2020 Toyota Sienna vs 2020 Lincoln Navigator

The 2020 Toyota Sienna, part of its third generation, had been around since the 2011 model year. Despite a 2018 update that introduced newer infotainment tech and minor changes, the 2020 Sienna still felt dated. The front doors emitted a hollow "thud" when slammed, indicating a lack of attention to fit and finish. The instrument panel, reminiscent of Toyota's 2010 parts bin, was simple but easy to use. The Sienna offered various trims, from the well-equipped base L to the upscale Limited Premium. The SE trim, recommended by CarGurus, featured a power rear liftgate, 19-inch alloy wheels, and leather upholstery. The Nightshade Edition added dark accents and wheels for those prioritizing a "cool" look.

In contrast, the 2020 Lincoln Navigator stood out with its chrome and brightwork, differentiating it from the Ford Expedition on which it was based. The Navigator featured unique front and rear styling, the Lincoln Embrace lighting system, and a lattice-type grille with an illuminated star. The Reserve Monochromatic Package added a custom look with body-color enhancements and 22-inch black-painted wheels. The test vehicle, a standard-length Navigator Reserve with 4WD, boasted a luxurious Dark Slate leather interior with 30-way Perfect Position front seats, a panoramic glass roof, and high-quality materials. The Navigator's design and features made it a convincingly luxurious flagship SUV.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 296 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Sienna offered stout acceleration in normal Drive mode, with a Sport mode for livelier throttle and shift response. It had a 3,500-pound towing capacity and an optional AWD for all trims except the base L. The FWD Sienna returned 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined, while AWD versions achieved 18/24/20. The Sienna's low center of gravity and broad base provided decent handling dynamics, though its twitchy steering response at higher speeds required constant attention.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine generating 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Navigator offered multiple Lincoln Drive Modes, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, Deep Conditions, and Slow Climb with the optional towing package. It had a maximum towing capacity of 8,700 pounds with RWD and 8,300 pounds with 4WD. The Navigator's acceleration was strong, with a subtle yet aggressive engine note. However, its fuel economy averaged 16.4 mpg. The Navigator's adaptive damping suspension provided excellent body motion control, though impact harshness was an issue with 22-inch wheels.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna excelled in cargo space, offering 150 cubic feet, surpassing competitors like the Chrysler Pacifica and Honda Odyssey. However, accessing this space required removing the second-row seats, which was easier with captain’s chairs than a bench. The third row folded seamlessly into the floor, but getting into the backseat could be challenging. Toyota also offered mobility access features, such as the Auto Access Seat, making the Sienna a practical choice for those needing mobility conversions.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator required climbing up into the SUV, but once inside, passengers enjoyed ample room and comfort. The test vehicle's 30-way Perfect Position front seats, power-adjustable pedals, and heated steering wheel provided exceptional comfort. The second row offered a choice between a three-person bench or captain’s chairs with a large center console. The third-row seat provided unmatched legroom and thigh support among luxury SUVs. Cargo volumes were class-leading, with the standard-length model offering up to 103.3 cubic feet and the longer Navigator L providing up to 120.2 cubic feet.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna's base L trim featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Amazon Alexa, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth connectivity, five USB ports, and a WiFi hotspot. Higher trims added features like navigation and a JBL 10-speaker premium audio system. The Limited trim included Driver Easy Speak, an intercom system that broadcasted the driver’s voice to the rear speakers, aiding in communication with rear passengers.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator's Sync 3 infotainment system was less impressive, with slow content loading. However, it offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Lincoln Connect services, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and wireless device charging. "Phone As A Key" technology allowed smartphone-based vehicle access. The Reserve’s Luxury Package included a 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system with three listening profiles. 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 Toyota Sienna came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) suite, including lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, dynamic cruise control, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring was optional on lower trims and standard on XLE and Limited trims. The Sienna earned five stars in NHTSA crash testing and top scores from the IIHS, including a Superior rating for its driver-assistance features.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator featured the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 collection of advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assistance, 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 earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though its RWD version had a three-star rollover resistance rating. The IIHS had not tested the 2020 model.