2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2021 Kia Sportage

The 2021 Kia Sportage featured a design that some might describe as frog-like, with its tiger-nose grille and bulbous headlights. Kia, however, marketed the Sportage’s styling as “Euro-focused.” This two-row crossover SUV had a relatively short wheelbase and short overhangs, making it ideal for city driving. The headlights carried over from the 2020 model, and the Sportage could be equipped with 17-, 18-, or 19-inch wheels. Inside, an 8-inch touchscreen display served as a stylish centerpiece, flanked by air vents and physical buttons for tuning and volume. The interior, while not the most tech-forward, was still a pleasant place to sit.

In contrast, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator exuded elegance and understatement, a challenging feat for a three-ton truck riding on 22-inch wheels. The Navigator's design included simple rectilinear shapes defining the grille, windows, headlights, and taillights, with a few chrome accents for added class. The Pristine White model with a white-painted grille, black wheels, and an illuminated Lincoln logo was particularly striking. The Navigator also featured a small light show when locking or unlocking the vehicle, adding a touch of flair.

The 2021 Kia Sportage offered three trims: LX, EX, and SX Turbo, with either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). The LX and EX trims were powered by a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. The SX Turbo trim featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged GDI four-cylinder engine, delivering 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. All Sportage models used a six-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy for the FWD 2.4-liter engine was 23 mpg city, 30 highway, and 26 combined, while AWD models saw a slight dip. The turbocharged models had lower fuel economy, with the FWD version at 20/28/23 and the AWD at 19/24/21. The Sportage’s McPherson-strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension provided a smooth ride, though the steering and tire grip left something to be desired.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbo V6 engine from the Ford Raptor, producing 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, made the Navigator feel surprisingly sprightly. The Navigator offered both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) options, 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, with an EPA-estimated 17 mpg combined. The Navigator featured adaptive dampers, but its suspension felt rudimentary compared to competitors. The steering and brakes were also less precise, though the Navigator’s low-end thrust and quiet cabin made it a refined and powerful highway cruiser.

The 2021 Kia Sportage, while on the smaller side of the compact crossover segment, offered good interior space for passengers. The SX Turbo trim included a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and an 8-way power-adjustable passenger seat, with heated and ventilated options. Rear legroom and headroom were adequate, but cargo space was limited, with 30.7 cubic feet behind the second row and 60.1 cubic feet with the rear seat folded.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator, on the other hand, offered the space of a small bedroom. It could comfortably house six adults, with an optional bench seat increasing capacity to eight. Cargo space was generous, with 19 cubic feet behind the third row, 57 behind the second, and 103 in total. The long-wheelbase Navigator L offered even more space. The rear glass opened separately from the tailgate, a convenient feature for loading. The Navigator’s front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, with numerous settings and massage programs. Visibility was excellent, though parking was challenging due to its size.

The 2021 Kia Sportage featured an 8-inch touchscreen interface with Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and USB ports as standard. Most trims also included Kia’s UVO Link connected services. The SX Turbo trim added wireless charging and an eight-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system. The technology was user-friendly, with logical menus and physical buttons.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator, despite its 10-inch touchscreen, felt outdated compared to newer models. The instrument panel lacked full-screen maps and different designs, and the cameras were low-resolution. However, the software was intuitive, with voice recognition and onboard 4G WiFi. The Navigator also featured wireless device charging, a smartwatch app, and the ability to use a smartphone as the vehicle’s ignition key. Rear entertainment included Roku media streaming and various connections. Drive mode animations added a touch of elegance.

The 2021 Kia Sportage excelled in safety, with standard advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, automatic high beams, and a driver-monitoring system. The SX Turbo trim added adaptive cruise control. The Sportage earned Top Safety Pick status from the IIHS and performed well in NHTSA crash tests.

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