2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was introduced as a smaller sibling to the much-anticipated Bronco, capturing some of the rugged styling cues of its larger counterpart. It was designed as a unibody crossover with a focus on being an everyday driver, ready for weekend adventures. The Bronco Sport featured a modern retro aesthetic, reminiscent of a Land Rover, with short front and rear overhangs for better off-road capability. Its design included tall fender wells and a tucked-in body to minimize obstructions on trails. The vehicle's name was boldly displayed on the grille and tailgate, with a modest Ford badge on the exterior. The interior was rugged yet tastefully designed, with an uncluttered layout and an 8-inch infotainment screen. The trim levels offered a progression from cloth to leather-trimmed seats, with practical features like a rubberized cargo floor.

In contrast, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator was a luxurious SUV that shared its basic structure with the Ford Expedition but distinguished itself with unique design elements. It exuded elegance and understatement, despite its large size and 22-inch wheels. The Navigator's exterior featured simple rectilinear shapes, with body-color options and chrome accents for a classy look. The interior was impressive, with seven color palettes and high-quality materials. The Black Label trims offered even more luxurious textures and leather. The Perfect Position seats were highly adjustable, providing comfort akin to sports car bucket seats. The Navigator's cabin was spacious, with a focus on refinement and power, making it a compelling choice for those seeking luxury and performance.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport offered two engine options, both tied to specific trim levels. The Base, Big Bend, and Outer Banks trims were equipped with a 1.5-liter EcoBoost turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 181 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque. The Badlands and First Edition models featured a more powerful 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 245 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. All models came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, along with a terrain management system offering up to seven G.O.A.T. modes. The Bronco Sport excelled off-road, thanks to its short wheelbase, independent suspension, and decent ground clearance. On-road, it was a capable commuter, with the 2.0-liter engine providing a better match for its character.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbo V6 engine, borrowed from the Ford Raptor, producing an impressive 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, made the Navigator feel surprisingly agile for its size. It offered both rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive options, with a towing capacity of up to 8,700 pounds. While the Navigator's fuel economy was not its strong suit, averaging in the teens, its adaptive dampers provided a comfortable ride. The Navigator excelled on highways, with its powerful engine and plush cabin making long journeys enjoyable. However, its handling was not as precise as some competitors, like the Cadillac Escalade.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was designed with active buyers in mind, offering clever features for outdoor enthusiasts. Its cargo space was engineered to accommodate two 27.5-inch-wheel mountain bikes, and Ford provided a catalog of over 100 accessories for transporting various gear. The roof could support up to 150 pounds, and the vehicle could tow up to 2,200 pounds with the 2.0-liter engine. The cargo area featured a flip-up rear glass and an optional cargo management package with a slide-out work table. The front cabin offered ample storage compartments, though visibility could be challenging for taller drivers.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator boasted a spacious interior, capable of comfortably seating six adults. It offered a seven-passenger configuration, with an optional bench for eight passengers. The boxy shape provided generous cargo space, with up to 103 cubic feet available. The Navigator Reserve trim featured heated second-row seats and a three-zone climate system. While the second-row seats could be removed for maximum storage, they lacked electric reclining options. The front seats were highly adjustable, offering a luxurious experience with features like massage programs. The Navigator's large windows and high driving position ensured excellent visibility, though parking could be challenging due to its size.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was equipped with the latest infotainment systems, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen with SYNC 3, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility. It offered a FordConnect 4G LTE WiFi hotspot and an available Bang & Olufsen sound system. The terrain management system included multiple G.O.A.T. modes, with additional off-road assistance through trail control technology. Higher trims featured a 6.5-inch digital instrument panel and heated, leather-wrapped steering wheels.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's technology, while not cutting-edge, was intuitive and user-friendly. It featured a 10-inch touchscreen with a unique Lincoln interface, though it lacked wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima stereo provided good sound quality. The Navigator offered onboard 4G WiFi, wireless device charging, and a smartwatch app. Rear entertainment options included Roku media streaming and various connectivity options. The drive modes displayed animations on the instrument panel, adding a touch of elegance to the driving experience.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport came standard with the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features, including pre-collision assist, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control and other advanced features. All models featured all-wheel drive and a terrain management system with traction control and electronic stability control. However, crash-worthiness ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with high marks in most tests. It offered standard safety features like automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and inflatable rear seat belts. While the Navigator lacked knee airbags, it provided a comprehensive suite of safety technologies to ensure passenger protection.