enhancements combined with 22-inch black-painted wheels.

Inside, the Navigator's Dark Slate leather interior, part of the Luxury Package, included Lincoln’s 30-way Perfect Position front seats with heating, ventilation, and massaging functions. The dashboard featured mid-century modern styling cues, digital instrumentation, a 10-inch infotainment touchscreen, and piano-key transmission controls. A panoramic glass roof bathed the interior in natural light, and high-quality materials were used throughout. The test vehicle, a standard-length Navigator Reserve with 4WD, extra-cost paint, and both the Luxury and Reserve Monochromatic option packages, was priced at $92,385, including the $1,295 destination charge.

The 2021 Ford Expedition Platinum, the most luxurious version of the Expedition lineup, was a sight for sore eyes after a restless redeye flight. The Platinum trim capped a lineup that started with the XL STX and included the XLT, Limited, and King Ranch. Upgrading to the extended-length Ford Expedition MAX added an extra two grand to the price, which was worth every penny for the additional cargo space. The test vehicle, left at the airport for evaluation, had Magnetic gray paint, 4WD, a Heavy Duty Trailer Tow Package, an electronic limited-slip differential, and second-row captain’s chairs, totaling $80,510, including the $1,695 destination charge.

Power-deploying running boards and a power rear liftgate welcomed passengers, but the Expedition struggled to accommodate all the luggage, highlighting the utility of minivans. The Expedition Platinum featured an intricately detailed chrome grille, massive 22-inch machined-face aluminum wheels, and tastefully applied brightwork. The extended-length MAX version would have easily carried up to eight people and their luggage. The leather-lined cabin, pulling from the same parts bin as the previous-generation F-150 pickup truck, offered comfort but also reminded passengers of the Expedition’s origins with acres of hard plastic.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine generating 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, surpassing the Ford Expedition's most powerful version by 50 horsepower and 30 lb-ft of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission transferred power to the rear wheels, with an option for four-wheel drive. Multiple Lincoln Drive Modes tailored the powertrain to specific driving situations, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, Deep Conditions, and Slow Climb with the optional towing package. The Navigator's maximum towing capacity was 8,700 pounds with rear-wheel drive and 8,300 pounds with four-wheel drive, aided by Pro Trailer Backup Assist.

Acceleration from the twin-turbo V6 was strong, with a subtle yet aggressive engine note. The Navigator averaged 16.4 mpg on the testing loop, with an EPA rating of 18 mpg in combined driving. Despite the standard adaptive damping suspension, the 22-inch wheels and 285/45 tires transmitted impact harshness over imperfect pavement, especially in Excite mode. However, the Navigator's body motion control was excellent, lending a hint of athleticism. Around town, the Navigator felt huge, but a tight turning radius, parking assist system, and numerous camera views improved maneuverability.

The 2021 Ford Expedition also featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, a 10-speed automatic transmission, and rear-wheel drive or 4WD. The engine produced 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque in most versions, with the Platinum trim boosting output to 400 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque. Towing capacity ranged from 9,000 to 9,300 pounds, depending on the specification, with Pro Trailer Backup Assist available.

Acceleration was impressive, even with a full load of passengers and cargo. The twin-turbo V6 emitted a pleasant engine note, and the transmission operated smoothly. The Platinum's 22-inch wheels and adaptive damping suspension transmitted road shock into the cabin, but the four-wheel independent suspension kept the Expedition stable. The FX4 Off-Road Package, available on XLT and Limited models, added off-road capabilities, but the test vehicle did not have this option. The Expedition averaged 17.1 mpg on the evaluation loop, with an EPA rating of 19 mpg in combined driving.

Entering the 2020 Lincoln Navigator required climbing up into the SUV, but once inside, passengers found plenty of room to stretch out. The test vehicle's 30-way Perfect Position front seats, part of the Luxury Package, were exceptionally comfortable, though it took time to find the perfect settings. The Navigator offered a choice between a three-person bench or two-passenger captain’s chairs for the second row, with the latter option including a large center console with audio system controls. Triple-zone climate control ensured comfort across all three rows, and the test vehicle had heated rear seat cushions.

The Navigator's third-row seat provided ample legroom and thigh support, making it comfortable for most passengers. Cargo volumes were class-leading, with the standard-length model offering 19.3 cubic feet behind the third-row seat, 57.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and a maximum of 103.3 cubic feet. The longer Navigator L increased these measurements to 34.3, 73.3, and 120.2 cubic feet, respectively.

The 2021 Ford Expedition excelled in comfort and utility, with power-deploying running boards and large, wide seats for every passenger, including adults in the third row. The test vehicle's front seats offered a massage function, but the rear seats did not, sparking some jealousy. The Expedition's independent rear suspension ensured comfort in every seating position, and storage for odds and ends was plentiful. Cargo volume expanded from 19.3 cubic feet to 57.5 cubic feet with the third-row seat folded down, and the maximum volume behind the front seats was 104.6 cubic feet. The Expedition MAX offered 34.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 73.3 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 121.5 cubic feet.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator's Sync 3 infotainment system was the least impressive piece of technology, taking time to load content. However, it provided Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Lincoln Connect services with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, 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. The voice recognition system worked reasonably well but required specific command pathways. The test vehicle's 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system produced a compelling audio experience, and additional technologies included a surround-view camera system and a head-up display.

The 2021 Ford Expedition's Sync 3 infotainment system was aging, with a recessed 8-inch touchscreen display that looked small on the dashboard. The system was sometimes slow to respond to inputs but provided Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, FordPass Connect services, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and a navigation system. Amazon Alexa compatibility and enhanced voice recognition were also part of Sync 3. The test vehicle had a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium sound system and wireless smartphone charging but did not include the available dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator came standard with Lincoln Co-Pilot360, a collection of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) that 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. Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability was standard on Reserve trim. The Navigator earned a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), but the rollover resistance rating was just three stars with rear-wheel drive. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) had not tested the 2020 model.

The 2021 Ford Expedition, with a minimum curb weight of 5,368 pounds, had a safety advantage over most other vehicles. The NHTSA awarded the Expedition a five-star overall crash-test rating, but the rollover-resistance rating was three stars with rear-wheel drive and four stars with 4WD. The Expedition came standard with Ford Co-Pilot360, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high-beam headlights. Limited trim and above offered adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, a semi-autonomous parking assistance system, and a 360-degree surround-view camera system.