2020 Lincoln Navigator vs 2021 Hyundai Palisade

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator was a standout in the luxury SUV segment, thanks to its distinctive design elements that set it apart from its Ford Expedition roots. Designers went the extra mile to give the Navigator a unique identity, featuring completely different front and rear styling, a lattice-type grille with an illuminated Lincoln star, and full-width taillights. The Lincoln Embrace lighting system added a touch of sophistication, welcoming owners with sequential illumination. The Reserve Monochromatic Package further enhanced its custom look 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 filled with mid-century modern styling cues. High-quality materials and a panoramic glass roof added to the sense of opulence, making the Navigator a convincingly luxurious flagship SUV.

In contrast, the 2021 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy trim aimed to visually distinguish itself with a unique grille pattern, revised lighting, and additional lower body trim. The Calligraphy model featured 20-inch wheels and upgraded interior detailing, including a simulated suede headliner. While the Palisade's styling was unconventional and polarizing, it undeniably appeared more expensive than its price suggested. Inside, the Palisade Calligraphy impressed with its Beige over Navy Blue color scheme, quilted Nappa leather, and a suede headliner, offering a luxurious feel at a competitive price. The Palisade's interior was spacious and well-appointed, making it a strong contender in the midsize three-row SUV class.

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 most powerful version of the Ford Expedition 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. The Navigator offered multiple drive modes, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, and Deep Conditions, tailoring the powertrain to various driving situations. With a maximum towing capacity of 8,700 pounds for rear-wheel drive and 8,300 pounds for four-wheel drive, the Navigator excelled in towing capabilities. However, its fuel economy was a concern, averaging 16.4 mpg during testing. Despite its size, the Navigator's adaptive damping suspension provided excellent body motion control, making it a comfortable ride on open roads.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade featured a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with an optional all-wheel-drive system. The Palisade offered Eco, Comfort, Smart, and Sport driving modes, with AWD models adding a Snow mode and a Lock function for improved traction. The Palisade achieved an average fuel economy of 21.1 mpg during testing, aligning with the EPA's estimate of 21 mpg in combined driving. Hyundai tuned the Palisade for a firmer ride, providing excellent body-motion control and a communicative driving experience. While not designed for spirited driving, the Palisade remained predictable and confidence-inspiring, making it enjoyable for everyday use. With a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, the Palisade was well-suited for family adventures.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator offered a spacious and comfortable interior, with ample room for passengers to stretch out. The test vehicle featured 30-way Perfect Position front seats, providing exceptional comfort, though it required some time to find the ideal settings. The Navigator's second-row seats could be configured as a bench or captain's chairs, with the latter offering a large center console. Triple-zone climate control ensured comfort across all three rows, and the third-row seat provided generous 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. The longer Navigator L model offered even more cargo capacity.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in interior space, seating, and accessibility. The Calligraphy trim added a touch of luxury with eight-way power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated second-row captain's chairs, and separate climate controls for third-row passengers. The Palisade's seats provided good support for long drives, and the second-row chairs slid forward for easy access to the third row. The Palisade's third-row seat was more accommodating than most in its class. In-cabin storage was plentiful, with a spacious front center console and door panels. Cargo space measured 18 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 45.8 cubic feet with the seats folded down, and a maximum of 86.4 cubic feet. The hands-free Smart Liftgate added convenience for loading and unloading.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator's Sync 3 infotainment system was a weak point, with slow loading times. However, it offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Lincoln Connect services, and wireless device charging. "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 Navigator lacked the optional Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, which offered dual 10-inch displays and media streaming capabilities.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade offered two infotainment systems, with 8-inch and 10.25-inch touchscreen displays. The 8-inch system featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the larger screen required a wired connection. The Palisade Calligraphy included SiriusXM satellite radio, a navigation system, Blue Link connected services, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. Wireless smartphone charging, a Driver Talk intercom system, and a Quiet Mode were also available. A head-up display and surround-view camera system enhanced convenience and safety.

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-keeping assistance, and blind-spot warning. Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability was standard on Reserve trim. The Navigator earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though its rollover resistance rating was three stars with rear-wheel drive. The IIHS had not tested the 2020 model.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in safety, with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping systems. A rear occupant alert system and Safe Exit Assist added to its safety features. The Palisade's Highway Drive Assist provided smooth and sophisticated adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance. The Palisade earned top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, ensuring peace of mind for families.