2021 Lexus RX vs 2021 Lincoln Navigator

The 2021 Lexus RX showcased a modern design aesthetic with its large grille, angular headlamps, shapely body, and floating roof. Inside, it featured sumptuous seating with perforated leather upholstery, though the center console design was considered bland and dated. Lexus offered the RX in five variants: RX, RX F Sport, RXL, RX Hybrid, and RXL Hybrid, each catering to different needs from base models to performance-focused and extended body versions. The 2021 model retained the elongated headlights and refined front-end design introduced in 2020, which aimed to address previous criticisms. Standard features included 18-inch aluminum wheels, LED lighting, and rear privacy glass, with available upgrades like 20-inch wheels and triple-beam LED headlights. The F Sport Appearance package added unique styling and performance enhancements. The interior boasted standard features like NuLuxe-trimmed seats and power-adjustable front seats, with available upgrades including semi-aniline leather upholstery and heated second-row seats.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator, in contrast, distinguished itself from its Ford Expedition roots with a unique design and luxurious feel. The Navigator's exterior featured simple rectilinear shapes, a body-color grille in the Monochromatic Package, and 22-inch wheels. The Pristine White example tested in winter conditions impressed with its elegant design and light show upon unlocking. Inside, the Navigator offered seven color palettes and high-quality materials, with the Slate Gray interior of the test truck showcasing fine details like layered wood trim and a floating center console. The Black Label trims elevated luxury further with more textures and softer leather. The Perfect Position seats, adjustable in 30 ways, provided exceptional comfort. Overall, the Navigator's interior was spacious and refined, though it lacked some of the advanced features found in competitors like the Cadillac Escalade.

The 2021 Lexus RX, RXL, and RX F-Sport were powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The front-wheel-drive RX 350 was the most fuel-efficient, achieving 20 mpg in the city, 27 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg combined. All-wheel drive and RXL models had slightly lower fuel economy. The RX Hybrid and RXL Hybrid, with a combined 308 horsepower from a 3.5-liter V6 and three electric motors, offered better fuel efficiency, managing up to 31 mpg in the city. The RX's suspension and handling improvements made it more dynamic, with the F Sport Handling package adding adaptive variable suspension and other performance features. The RX was a comfortable cruiser, with the F-Sport model providing a bit more excitement. It had a top speed of 124 mph and could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 7.7 to 7.9 seconds, depending on the drivetrain.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator featured a powerful twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Navigator's 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 less impressive, averaging in the teens and fitting the EPA-estimated 17-mpg combined rating. The Navigator's adaptive dampers provided a decent ride, though not as refined as the Cadillac Escalade's magnetic shocks and air springs. The Navigator excelled in highway refinement and power, with paddle shifters adding a touch of sportiness. Despite some shortcomings in handling and ride quality, the Navigator's overall performance was impressive for its size.

The 2021 Lexus RX was a functional SUV with seating for five in the two-row RX 350, RX F-Sport, and RX 450h, and six or seven in the three-row RXL and RXL Hybrid. Front and second-row seats offered ample space, while the third row was tight. Cargo space was limited compared to traditional SUVs, with 18.4 cubic feet behind the second row and 56.3 cubic feet with seats folded in the two-row models. The three-row versions had just 7.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 23 cubic feet behind the second, and 58.5 cubic feet with all seats folded. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free option available.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered ample space for six adults, with a possible total of eight passengers with the optional second-row bench. The boxy design provided generous cargo space, with 19 cubic feet behind the third row, 57 cubic feet behind the second, and 103 cubic feet 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 advanced features found in competitors. The front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, with excellent visibility. However, parking was challenging due to the vehicle's size, despite the 360-degree cameras.

The 2021 Lexus RX came standard with dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry, an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, voice recognition, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, HD Radio, a WiFi hot spot, six USB ports, and a nine-speaker sound system. Upgrades included a 12.3-inch touchscreen, additional USB ports, a moonroof, wireless charging, navigation, and a 15-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound system. The infotainment system, while functional, was not the easiest to use, and the Remote Touch controller took up valuable center console space. The RX lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator featured a 10-inch touchscreen, which felt small compared to newer competitors. The infotainment system was intuitive, sharing its interface with Ford but with a unique Lincoln skin. It lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the cameras were low-resolution. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima stereo was good but not exceptional. The Navigator offered onboard 4G WiFi, 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. The Navigator's technology was clear and easy to use, though it lacked some advanced features found in competitors.

The 2021 Lexus RX received the IIHS Top Safety Pick designation, scoring all Good marks on crashworthiness tests. The RXL and RXL Hybrid were not tested by IIHS. The NHTSA rated the RX 350, RX 350L, and RX 450h with four out of five stars overall and five stars for side-impact crashworthiness. Standard safety features included a rearview camera, 10 airbags, enhanced vehicle stability control, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 suite included a pre-collision system, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, lane-trace assist, and road sign assist. The RX lacked hands-off piloting-like software found in some competitors.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received five stars overall from the NHTSA, with five stars in every test except for rollover resistance (four stars for 4WD models, three stars for RWD models). The IIHS had not rated the Navigator in its current generation. Optional inflatable rear seat belts for the second row were a rare safety feature. 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 and lane-tracking capabilities were not as advanced as some competitors.