2020 Nissan Rogue vs 2020 Lincoln Navigator

The 2020 Nissan Rogue, available in S, SV, and SL trim levels, offered a straightforward approach with a single engine and transmission combination, and a choice between front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). The test car, an SL trim with front-drive, included the SL Premium Package, carpeted floor and cargo mats, and a first-aid kit, totaling $34,870 with destination charges. Despite its age, the Rogue maintained an attractive appearance, especially with the SL’s 19-inch aluminum wheels. However, the interior design showed its age with older styling themes and unimpressive plastic surfaces. A positive note was the padded center console sides, providing comfort for drivers' legs.

In contrast, the 2020 Lincoln Navigator stood out with its luxurious design, featuring chrome and brightwork that differentiated it from the Ford Expedition. The Navigator’s unique front and rear styling elements, including the Lincoln Embrace lighting system, lattice-type grille, and full-width taillights, added to its appeal. The new Reserve Monochromatic Package further enhanced its custom look with body-color grille and side mirror enhancements and 22-inch black-painted wheels. The test vehicle, a standard-length Navigator Reserve with 4WD, included extra-cost paint and both the Luxury and Reserve Monochromatic option packages, totaling $92,385 with destination charges. The interior boasted mid-century modern styling cues, high-quality materials, and a panoramic glass roof, making it a convincingly luxurious flagship SUV.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue featured a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Weighing up to 3,671 pounds, the Rogue’s powertrain was merely adequate, and while the CVT made the most of the available power, the vehicle struggled during acceleration, passing, and climbing. The EPA estimated 29 mpg in combined driving for FWD versions, but testing revealed a disappointing 24.9 mpg. The Rogue’s ride and handling benefited from brake-induced technologies like Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, but the vehicle lacked fun-to-drive dynamics, with lifeless steering and occasional CVT drone.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator, on the other hand, offered a robust twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine generating 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission transferred power to the rear wheels, with an option for four-wheel drive. Multiple Lincoln Drive Modes tailored the powertrain to specific driving situations, and the Navigator’s towing capacity reached 8,700 pounds with RWD and 8,300 pounds with 4WD. The Pro Trailer Backup Assist system simplified trailer maneuvering. The Navigator’s acceleration was strong, though fuel economy averaged 16.4 mpg during testing, below the EPA’s 18 mpg estimate. Despite some impact harshness over rough pavement, the Navigator’s body motion control was excellent, providing a hint of athleticism. Around town, the Navigator felt huge, but features like a tight turning radius and parking assist system improved maneuverability.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue’s interior space was a mixed bag. While the seats featured Nissan’s Zero Gravity cushion designs, taller drivers struggled to find a comfortable position due to limited seat height adjustment. Rear passengers, however, enjoyed high seat cushions, excellent thigh support, and a panoramic glass sunroof, making the back seat a preferred spot. In-cabin storage was limited, but cargo space was generous, with 39 cubic feet behind the back seat and additional underfloor storage compartments.

In contrast, the 2020 Lincoln Navigator offered ample space and comfort for all passengers. The test vehicle’s 30-way Perfect Position front seats, part of the optional Luxury Package, provided exceptional comfort, though finding the right settings took time. The second row offered a choice between a three-person bench or captain’s chairs, with the latter option including a large center console. The third-row seat provided unmatched legroom and thigh support among competitors. Cargo volumes were class-leading, with the standard-length model offering 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 increased these measurements to 34.3, 73.3, and 120.2 cubic feet, respectively.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue’s infotainment system included Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a hands-free text messaging assistant. Upgrades included SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, a Bose premium sound system, and NissanConnect Services. However, the 7-inch touchscreen interface was outdated, with slow response times and subpar voice-recognition technology, diminishing the overall tech experience.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator’s Sync 3 infotainment system, though slow to load, offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Lincoln Connect services with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and wireless device charging. "Phone As A Key" technology allowed smartphone-based vehicle access. The voice recognition system worked reasonably well but wasn’t as advanced as 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 2020 Nissan Rogue came with the standard Safety Shield 360 collection, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Additional features included a Rear Door Alert and a Tire Fill Alert system. Optional safety features included a surround-view camera and ProPilot Assist adaptive cruise control. However, the Rogue’s crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a 4-star overall rating from the NHTSA and no Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator featured the standard Lincoln Co-Pilot360 collection, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot warning with trailer coverage, 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 and lane-keeping assistance operated with refinement. The NHTSA awarded the Navigator a five-star overall safety rating, though the RWD model had a three-star rollover resistance rating. The IIHS had not tested the 2020 model.