2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2021 Lincoln Navigator

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB had a boxy and tall design compared to other small Mercedes SUVs. It sat on a front-wheel-drive platform with an optional 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. The vehicle featured a long, flat hood, an upright windshield, large side windows, and a nearly vertical rear liftgate. The front and rear overhangs were symmetrical, emphasizing its functional design. The GLB prioritized interior volume over sleek aesthetics, highlighted by robust roof rails ready for action.

Painted in Mountain Gray metallic and equipped with the AMG Line design package and 20-inch AMG wheels, the test vehicle exuded style and attitude. Prices started at $36,600, but the tested GLB 250 4Matic, loaded with options, had a sticker price of $55,890. The interior featured dual 10.25-inch screens, ambient lighting, and a mix of MB-Tex leatherette and Dinamica suede seats. The design blended high style with simplicity, though some metallic trim pieces revealed its more affordable status. Overall, the GLB’s interior was a pleasant place to spend time.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator, in contrast, shared its side glass and overall footprint with the Ford Expedition but distinguished itself with unique design elements. The Navigator Reserve, priced at $92,000, exuded elegance and understatement despite its massive size. Rectilinear shapes defined its grille, windows, headlights, and taillights, with chrome accents adding a touch of class. The Pristine White test vehicle, with a white-painted grille, black wheels, and illuminated Lincoln logo, was a striking presence during winter tests.

Inside, the Navigator impressed with seven color palettes and fine details like layered wood trim and a floating center console. Materials were high-quality, and panel gaps were tight. The Perfect Position seats offered 30-way adjustability, providing exceptional comfort. The Navigator’s interior was spacious, with ample room for six adults. The third row’s middle seat was best suited for children. Cargo space was generous, with 19 cubic feet behind the third row, 57 behind the second, and 103 in total. The long-wheelbase Navigator L offered even more storage. The front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, making visibility easy despite the vehicle’s size.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB came in GLB 250 and GLB 250 4Matic specifications, both powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. It accelerated to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds, though it felt faster due to the engine’s wide torque band and snappy eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The 4Matic AWD system optimized grip and performance, with an Off-Road mode locking the drivetrain in a 50:50 power split.

The test vehicle, equipped with an adaptive damping suspension and 20-inch AMG wheels, offered a soft, comfortable ride in Comfort mode and a more responsive, sporty feel in Sport mode. The GLB’s unusual driving position and large windows made it fun to drive on mountain roads, despite its modest engine specifications. However, the brakes faded prematurely during enthusiastic driving, cutting short an otherwise enjoyable experience. Fuel economy was 21.4 mpg, below the EPA’s 26-mpg estimate.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator featured a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine from the Ford Raptor, producing 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Navigator felt sprightly and sounded terrific. The 4WD system was smooth and responsive, with a towing capacity of 8,300 pounds for 4WD models and 8,700 pounds for RWD models. Fuel economy was poor, averaging in the teens, matching the EPA’s 17-mpg combined rating.

The Navigator’s adaptive dampers provided a less refined ride compared to the Cadillac Escalade’s magnetic shocks and air springs. The steering and brakes lacked the precision and control of the Escalade, but the Navigator’s low-end thrust and quiet cabin made it a comfortable highway cruiser. Paddle shifters added a touch of sportiness with quick reactions and rev-matched downshifts.

The Mercedes-Benz GLB offered more interior space than the larger GLC, with an optional third row of seats. It comfortably accommodated four adults, with ample headroom, tall seating positions, and large windows. The second-row seat slid forward and back, providing flexibility for passengers or cargo. The front seats were power-adjustable but lacked heating and ventilation. The second-row seat could fit three people, but two was more comfortable. Cargo space was 22 cubic feet behind the second row and 62 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The Lincoln Navigator had the space of a small bedroom, comfortably seating six adults. The third row’s middle seat was best for children. The second-row captain’s chairs were standard, with an optional bench for eight-passenger capacity. Cargo space was 19 cubic feet behind the third row, 57 behind the second, and 103 in total. The long-wheelbase Navigator L offered even more storage. The rear glass opened separately from the tailgate, a convenient feature for loading and unloading. The front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, with excellent visibility.

The Mercedes-Benz GLB’s Premium Package, costing $2,200, upgraded the standard 7-inch screens to twin 10.25-inch displays with lush graphics and fast response. The MBUX infotainment system included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and natural voice recognition. The Multimedia Package added a navigation system with augmented video, and the Parking Assistance Package included a surround-view camera and semi-autonomous parking assistance. The 12-speaker Burmester premium sound system was a highlight.

The Lincoln Navigator’s 10-inch touchscreen felt small compared to newer systems. The instrument panel lacked full-screen maps and different designs, and the cameras were low-resolution. The infotainment system couldn’t wirelessly connect to Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. However, the software was intuitive, with fast and accurate voice recognition. The Navigator included onboard 4G WiFi, wireless device charging, a smartwatch app, and smartphone ignition key functionality. The rear entertainment system included Roku media streaming and various connections. Drive mode animations were a nice touch, and the simplicity of the system was a relief compared to more complex setups.

The Mercedes-Benz GLB came standard with several safety features, including a driver monitoring system, backup camera, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and Pre-Safe front collision preparation. Optional features included second-row side-impact airbags, blind-spot monitoring with Exit Warning Assist, and the Driver Assistance Package, which added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, evasive steering assistance, and automatic emergency stop assistance. The GLB had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS at the time of publication.

The Lincoln Navigator received five stars overall from NHTSA, with five stars in every test except rollover resistance. IIHS had not rated the Navigator. Optional inflatable rear seat belts aimed to reduce chest injuries. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and auto high beams. Adaptive cruise control was optional, but the Navigator’s self-steering capabilities were less advanced than competitors.