2020 Nissan Rogue vs 2021 Lincoln Navigator

The 2020 Nissan Rogue was offered in S, SV, and SL trim levels, making it straightforward for buyers looking for simplicity. Our test model was an SL trim with front-drive, and additional features included the SL Premium Package, carpeted floor and cargo mats, and a first-aid kit, priced at $34,870 with destination charges. Despite its age, the Rogue’s design remained attractive with its bold V-Motion grille and exaggerated fender swells. The SL's 19-inch aluminum wheels added to its visual appeal.

However, once inside, the Rogue’s age became more apparent. The waterfall control panel on the dashboard and rounded interior forms felt outdated in a landscape where wide, horizontal, and angular designs were becoming the norm. Additionally, the plastic surfaces did not impress. Yet, the padded sides of the center console were a thoughtful touch for driver comfort.

In contrast, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator was a substantial upgrade in status and refinement. Gone were the days of Navigators that looked like spruced-up Ford Expeditions. This iteration felt unique and well worth its $92,000 MSRP. With elegant understatement, it wore simple rectilinear shapes for its grille, windows, and headlights, complemented by splashes of chrome that kept things classy. Our Pristine White test vehicle with its black wheels and illuminated Lincoln logo was striking in the winter backdrop of Connecticut and Massachusetts. The auto’s small light show upon unlocking and locking added a luxurious touch.

Inside, the Navigator impressed with seven color palettes, notably the Slate Gray on our test truck, accentuated by refined details such as layered wood trim behind the 10-inch touchscreen and a floating center console with chromed switches. Although the materials were premium and the panel gaps tight, Black Label trims took it further with more textures and softer leather, making the cabin truly luxurious. The seats were a highlight with Perfect Position adjustability, offering mind-boggling comfort with 30 different ways to adjust including an upper backrest tilt, further proving the Navigator’s unrivaled interior comfort.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue fell short in terms of performance, with its 170-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). It weighed as much as 3,761 pounds, making the powertrain struggle in situations requiring acceleration like merging onto highways or climbing grades. The CVT provided a fair performance but lacked the sporty feel, and during testing, the Rogue achieved only 24.9 mpg in combined driving—falling short of its EPA-estimated 29 mpg.

Dynamically, the Rogue benefited from Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, which improved handling by tightening turns and smoothing out bumps. Yet, the overall driving experience was underwhelming. The heavy electric steering lacked feedback, and the suspension isolation was subpar. The CVT drone and lifeless ride quality made the Rogue more a vehicle to endure rather than to enjoy.

In stark contrast, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator housed a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 from the Ford Raptor, churning out an impressive 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. It felt surprisingly sprightly for its size, delivering refined intake snarls and turbo whooshes through the well-insulated cabin. The 10-speed automatic transmission paired with either rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) allowed the Navigator to respond quickly, unlike any other large SUV. It could tow up to 8,300 pounds with 4WD or 8,700 pounds with RWD.

Fuel economy was not its strong suit, averaging in the teens matching its EPA-estimated 17 mpg combined. Despite standard adaptive dampers, the Navigator's suspension felt rudimentary compared to competitors like the Cadillac Escalade. Steering was loose, and the brakes felt too soft initially, but overall the Navigator's power and refinement outshone these minor shortcomings. Paddle shifters added a sporty touch with quick response times and rev-matched downshifts, making the Navigator's performance more thrilling and captivating.

Getting comfortable in the 2020 Nissan Rogue proved challenging, particularly for taller individuals. Although the seats were of the Zero Gravity design known for excellent support, they were somewhat undersized. The driver's seat adjustment couldn't provide the ideal combination of seat height and legroom, making long drives less enjoyable.

Rear passengers, however, enjoyed a different experience. The high seat cushion provided excellent thigh support, and the rear seats offered a proper backrest angle with stadium-style elevation, enhancing the view. The panoramic sunroof, rear air conditioning vents, and USB charging ports kept passengers happy. Cargo space was ample with 39 cubic feet behind the rear seats, featuring underfloor storage compartments and a Divide-n-Hide cargo management system, making it more practical than competitors like the Mazda CX-5.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator, with its expansive cabin, felt like a small luxurious bedroom. It comfortably seated six adults, with optional seating for a seventh. The third row’s middle seat was best suited for children but could power fold and raise for convenience. Cargo space was generous with 19 cubic feet behind the third row, 57 cubic feet behind the second, and a total of 103 cubic feet. Opting for the long-wheelbase model increased storage capacities to 34, 73, and 120 cubic feet, respectively, further enhancing its utility.

Our Navigator Reserve had heated second-row seats and a three-zone climate control system. The second-row console offered integrated climate and stereo controls, although it lacked features like seat heating, cooling, and massage found in competitors. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable with extensive adjustments including separate thigh extensions and a massage function. The high seating position and large windows provided excellent visibility, but parking remained challenging due to its size. Despite fuzzy 360-degree cameras, the Navigator felt like a luxury bus with ample space and comfort.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue offered a comprehensive list of infotainment features, but execution fell short. Standard systems included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a hands-free text messaging assistant. Additional options depending on trim levels included SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation with door-to-door assistance, a Bose premium sound system, and NissanConnect Services providing remote engine start, door lock operations, and more.

Despite the sophisticated features, the Rogue’s NissanConnect interface was disappointing. The 7-inch touchscreen’s recessed display felt outdated compared to modern devices, and slow response times added to the frustration, particularly when attempting to zoom in on the navigation map. Voice-recognition technology also left much to be desired, which impacted the overall tech experience.

In comparison, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator's 10-inch touchscreen seemed outdated amid the rapid technological advancements. Modern rivals like the Cadillac Escalade with multi-piece curved LED displays and augmented reality projected in 4K made the Navigator seem old-fashioned. Its instrument panel couldn't display full-screen maps, the cameras were low resolution, and it lacked wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima stereo was good but not exceptional.

However, the Navigator’s software was intuitive and straightforward, similar to Ford's interface but with a unique Lincoln touch. While a bit slow in response, everything was designed to be user-friendly. The Navigator supported key functionalities like onboard 4G WiFi, wireless device charging, and remote app capabilities for five years. Rear entertainment included Roku streaming, and beautiful animations played on the instrument panel when switching drive modes, offering a refined yet simple tech experience.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue had an impressive list of standard safety features included in the Safety Shield 360 suite, such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. These features elevated daily driving safety. Additional useful features included Rear Door Alert and Tire Fill Alert.

However, the advanced features like ProPilot Assist adaptive cruise control with lane-centering felt outdated compared to newer competitors. The Rogue’s age was also evident in its crash-test results. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave it a 4-star overall rating, with a poor 3-star rating for the driver in a frontal-impact collision. Similarly, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's criticisms on its headlights and front-passenger protection prevented it from earning a Top Safety Pick designation.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received five stars overall from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with four stars for rollover resistance on 4WD models and three stars on RWD models. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has not rated it in its current generation. Notable safety features included optional inflatable rear seat belts for the second row, designed to reduce chest injuries. Standard safety equipment consisted of automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic high beams, with adaptive cruise control available although not as advanced as some competitors.