2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC received a new front fascia with a trapezoidal grille and angled LED headlights, echoing the aggressive design cues of the A-Class and CLS-Class. The taillights featured square LEDs within the same housing, making it difficult to distinguish from previous models unless parked side-by-side. While the GLC wasn't unattractive, it lacked visual excitement from most angles, especially in the mass-market GLC 300 model. The AMG versions, with their wide tires, vertical-bar grille, and lower stance, added some visual drama. The GLC Coupe’s fastback roof brought a touch of entertainment to the design. Despite its beige paint and 18-inch wheels, the GLC's interior was a standout, featuring rich materials like stained gray ash wood, leather padding, and metal speaker covers. The fit, finish, and overall quality were impeccable, especially when spec'd in brighter colors and woods.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator, on the other hand, was a significant departure from its Ford Expedition roots. It shared its side glass and overall footprint with the Expedition but distinguished itself with unique design elements. The Navigator's theme was elegance and understatement, with simple rectilinear shapes defining the grille, windows, headlights, and taillights. Chrome accents on the door trim, grille, and fender logos added a touch of class. The Pristine White example with a white-painted grille, black wheels, and illuminated Lincoln logo was particularly striking. The interior impressed with seven color palettes, layered wood trim, a floating center console, and a minimalist digital instrument panel. The materials were high-quality, and the panel gaps were tight, especially in the Black Label trims, which featured more textures and softer leather.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 came with a new turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. The 9-speed automatic transmission, available in rear-wheel drive (RWD) or 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD), was reprogrammed for better performance. The GLC 300 felt more responsive than previous models, holding gears longer and downshifting earlier. However, it still fell short compared to competitors like the BMW X3. The AMG GLC 43, with its twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 385 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, offered a thrilling performance. The AMG GLC 63 4Matic Coupe and AMG GLC 63 S 4Matic Coupe, with their twin-turbo V8 engines, provided even more power, but the GLC 300's steering and handling were disappointing. The GLC 300's fuel economy was EPA-rated at 21 mpg city, 28 highway, and 24 combined, while the AMG models had lower ratings.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator featured a twin-turbo V6 engine from the Ford Raptor, producing 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Navigator felt surprisingly sprightly for its size. The 4WD system was smooth and responsive, and the towing capacity was impressive at 8,300 pounds for 4WD models and 8,700 pounds for RWD models. However, the Navigator's fuel economy was poor, averaging in the teens, with an EPA-estimated 17 mpg combined. The adaptive dampers provided a decent ride, but the suspension felt rudimentary compared to competitors like the Cadillac Escalade. The Navigator's steering and brakes were looser and less precise, but its low-end thrust and quiet cabin made it a comfortable highway cruiser.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured a mix of digital and physical controls, with a steep learning curve for new Mercedes drivers. The column shifter and door-mounted seat controls were unconventional but practical. The MBUX system, with its touchscreen, thumb pad, and touchpad, became intuitive with practice. The GLC had enough room for four adults, but the back seat's reclining mechanism was cumbersome. Cargo space was limited, with 19 cubic feet behind the seats and 57 cubic feet with them folded, less than competitors like the BMW X3.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered ample space, with a tall boxy shape that could house six adults comfortably. The third row's middle seat was best suited for children, and the second-row captain's chairs were manually reclining. Cargo space was generous, with 19 cubic feet behind the third row, 57 cubic feet behind the second, and 103 cubic feet in total. The long-wheelbase Navigator L provided even more storage. The rear glass opened separately from the tailgate, a convenient feature. The Navigator Reserve had heated second-row seats and a three-zone climate system, but it lacked some features offered by German competitors. The front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, with excellent visibility and a high driving position.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC's MBUX system featured advanced technology, including augmented reality for navigation and a cloud-based voice assistant. The system could track behavior and suggest destinations, show Yelp reviews, and provide semi-autonomous driving features. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with optional wireless device charging. The Off-Road Engineering Package added hill-descent control and underbody shields, but the GLC was not designed for serious off-roading.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's 10-inch touchscreen felt outdated compared to newer competitors. The instrument panel couldn't show full-screen maps or different designs, and the cameras were low-resolution. The infotainment system was intuitive but slow, with no onboard apps or wireless software updates. However, it included 4G WiFi, wireless device charging, a smartwatch app, and the ability to use a smartphone as an ignition key. The rear entertainment system included Roku media streaming and various connections. The Navigator's technology was simple and user-friendly, a relief compared to more complex systems.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC was named a 2019 Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS and received a 5-star rating from the NHTSA. It featured advanced safety systems like Exit Warning Assist, Pre-Safe Sound, and Predictive Brake Priming, offering exceptional safety engineering.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received five stars overall from the NHTSA but had lower ratings for rollover resistance. It lacked knee airbags but offered optional inflatable rear seat belts. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and auto high beams. Adaptive cruise control was optional but less advanced than competitors.