2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2021 Genesis GV80

The 2021 Genesis GV80, as Genesis' first SUV, was a fresh design that managed to balance innovation with the brand's emerging signature style. It featured a sleek two-box design with a long hood and short front overhang, complemented by a massive trapezoidal grille and distinctive "Quad Lamp" LED headlights. The GV80's exterior was marked by elegant lines and high-quality finishes, with big wheel arches and aluminum-alloy wheels adding to its robust appearance. Inside, the GV80 offered a luxurious and technologically advanced cabin, with a minimalist dashboard design that emphasized spaciousness. Authentic materials like real wood, metal, and leather were used throughout, creating a sophisticated and comfortable environment.

In contrast, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator was a testament to elegance and understatement, despite its massive size. It shared some design elements with the Ford Expedition but stood out with its unique features and luxurious touches. The Navigator's exterior was defined by simple rectilinear shapes, a body-color grille, and tasteful chrome accents. Its Pristine White finish and illuminated Lincoln logo added a touch of class. Inside, the Navigator impressed with its attention to detail, offering seven color palettes and high-quality materials. The interior was spacious and comfortable, with advanced seating options and a focus on passenger comfort. The Navigator's design successfully combined luxury with practicality, making it a standout in its class.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a more powerful twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 with 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. The V6 models came standard with all-wheel drive, while the four-cylinder models had rear-wheel drive with an optional all-wheel drive. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The GV80's ride was smooth, thanks to its independent multi-link suspension and available electronically-controlled suspension with road preview. The 3.5T models also featured an electronic limited-slip differential for improved handling in challenging conditions. Fuel economy for the GV80 ranged from 18 to 25 mpg, depending on the engine and drivetrain configuration.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a single engine option, a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 borrowed from the Ford Raptor, delivering an impressive 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and offered in both rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. The Navigator's towing capacity was substantial, with 8,300 pounds for 4WD models and 8,700 pounds for RWD models. While the Navigator's fuel economy was not its strong suit, averaging in the teens, its performance was characterized by strong acceleration and a refined driving experience. The Navigator's adaptive dampers provided a comfortable ride, although it lacked the advanced suspension technology found in some competitors.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 featured a sophisticated interior with a focus on technology and ergonomics. The center console and stack were designed with a blend of technology and design, featuring a rotary gear selector and a circular multimedia controller with dual control capabilities. The GV80's second row was spacious and comfortable, with power-adjustable seats and available luxury features like power window shades and three-row climate control. The third row was standard on certain models, offering additional passenger capacity, although it was not available on all trims.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator boasted a spacious interior with ample room for passengers and cargo. It could accommodate up to eight passengers, with manually-reclining captain's chairs in the second row and an optional bench seat. The Navigator's boxy shape contributed to its generous cargo space, with up to 103 cubic feet available. The rear glass opened separately from the tailgate, providing convenient access to the cargo area. The Navigator's front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, offering a range of customization options for a luxurious driving experience.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 featured a state-of-the-art infotainment system with a 14.5-inch HD screen and user-configurable displays. It supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with over-the-air updates and cloud profiles for personalized settings. The GV80 also offered a digital key function for Android users, allowing them to unlock and configure the vehicle using their smartphones. The audio system ranged from a standard 12-speaker setup to a premium 21-speaker Lexicon Quantum Logic Surround system.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's technology was slightly less advanced, with a 10-inch touchscreen and a 20-speaker Revel Ultima stereo. While the system was intuitive and shared its interface with Ford models, it lacked some of the advanced features found in competitors. The Navigator offered onboard 4G WiFi, wireless device charging, and a smartwatch app, but it did not support wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The rear entertainment system included Roku media streaming and various connectivity options.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including 10 airbags, electronic stability control, and a range of collision-avoidance systems. It also offered adaptive cruise control with machine learning and highway-driving assist for enhanced safety and convenience. The GV80's crashworthiness had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA at the time, but Genesis aimed for top safety ratings.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with high marks in most categories. It offered standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional inflatable rear seat belts provided additional protection for rear passengers. While the Navigator's adaptive cruise control was available, it did not offer the same level of autonomous driving capabilities as some competitors.