2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2020 Toyota RAV4

The 2020 Toyota RAV4, redesigned in 2019, showcased a bolder and more angular appearance, enhancing its already proven durability. The Adventure trim improved off-roading capabilities with a torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system, multiple driving modes, and 8.6 inches of ground clearance. The new TRD Off-Road trim for 2020 took these features further with smaller, lighter matte-black 18-inch alloy wheels, all-terrain tires, and a special TRD suspension setup. The TRD Off-Road trim was distinguishable by its unique wheels, tires, and badges, and the Lunar Rock gray paint with a white roof was particularly compelling.

Inside, the 2020 RAV4 TRD Off-Road featured TRD logos on the front-seat head restraints, rubber floor mats, and a rubber cargo mat. The cabin combined quality construction with plush center-armrest padding, soft-touch upper door-panel trim, and rubberized surfaces, contrasting sharply with some inexpensive-looking plastic. The TRD Off-Road trim was near the top of the gas-powered RAV4's trim-level ladder, offering a blend of equipment and value, with the XLE trim being a popular choice for its balance of features and price.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator, while sharing some design elements with the Ford Expedition, stood out with its unique elegance and understatement. The Navigator Reserve, priced at $92,000, featured simple rectilinear shapes, body-color grille, and full-width taillight assembly, with splashes of chrome for a classy touch. The Pristine White example with a white-painted grille, black wheels, and illuminated Lincoln logo was particularly striking during winter tests. The Navigator's interior impressed with seven color palettes, layered wood trim, a floating center console, and a minimalist digital instrument panel.

Materials in the Navigator were of high quality, with tight panel gaps and luxurious Black Label trims offering more textures and softer leather. The Perfect Position seats, adjustable in 30 different ways, provided exceptional comfort. The Navigator's overall refinement and power were notable, with a quiet cabin and plush highway ride, although it lacked the superior control and handling of some competitors like the Cadillac Escalade.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 was powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The RAV4 Hybrid model offered 219 horsepower and up to 40 mpg in combined driving, though it was not available with the TRD Off-Road trim. The non-turbo, non-hybrid powertrain in the test vehicle delivered good performance, especially in Sport mode, though a turbocharged engine would have been preferable for high-altitude driving. The 8-speed automatic transmission generally performed well, though it occasionally struggled with gear selection.

The TRD Off-Road model featured a torque-vectoring AWD system with fuel-saving driveline disconnect technology, multi-terrain select settings, and downhill assist control. With 8.6 inches of ground clearance, the RAV4 TRD Off-Road handled off-road trails confidently. In urban settings, the TRD suspension smoothed out speed humps, and the 360-degree surround-view camera system made parking easy. The test vehicle averaged 23.4 mpg, slightly below the EPA estimate of 27 mpg in combined driving.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was equipped with 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 sprightly 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, consistent with the EPA-estimated 17-mpg combined rating. The Navigator's adaptive dampers provided a decent ride, though not as refined as the Cadillac Escalade's magnetic shocks and air springs.

The Navigator's low-end thrust and quiet cabin made it a comfortable highway cruiser, though its steering and brakes lacked the precision and control of some competitors. The paddle shifters added a touch of sportiness with quick reaction times and rev-matched downshifts.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 offered easy entry and exit, with a low and sporty driving position in the 8-way adjustable driver's seat. The front passenger seat lacked height adjustment but provided good thigh support. The TRD Off-Road trim featured SofTex upholstery, which could trap sweat on hot days, but the Weather Package added heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Rear seat legroom was generous, with air conditioning vents and USB ports for passenger comfort.

Interior storage was ample, with a dashboard shelf and 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat, expandable to 69.8 cubic feet with the seat folded down. The test vehicle also had a robust roof rack and an optional hands-free power liftgate.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered vast interior space, accommodating six adults comfortably. The third row's middle seat was best suited for children, and the second-row captain's chairs could be replaced with a bench for up to eight passengers. 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 provided even more storage. The rear glass opened separately from the tailgate, a convenient feature for loading and unloading.

The Navigator Reserve featured heated second-row seats and a three-zone climate system. The front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, with separate thigh extensions, bolsters, and massage programs. Visibility was excellent, though parking was challenging due to the vehicle's size. The 360-degree cameras were helpful but not high-resolution.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4's technology was user-friendly and practical. Depending on the trim, the infotainment system featured a 7- or 8-inch touchscreen display, with the 8-inch system standard in the TRD Off-Road. The system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM satellite radio, and multiple connected services packages. A 4G LTE WiFi hotspot was available with a free trial period.

The TRD Off-Road's infotainment system impressed with its voice-recognition technology, and the optional Technology Package added wireless smartphone charging, a 360-degree surround-view camera, and a digital rear-view mirror.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's 10-inch touchscreen felt small compared to newer systems, and its instrument panel lacked advanced features like full-screen maps. The cameras were low-resolution, and the infotainment system did not support wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima stereo was good but not exceptional.

Despite these limitations, the Navigator's software was intuitive, with fast and accurate voice recognition. The vehicle offered onboard 4G WiFi, wireless device charging, a smartwatch app, and the ability to use a smartphone as the ignition key. Rear entertainment included Roku media streaming and various connections.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included advanced driving assist features like Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, radar adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, and blind spot assist with rear cross-traffic alert. The RAV4 received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though only models with full LED, curve adaptive headlights qualified.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received five stars overall from the NHTSA, with four stars for rollover resistance in 4WD models and three stars in RWD models. The IIHS had not rated the Navigator. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and auto high beams. Adaptive cruise control was optional, though the Navigator's self-steering capabilities were not as advanced as some competitors.