2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2021 Chevrolet Suburban

The aesthetic appeal of the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban was a hot topic for debate. The front-end design, heavily influenced by the Camaro, featured small headlights and large, busy grilles which divided opinions. This polarizing design language did not sit well with everyone, and there was lingering doubt about whether it would age gracefully. Past models had been more conservative, leading to a timeless appeal, but the new Suburban faced an uphill battle in this respect.

Chevy seemed determined to impose the Camaro’s design elements onto its massive frames, which led to mixed results. However, despite the controversial exterior, the interior design was universally more appreciated. The Suburban maintained an intuitive layout with controls where they needed to be, which was a welcome consistency. The large touchscreen, framed by a chrome strip, was noted to reflect sunlight directly into the driver’s eyes, causing some inconvenience.

The 2021 Suburban offered various trim levels including the LS, LT, Z71, RST, Premier, and the High Country, which stood at the top. The interior across trims varied, with the base LS featuring standard infotainment systems and tri-zone climate control, and the High Country boasting woodgrain, leather, and other premium features. Yet, there were criticisms regarding the lack of soft-touch materials, which made the High Country feel more like an upscale pickup than a true luxury SUV.

In contrast, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator presented an entirely different story. The Navigator had evolved from looking like a dressed-up Expedition to a standalone luxury SUV. With its elegant and understated design, it managed to exude class despite its colossal size. Simple yet striking rectilinear shapes defined its exterior, complemented by splashes of chrome and other refined details.

The interior of the Navigator was designed to impress, featuring seven color palettes and a tasteful integration of wood trim, push-button gear selectors, and a minimalist digital instrument panel. Overall, the Navigator’s cabin felt modern and premium, offering a greater variety of soft-touch materials and elegant design choices compared to the Suburban. Despite its shared origins with the Expedition, the Navigator set itself apart as a true luxury vehicle worth its premium price tag.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban came with a range of engine options. The standard engine was a 5.3-liter V8 producing 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. An optional 6.2-liter V8 delivered a robust 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, making it an excellent choice for those who needed extra power. Notably, the Suburban also featured a newly available 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel engine, producing 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided impressive pickup and V8-level torque, making it suitable for towing up to 8,300 pounds when equipped with the Max Trailering package.

The Suburban's handling was a mixed bag. While it offered terrific braking power and a compliant ride, thanks to its newly adopted independent rear suspension, it still exhibited body-roll and truck-like tendencies. The stop-start system in the diesel engine was markedly pronounced, but the ability to deactivate it was convenient.

On the other hand, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator featured a single, but highly impressive, engine: the twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 from the Ford Raptor. This powerhouse cranked out 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, offering exceptional performance for a vehicle of its size. The navigator’s 10-speed automatic transmission, coupled with either RWD or 4WD, provided quick response times and a smooth transition between drive modes. It could tow up to 8,700 pounds in the RWD model, making it highly capable for heavy-duty tasks.

However, the Navigator's fuel economy was on par with GM’s larger V8s, averaging in the teens. While adaptive dampers came as standard, the suspension felt rudimentary compared to competitors like the Cadillac Escalade, which offered a more supple ride. The steering and brakes, though effective, lacked the precision and control found in the Escalade. Yet, the Navigator's low-end thrust and quiet cabin made highway driving effortless and comfortable.

When it came to cargo space, the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban stood out for its impressive capacity. With the rear seats folded, it offered a cavernous 144.7 cubic feet of storage space. Even with the second-row seats in use, there remained a generous 93.8 cubic feet available. The 41.5 cubic feet behind the third row rivaled many small crossovers, providing ample space for a variety of needs.

The Suburban’s passenger space was equally commendable, offering tons of head- and legroom with a commanding view of the road. The second-row captains’ chairs were particularly spacious, ensuring front passengers didn’t need to adjust their seats. Although the Suburban’s control layout was intuitive, the new button shifter design and the power-sliding center console garnered a less favorable reception. These features felt overly complex and detracted from the overall user experience.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator also excelled in interior space but took it a step further. Its boxy shape not only provided ample room for six adults but also offered multiple seating configurations, accommodating up to seven passengers with generous comfort. With power-folding third-row seats and optional captain’s chairs for the second row, the Navigator catered to a variety of passenger needs.

Cargo space in the Standard Navigator was impressive, with 19 cubic feet behind the third row, 57 cubic feet behind the second, and a total of 103 cubic feet. Furthermore, opting for the long-wheelbase Navigator L increased these figures to 34, 73, and 120 cubic feet, respectively. The rear glass could open separately from the tailgate, providing convenience for loading items.

The Navigator’s interior was designed for luxury, with heated second-row seats and a three-zone climate system, although some premium features like electrically reclining rear seats were missing. The front seats were exceptionally adjustable, offering a multitude of settings to ensure maximum comfort. While parking the Navigator was challenging due to its size, its visibility and high driving position made daily driving more manageable.

The technology suite in the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban was robust and comprehensive. It featured a standard 10.2-inch touchscreen running GM’s intuitive infotainment system, with crisp graphics and a sensible layout. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which, when paired with the available wireless device charging pad, created a seamless and convenient user experience. Additional options like a rear entertainment system and a head-up display further enhanced the driving experience.

In comparison, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator’s technology felt somewhat lacking despite being high-tech. Its 10-inch touchscreen seemed small, especially when compared to the impressive displays in competitors like the Cadillac Escalade. The Navigator’s system didn’t support wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. However, it featured intuitive software with a unique Lincoln interface and fast voice recognition, despite being slightly slow in reaction times.

The Navigator did boast some unique tech features, including onboard 4G WiFi, wireless device charging, and a smartwatch app. It also offered drive mode animations on the instrument panel, enhancing the driving experience. Although the Revel Ultima stereo was good, it didn't quite reach the exceptional level expected from a luxury SUV.

Safety was a key consideration for both the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban and the 2021 Lincoln Navigator. The Suburban came equipped with automatic emergency braking, forward-collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, and rear parking sensors. Additionally, the Teen Driver system allowed parents to set speed and volume limitations for younger drivers. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view camera system. Notably, some competitors’ standard safety features were only available as options in the Suburban.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received high safety ratings, earning five stars overall from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, except in rollover resistance where it earned four stars for 4WD models and three stars for RWD models. While the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety hadn’t rated the Navigator, it offered unique features like inflatable rear seat belts for the second row. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and auto high beams. Adaptive cruise control was optional, although its self-steering capabilities lagged behind some competitors.