2020 Lincoln Navigator vs 2021 Toyota Highlander

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator stood out with its luxurious design, featuring chrome and brightwork that differentiated it from the Ford Expedition, on which it was based. The Lincoln Embrace lighting system, lattice-type grille insert, and illuminated star logo added to its distinctive look. The Navigator also offered a Reserve Monochromatic Package with body-color enhancements and 22-inch black-painted wheels, available in White, Ceramic Pearl, and Infinite Black. The test vehicle, a standard-length Navigator Reserve with 4WD, showcased a Dark Slate leather interior with 30-way Perfect Position front seats, a panoramic glass roof, and high-quality materials, making it a convincingly luxurious flagship SUV.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Highlander aimed to stand out among midsize SUVs with its bold design. It featured wide headlights, a long hood, and a trapezoidal grille, with a character line reminiscent of the Supra sports car. The XSE trim level added a more aggressive front end, 20-inch wheels, and a unique front fascia. The test vehicle, a Limited trim, offered chrome roof rails and accents, a near-flawless interior fit and finish, and tan leather seats with dark brown trim. The Highlander prioritized comfort and convenience, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It offered multiple drive modes, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, Deep Conditions, and Slow Climb (with the towing package). The Navigator's towing capacity was 8,700 pounds with RWD and 8,300 pounds with 4WD, aided by Pro Trailer Backup Assist. The SUV averaged 16.4 mpg on the testing loop, with an EPA rating of 18 mpg combined. Despite its size, the Navigator's adaptive damping suspension provided excellent body motion control, though it felt huge around town.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine generating 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options. The Highlander Hybrid was also available. While not designed for drag races, the Highlander provided smooth and predictable performance, comparable to competitors like the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride. The XSE trim added higher-rated springs, retuned shock absorbers, power steering, and a rear stabilizer bar, enhancing driving excitement without compromising comfort.

Entering the 2020 Lincoln Navigator required climbing up, but once inside, passengers enjoyed ample space and comfort. The test vehicle's 30-way Perfect Position front seats, power-adjustable pedals, and heated steering wheel ensured a perfect driving position. The second row offered a choice between a three-person bench or captain's chairs with a large center console. The third-row seat provided class-leading legroom and thigh support. Cargo space was also impressive, with 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and 103.3 cubic feet with all seats folded. The longer Navigator L offered even more space.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander excelled in keeping passengers comfortable and organized. It featured shelves ahead of the front seats for storing large cell phones and a wireless charging pad in the center console. Second-row passengers enjoyed ample legroom, with seats that moved forward and backward. The third row could accommodate adults if the second row was adjusted. However, rear-seat climate control vents were only positioned on the ceiling. Cargo space included 16 cubic feet behind the third row, 48.4 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 84.3 cubic feet with both rows folded, making it practical for various needs.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator's Sync 3 infotainment system was its least impressive feature, with slow content loading. However, it offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Lincoln Connect services, 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. 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 Toyota Highlander came with an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims, while the Limited trim offered a 12.3-inch touchscreen as an option, standard on the Platinum trim. Both systems were user-friendly, with standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Navigation was available but struggled with points of interest. The 12.3-inch screen was bright and crisp, and the JBL audio system sounded good. However, only certain apps utilized the full screen, raising questions about the value of the larger display.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator featured the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), 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 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though the RWD model had a three-star rollover resistance rating. The IIHS had not tested the 2020 model.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander upgraded to Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ (TSS 2.5+), including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and intersection support, road-sign assist, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-tracing assist, and automatic high beams. The Highlander received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.