2021 Lexus RX 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. The Navigator featured unique front and rear styling, including a lattice-type grille with an illuminated Lincoln star logo, 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 grille and side mirror enhancements, paired with 22-inch black-painted wheels. Inside, the Navigator boasted a Dark Slate leather interior with 30-way Perfect Position front seats, a panoramic glass roof, and high-quality materials, creating a convincingly luxurious flagship SUV.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus RX showcased a modern design aesthetic with its large grille, angular headlamps, and floating roof. The RX was available in five variants, including the RX, RX F Sport, RXL, RX Hybrid, and RXL Hybrid, each offering different configurations and powertrains. The RX's styling updates from 2020, such as elongated headlights and a refined front end, remained for 2021. Standard features included 18-inch aluminum wheels, LED lighting, and rear privacy glass. The F Sport Appearance package added sporty elements like 20-inch wheels and unique fascia. Inside, the RX offered a well-appointed interior with NuLuxe-trimmed seats, power-adjustable front seats, and a leather-trimmed steering wheel, though the center console design was considered dated.

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 managed power delivery, with options for rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. The Navigator offered multiple drive modes, including Conserve, Normal, and Excite, to tailor the driving experience. It had a maximum towing capacity of 8,700 pounds with rear-wheel drive and 8,300 pounds with four-wheel drive. Despite its size, the Navigator demonstrated excellent body motion control, though it was best suited for open roads. Fuel economy was a concern, with an average of 16.4 mpg during testing.

The 2021 Lexus RX, RXL, and RX F-Sport were equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The RX Hybrid models combined a V6 engine with three electric motors, generating 308 horsepower. The RX 350 with front-wheel drive achieved 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, while the RX Hybrid offered better fuel efficiency, with up to 31 mpg in the city. The RX's suspension and handling improvements made it more dynamic, with the F Sport Handling package adding adaptive variable suspension and sportier features. The RX reached 60 mph in 7.7 to 7.9 seconds, depending on the drivetrain, with a top speed limited to 124 mph.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator offered a spacious and comfortable interior, with ample room for passengers in all three rows. The test vehicle featured 30-way Perfect Position front seats, power-adjustable pedals, and a heated steering wheel. Second-row seating options included a three-person bench or captain's chairs with a center console. The Navigator excelled in third-row comfort, providing class-leading legroom and thigh support. Cargo space was generous, 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 variant offered even more cargo capacity.

The 2021 Lexus RX provided functional seating for five in the two-row models and six or seven in the three-row RXL versions. Front and second-row seats were spacious, but the third row was tight for adults. Cargo space in the RX was limited compared to traditional SUVs, with 18.4 cubic feet behind the second row and 56.3 cubic feet with seats folded. The RXL offered 7.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 23 cubic feet behind the second, and 58.5 cubic feet with seats folded. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free option available.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator's Sync 3 infotainment system was considered its weakest technology aspect, with slow loading times. However, it offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a WiFi hotspot, and wireless device charging. The "Phone As A Key" feature allowed smartphone-based vehicle access. The Reserve's Luxury Package included a 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system, providing an immersive audio experience. Additional tech features included a surround-view camera system and a head-up display, though the test vehicle lacked the optional rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2021 Lexus RX came standard with dual-zone automatic climate control, an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a nine-speaker sound system. Upgrades included a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, and a 15-speaker Mark Levinson audio system. The infotainment system's touchpad controller was functional but not as refined as competitors. The RX lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which might be a drawback for tech-savvy buyers.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator featured the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, 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 IIHS had not tested the 2020 model.

The 2021 Lexus RX earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick designation, with Good marks in crashworthiness tests. The NHTSA rated the RX 350, RX 350L, and RX 450h with four out of five stars overall. The RX came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including 10 airbags, blind-spot monitoring, and Lexus Safety System+ 2.0. However, it lacked the advanced hands-off piloting features found in some competitors.