2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2020 Toyota 4Runner

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner was characterized by its tall slab sides, high beltline, and short overhangs, contributing to its timeless design. Its utilitarian attitude was reminiscent of an XJ Jeep Cherokee, with flared wheel wells designed to accommodate off-road tires and short overhangs for tackling steep terrains. The hood scoop, a visual cue for the TRD trim, was one of the few non-functional elements. The 4Runner's trim lineup included various options, with the Limited trim focusing on comfort, featuring leather upholstery and an 8-inch touchscreen. Despite these upgrades, the 4Runner retained its utilitarian DNA, with a seating position more suited for trails than highways.

In contrast, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator exuded elegance and understatement, despite its massive size. It shared some design elements with the Ford Expedition but stood out with its unique features, such as the body-color grille and illuminated Lincoln logo. The Navigator's interior impressed with its seven color palettes and modern design elements like the floating center console and minimalist digital instrument panel. The materials were high-quality, and the Black Label trims offered even more luxurious textures. The Perfect Position seats were highly adjustable, providing a comfortable experience for occupants. Overall, the Navigator's design and interior were refined and luxurious, appealing to those seeking a premium SUV experience.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a 4-liter V6 engine, producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission. This setup allowed for a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, but the engine was not known for its smoothness or fuel efficiency, with an EPA estimate of 16 mpg city, 19 highway, and 17 combined. The 4Runner excelled off-road, thanks to its body-on-frame construction and advanced traction systems like CRAWL control and Multi-Terrain Select. However, on-road performance was less impressive, with significant body roll and vague steering.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator featured a powerful twin-turbo V6 engine, delivering 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This engine provided impressive acceleration and a towing capacity of 8,300 pounds for 4WD models and 8,700 pounds for RWD models. Fuel economy was similar to larger V8 engines, with an EPA-estimated 17 mpg combined. The Navigator's adaptive dampers offered a comfortable ride, although not as refined as some competitors. The steering and brakes were less precise, but the Navigator's overall refinement and power made it a compelling choice for highway driving.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner offered excellent outward visibility and a relatively tight turning radius of 18 feet, 7 inches. Inside, the dashboard featured large, easy-to-use knobs for HVAC and stereo controls, although the steering-wheel controls were not illuminated. The 4Runner's tall seating position provided a commanding view of the road, but climbing in and out could be challenging for shorter individuals. The optional third row was best suited for short and occasional use, with limited legroom and narrow, thin seats.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator boasted a spacious interior, accommodating up to eight passengers with its optional bench seat. The boxy shape provided ample cargo space, with 19 cubic feet behind the third row, 57 behind the second, and 103 in total. The Navigator Reserve featured heated second-row seats and a three-zone climate system. The front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, offering a commanding driving position with excellent visibility. However, parking the large SUV could be challenging, despite the 360-degree cameras.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. While the system was easy to use, the onboard navigation was less efficient than smartphone apps. The 4Runner also offered Amazon Alexa compatibility, Bluetooth connectivity, and various subscription services. However, it lagged behind competitors in terms of total features and usability, with the most advanced features found in the powertrain.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's 10-inch touchscreen felt small compared to newer competitors, but the software was intuitive and easy to use. The Navigator offered onboard 4G WiFi, wireless device charging, and a smartwatch app, along with Lincoln's remote app functions and SiriusXM traffic data. The rear entertainment system included Roku media streaming and various connectivity options. While the technology was not as advanced as some competitors, the Navigator's simplicity was a welcome relief.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), which included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, and automatic high beams. It also featured eight standard airbags. The 4Runner received four out of five stars overall from the NHTSA, with a three-star rating in the rollover test. The IIHS gave it a Good rating in most crash tests, except for a Marginal score in the small overlap front: driver-side test.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received five stars overall from the NHTSA, with four stars for 4WD models and three stars for RWD models in the rollover test. It offered optional inflatable rear seat belts for the second row, along with standard 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 not as advanced as some competitors.