2021 Genesis GV80 vs 2020 Lincoln Navigator

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator was a standout in the luxury SUV segment, distinguished by its chrome accents and unique design elements that set it apart from its Ford Expedition roots. The Lincoln Embrace lighting system added a welcoming touch, while the lattice-type grille and illuminated star logo provided a signature look. The Navigator's design was further enhanced by the Reserve Monochromatic Package, which offered a custom appearance with body-color enhancements and 22-inch black-painted wheels. Inside, the Navigator exuded luxury with its Dark Slate leather interior, 30-way Perfect Position front seats, and a dashboard featuring mid-century modern styling cues. The panoramic glass roof and high-quality materials contributed to a convincingly luxurious flagship SUV experience.

In contrast, the 2021 Genesis GV80, as Genesis' first SUV, offered a fresh design approach without the constraints of a long legacy. It successfully integrated design elements from the G80 sedan, featuring a long hood, short front overhang, and a distinctive grille with a diamond mesh pattern. The Quad Lamp LED headlight array and trapezoidal tailpipes added to its signature look. Inside, the GV80 impressed with its sleek and uncluttered dashboard, emphasizing width and spaciousness. The center console featured a rotary gear selector and a 14.5-inch high-definition display, while the cabin was adorned with authentic materials like real wood and leather, creating a truly luxurious interior.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a robust twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering an impressive 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. This engine outperformed 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 optional four-wheel drive available. The Navigator offered multiple drive modes, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, and Slippery, catering to various driving conditions. Its towing capacity reached 8,700 pounds with rear-wheel drive and 8,300 pounds with four-wheel drive, aided by the Pro Trailer Backup Assist system. Despite its power, the Navigator's fuel economy averaged 16.4 mpg, slightly below the EPA's 18 mpg combined estimate. The SUV's adaptive damping suspension provided excellent body motion control, though impact harshness was noticeable on rough roads.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered two engine choices: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, and a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 generating 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. The V6 models came with standard all-wheel drive, while the four-cylinder models featured rear-wheel drive with optional all-wheel drive. An eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters was standard. The GV80's suspension system included independent multi-link suspension and an electronically-controlled suspension with road preview on 3.5T models. The 2.5T engine provided sufficient power for most driving situations, while the 3.5T engine offered a smoother and more powerful experience. The GV80's fuel economy ranged from 21 mpg city/25 mpg highway/23 mpg combined for the 2.5T RWD to 18 mpg city/23 mpg highway/20 mpg combined for the 3.5T AWD.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator offered a spacious and comfortable interior, with power running boards aiding entry. The test vehicle featured 30-way Perfect Position front seats, power-adjustable pedals, and a heated steering wheel. The second row could be configured with a bench or captain's chairs, and the third row provided ample legroom and thigh support. Cargo space was class-leading, 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 in the standard-length model. The longer Navigator L offered even more cargo space.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 boasted a sophisticated interior with a focus on technology and design. The center console featured a rotary gear selector and a circular multimedia controller with dual control capability. The HVAC control panel used capacitive touch buttons with intelligent masking to prevent accidental misuse. The second row was comfortable for two adults, with power seats and window shades available. The third row, standard on 3.5T AWD Advanced+ models, increased passenger capacity to seven and featured a power-fold function.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator's Sync 3 infotainment system was its least impressive feature, with slow loading times. However, it offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and wireless device charging. The "Phone As A Key" technology allowed smartphone-based vehicle access. 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 2021 Genesis GV80 featured the sixth-generation Genesis UX, with a 14.5-inch HD screen and user-configurable split-screen displays. It supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with over-the-air updates and cloud profiles for personalized settings. The GV80 offered a digital key function for Android users, Genesis Connected Services, and a head-up display on select models. The Lexicon Quantum Logic Surround audio system with 21 speakers was a highlight.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator came equipped with the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Navigator received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though its rollover resistance rating was three stars with rear-wheel drive.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but Genesis aimed for top safety ratings. The GV80 featured 10 airbags, including a front-center airbag, and a comprehensive suite of safety systems, including blind-spot collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control with machine learning. The GV80 also offered Remote Smart Parking Assist for automated parking.