2021 INFINITI QX50 vs 2021 Lincoln Navigator

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 stood out in the luxury compact crossover segment with its distinctive design and engineering. Its large honeycomb grille and athletic-looking hood gave it a sporty appearance, while the crooked chrome strip at the rear added character. The panoramic moonroof brightened the cabin and offered stunning views, although thick B-pillars and a short rear window slightly hindered visibility. The interior featured soft-touch materials, aluminum trim, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, with front seats offering heating and cooling. Controls were user-friendly, though the gear shift lever's mix of traditional and push-button elements was somewhat confusing.

In contrast, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator exuded elegance and understatement despite its massive size. Its rectilinear shapes, body-color grille, and splashes of chrome maintained a classy look. The Pristine White model with black wheels and an illuminated Lincoln logo was particularly striking. Inside, the Navigator impressed with its seven color palettes, layered wood trim, and minimalist digital instrument panel. The materials were high-quality, and the Perfect Position seats offered 30 different adjustments, making the interior feel luxurious and refined.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), producing 268 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. Its unique VC-Turbo engine adjusted the compression ratio for a balance of power and efficiency. The engine operated smoothly and quietly, though the CVT's artificial shift points were noticeable. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available for an additional cost. The QX50's drive mode selector offered four modes: Standard, Sport, Eco, and Personal, with Sport mode providing the most responsive performance.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator, on the other hand, boasted a twin-turbo V6 engine from the Ford Raptor, delivering 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Navigator felt sprightly despite its size. Its 4WD system was smooth and responsive, with a towing capacity of 8,300 pounds for 4WD models and 8,700 pounds for RWD models. Fuel economy was poor, averaging in the teens, but the Navigator's adaptive dampers and powerful engine made it a refined and powerful vehicle on the highway.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 offered a spacious interior with ample hip, shoulder, and headroom, even with the panoramic moonroof. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed 38.7 inches of legroom, and the sliding second-row seats allowed for flexible cargo space. The cargo area provided 31.1 cubic feet of space behind the second row, expanding to 64.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. The QX50 also featured numerous cupholders, storage bins, and charging options.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator, with its tall boxy shape, provided ample space for six adults. The third row's middle seat was best suited for children, but the power-folding and raising seats added convenience. The Navigator offered 19 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 57 cubic feet behind the second row, and 103 cubic feet in total. The long-wheelbase Navigator L increased these figures to 34, 73, and 120 cubic feet, respectively. The rear glass opened separately from the tailgate, and the front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, making visibility easy despite the vehicle's size.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 featured the InTouch infotainment system with dual display screens, voice recognition, and a suite of connected services. Pairing a smartphone via Bluetooth was easy, and Apple CarPlay integration worked seamlessly. The 16-speaker Bose audio system delivered excellent sound quality. The Around View Monitor and ProPilot Assist added convenience and safety, making the QX50's technology user-friendly and effective.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's 10-inch touchscreen felt small compared to newer models, but the software was intuitive and easy to use. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima stereo was good, though not exceptional. The Navigator offered 4G WiFi, wireless device charging, and a smartwatch app, but lacked onboard apps and wireless software updates. The rear entertainment system included Roku media streaming, and the drive mode animations added a touch of elegance.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including blind-spot warning, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. The QX50 received four out of five stars for rollover resistance from NHTSA and Good ratings from IIHS for crash protection. The vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system also received a Superior rating.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received five stars overall from NHTSA, with four stars for rollover resistance in 4WD models and three stars in RWD models. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and auto high beams. Adaptive cruise control was optional, but the Navigator's self-steering capabilities were not as advanced as some competitors.