2021 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2020 Lincoln Navigator

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 to great lengths to give the Navigator a unique identity, incorporating exclusive 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 a sequential illumination. The Navigator's interior was equally impressive, featuring mid-century modern styling cues, high-quality materials, and a panoramic glass roof that flooded the cabin with natural light. The test vehicle, a standard-length Navigator Reserve with 4WD, boasted a Dark Slate leather interior with Lincoln's 30-way Perfect Position front seats, offering heating, ventilation, and massaging functions. The dashboard was equipped with digital instrumentation, a 10-inch infotainment touchscreen, and piano-key transmission controls, further distinguishing it from its Ford counterpart.

In contrast, the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a more affordable yet surprisingly upscale experience. The Santa Fe's exterior received a significant refresh, with a redesigned front end featuring new running lights, a reworked grille, and a new bumper. Each trim level had unique wheel, grille, and headlight combinations, giving them distinct characters. Inside, the Santa Fe moved upmarket with new colors, patterns, and textures, especially in the luxurious Calligraphy trim, which featured a suede-like headliner and quilted Nappa leather. The bridge-style center console housed electronic transmission controls and other settings, while a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel added a high-tech touch. The Calligraphy trim, with its Stormy Sea paint, AWD, and Black premium leather, exuded quality and comfort, making it feel like a bargain at $43,590. The panoramic glass sunroof enhanced the sense of luxury, although the exterior design remained an acquired taste for some.

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 managed power delivery 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, with an additional Slow Climb mode available with the towing package. The SUV's 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 size, the Navigator's acceleration was strong, though fuel economy was a concern, averaging 16.4 mpg during testing. The adaptive damping suspension struggled with impact harshness on rough roads, but body motion control was excellent, lending the SUV a hint of athleticism.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe offered three new powertrains, starting with a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine for the SE and SEL trims. The hybrid model combined a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing a total of 226 horsepower. The higher-level Limited and Calligraphy trims featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed wet-plate dual-clutch transmission. The Santa Fe's driving modes included Normal, Sport, and Smart, with the latter prioritizing fuel efficiency. The Calligraphy trim's turbocharged engine, improved structural rigidity, and refined braking system contributed to a significantly better driving experience for 2021. The SUV was quick, solid, and exhibited impressive body control and handling. Fuel economy was commendable, with both powertrains achieving 24 mpg in combined driving, although the testing loop averaged 22.4 mpg.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator required a climb to enter, but once inside, passengers enjoyed ample space and comfort. The test vehicle's 30-way Perfect Position front seats, part of the optional Luxury Package, were exceptionally comfortable, though finding the ideal settings took time. The Navigator offered a choice between a three-person bench or two captain's chairs in the second row, with the latter option including a large center console. Triple-zone climate control ensured comfort across all three rows, and the test vehicle featured heated rear seats. The third-row seat provided excellent legroom and thigh support, unmatched by competitors. 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 space.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe catered to those who didn't need a third-row seat but desired the roominess of a midsize SUV. All trims featured dual-zone automatic climate control, with stain-resistant fabric for cloth seats and leather available for higher trims. The Calligraphy trim elevated the interior with a suede-like headliner and premium Nappa leather. Comfort was a priority, with an eight-way power driver's seat standard from the SEL trim and available for the front passenger. Heated front seats were standard for SEL and higher trims, while Limited and Calligraphy added ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. The rear seat was spacious and comfortable, with air-conditioning vents, quick-charge USB ports, and sunshades. The Santa Fe's cargo space measured 36.4 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 72.1 cubic feet with the seat folded, comparable to the largest compact crossovers.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator's Sync 3 infotainment system was its least impressive technology, with slow content loading. 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 voice recognition system worked reasonably well but lacked the natural feel of some competitors. The Reserve's Luxury Package included a 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system, providing 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 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy was packed with technology, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a surround-view camera system, and an 8.5-inch color head-up display. The basic 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the 10.25-inch version included wired connections, upgraded voice recognition, and enhanced Blue Link services. The 12-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system was available with the larger screen. Blue Link provided a range of connected services, including remote engine start and climate control adjustment. The Santa Fe lacked a WiFi hotspot but offered Digital Key and Remote Smart Parking Assist, allowing smartphone-based vehicle access and remote parking.

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, 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's adaptive cruise control operated smoothly, and the lane-keeping assistance system was effective. The SUV received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though the rollover resistance rating was three stars with rear-wheel drive. The IIHS had not tested the 2020 model.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe offered an impressive array of safety features, with the Calligraphy trim including forward-collision warning with pedestrian, cyclist, and junction turning assistance. Safe Exit Assist used blind-spot monitoring sensors to prevent unsafe door openings, and a rear-occupant alert system protected against leaving children in the vehicle. The Blind-Spot View Monitor displayed video views within the digital instrument cluster, and Highway Driving Assist combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering technologies. The Santa Fe earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS with LED projector headlights, achieving high ratings for crashworthiness and front crash-prevention technology.