2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid presented a unique blend of sharp edges and a streamlined profile, making it stand out from traditional SUVs. Despite its distinctive appearance, the design had not evolved significantly over the years, maintaining a sense of familiarity. The NX shared its platform with the previous-generation Toyota RAV4, which was evident in its engineering, placing it a step behind the newer RAV4. The F Sport Black Line model featured a larger mesh grille, dark-finish 18-inch wheels, and a striking Grecian Water blue paint, which contrasted nicely with the darker trim elements. Inside, the NX's design, once radical, had become familiar, with a stepped center console and a lack of traditional luxury materials like wood trim. The F Sport package added sporty elements like an aluminum pedal and NuLuxe upholstery, but the overall material quality felt more mainstream than luxury.

In contrast, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator exuded elegance and understatement, despite its massive size and 22-inch wheels. Its design was defined by simple rectilinear shapes and tasteful chrome accents, creating a classy appearance. The Pristine White model with a monochromatic package and illuminated Lincoln logo was particularly striking during winter tests. Inside, the Navigator impressed with its seven color palettes and attention to finer details, such as layered wood trim and a minimalist digital instrument panel. The materials were of high quality, with tight panel gaps, and the Black Label trims offered even more luxurious textures. The Perfect Position seats provided exceptional comfort with 30-way adjustability, making the Navigator's interior one of the most refined in its class.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a total system output of 194 horsepower. It came standard with all-wheel drive, but its performance was more focused on fuel efficiency than excitement. The NX Hybrid accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 9.1 seconds, with a top speed of 112 mph. The drivetrain struggled with a heavy right foot, resulting in a clunky transition between electric and gasoline power. The sport-tuned suspension in the Black Line package improved handling, making the NX agile in corners while maintaining a comfortable ride. However, the steering was numb, and the overall driving experience felt less refined compared to newer models based on the Toyota New Global Architecture platform.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator, on the other hand, boasted a powerful twin-turbo V6 engine producing 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Navigator felt surprisingly sprightly for its size. It offered a towing capacity of 8,300 pounds for 4WD models and 8,700 pounds for RWD models. While fuel economy was poor, averaging in the teens, the Navigator excelled in highway refinement and power. The adaptive dampers provided a decent ride, though not as supple as some competitors. The steering and brakes lacked the precision of the Cadillac Escalade, but the Navigator's overall refinement and power made it a compelling choice for those prioritizing highway comfort.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid offered limited interior space, with the least front headroom in its segment and cramped rear seats. Front-seat legroom was generous, but rear legroom was the worst among its competitors. The sloping roofline and thick rear pillars compromised rear visibility, though large exterior mirrors helped. The NX's dashboard and door sides rose high, providing a sporty feel, but it might not suit buyers seeking a traditional SUV experience. Cargo space was limited, with 16.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 53.7 cubic feet with them folded. While power-folding second-row seats and a power liftgate were available, they were not standard.

In contrast, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered a spacious interior, accommodating up to eight passengers with its optional bench seat. The boxy shape provided ample cargo space, with 19 cubic feet behind the third row, 57 behind the second, and 103 in total. The long-wheelbase Navigator L offered even more storage. The rear glass opened separately from the tailgate, adding convenience. The Navigator Reserve featured heated second-row seats and a three-zone climate system, though it lacked some features offered by German competitors. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with extensive adjustability and massage programs. Visibility was excellent, but parking was challenging due to its size.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid's infotainment system was a weak point, featuring an 8-inch display with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. However, the lack of a touchscreen and the awkward Remote Touch Interface touchpad made it difficult to use while driving. The graphics felt dated, and the base audio system sounded tinny. Higher trims offered a 14-speaker Mark Levinson system, but the overall infotainment experience was underwhelming.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's technology felt dated compared to newer competitors. Its 10-inch touchscreen looked small, and the instrument panel lacked advanced features like full-screen maps. The cameras were low-resolution, and the infotainment system couldn't wirelessly connect to Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. However, the software was intuitive, with fast voice recognition. The Navigator offered onboard 4G WiFi, wireless device charging, and a smartwatch app. Rear entertainment included Roku media streaming and various connectivity options. While not as advanced as some rivals, the Navigator's technology was functional and user-friendly.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid received a "Top Safety Pick+" award from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention tech. The NHTSA gave it a five-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features included the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 bundle, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and more. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were newly standard for 2021. However, a 360-degree camera system was missing.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in most tests. It lacked knee airbags but offered optional inflatable rear seat belts. 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.