2021 Ford Escape vs 2022 Lincoln Navigator

The Ford Escape is the Blue Oval’s compact crossover SUV, and one of the most important models in the automaker’s lineup. It competes in one of the most popular market segments of the moment, against popular vehicles like the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Nissan Rogue, and Subaru Forester.

Ford also views the Escape as the de facto choice for a large slice of its customers. After the automaker eliminated sedans and hatchbacks from its United States lineup, the Escape was left as the most logical choice for keeping existing Fusion and Focus owners in the Ford fold. So in a 2020 model year redesign, Ford gave the Escape more car-like styling, and emphasized fuel efficiency.

Following that redesign, the 2021 Escape is largely unchanged. The only differences are new appearance packages and exterior colors, an available tow package, and slightly improved fuel economy for the base powertrain. The trim-level lineup of S, SE, SEL, and Titanium carries over as well. So while we didn’t get a chance to drive a 2021 Escape, we can evaluate it based on our experience with the 2020 model.

Sometimes, only a full-size SUV will do. Among the handful of large luxury models available, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator stands apart with its classically elegant design, robust towing capacity, and soothing comfort in all three rows of seats.

For the 2022 Navigator, Lincoln makes numerous changes to update the SUV’s styling, comfort, technology, safety, and driving dynamics. To experience the changes first-hand, we headed to Scottsdale, Arizona following a cold snap of winter weather. In short, the facelift has revived the aging Navigator, keeping it competitive against newer rivals.