2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vs 2021 Lincoln Navigator

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was a testament to elegance and understatement, a feat not easily achieved by a three-ton vehicle. While it shared some design elements with the Ford Expedition, the Navigator stood apart with its unique features, such as the body-color grille and sweeping LED running lights. Its Pristine White exterior, complemented by black wheels and an illuminated Lincoln logo, made it a standout during winter tests. Inside, the Navigator impressed with its seven color palettes and modern design, featuring a floating center console and a minimalist digital instrument panel. The materials used were of high quality, with tight panel gaps, and the Black Label trims offered even more luxurious textures and leather. The Perfect Position seats, adjustable in 30 different ways, added to the Navigator's appeal, making it one of the most comfortable large SUVs available.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe made its presence known through its unique sound and appearance. With a single "4xe" badge and sky blue accents, it was nearly indistinguishable from a regular Wrangler, except for the power port at the windshield's base. The Wrangler 4xe's silent operation, thanks to its electric powertrain, turned heads as it navigated Yosemite National Park. The Rubicon trim, painted in Firecracker Red, came with over $13,000 in options, bringing the price to $66,690. Inside, the Wrangler 4xe maintained the classic Wrangler look with some modern touches, like blue seat stitching and special PHEV gauges. While it offered more soft-touch materials than expected, the interior retained its rugged, hose-me-out feel. The controls were laid out for functionality, and the Wrangler's purposeful simplicity was evident, though it lacked the luxury and refinement of other vehicles in its price range.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a remarkable twin-turbo V6 engine, borrowed from the Ford Raptor, delivering 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided the Navigator with impressive acceleration and a satisfying sound. Available in both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) configurations, the Navigator offered a towing capacity of 8,300 pounds for 4WD models and 8,700 pounds for RWD models. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, averaging in the teens, aligning with the EPA-estimated 17-mpg combined rating. While the Navigator's adaptive dampers were standard, its suspension felt less refined compared to competitors like the Cadillac Escalade. Despite some shortcomings in steering and braking precision, the Navigator excelled in highway refinement and power, with paddle shifters adding a touch of sportiness.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with two electric motors and a 17-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack. This setup provided an estimated 21 miles of pure electric driving and a total driving range of 370 miles. The Wrangler 4xe offered three powertrain modes: Hybrid, Electric, and e-Save, allowing drivers to optimize power and efficiency. In Hybrid mode, the Wrangler 4xe delivered 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in six seconds. During a road trip to Yosemite, the Wrangler 4xe demonstrated its ability to recharge the battery through regenerative braking, enhancing overall efficiency. However, its aerodynamic inefficiency and wind noise on the freeway were notable drawbacks. Despite these challenges, the Wrangler 4xe provided a unique driving experience, blending electric and gasoline power.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered a spacious interior, akin to a small bedroom, accommodating up to eight passengers. Its boxy shape contributed to generous cargo space, with 19 cubic feet behind the third row, 57 behind the second, and a total of 103 cubic feet. The Navigator Reserve trim featured heated second-row seats and a three-zone climate system, though it lacked some advanced features found in German competitors. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with numerous adjustments and massage programs. Visibility was excellent, thanks to large windows and a high driving position, though parking could be challenging due to its size.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe required some effort to enter and exit, especially for shorter passengers, due to its high door sills and lack of side steps. Once inside, the Wrangler 4xe offered a classic driving position with clear visibility. The interior featured manual front seat height adjusters, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. However, storage space was limited, and the rear seat space was best suited for upright seating. Cargo volume measured 27.7 cubic feet behind the back seat, with a maximum of 72.4 cubic feet when the seat was folded. The Wrangler's design, including the swing-out tailgate and flip-up rear glass, added to its charm but could be inconvenient in tight spaces.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's technology felt somewhat dated compared to newer competitors. Its 10-inch touchscreen, while intuitive, lacked the advanced features found in vehicles like the Cadillac Escalade. The Navigator's infotainment system did not support wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, and its cameras were low-resolution. However, it offered features like onboard 4G WiFi, wireless device charging, and a smartwatch app. The rear entertainment system included Roku media streaming and various connectivity options, while drive mode animations added a touch of flair.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe featured an 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a navigation system. While the system was intuitive, it showed signs of aging in terms of load time and responsiveness. The Wrangler 4xe's technological advancements were primarily related to its plug-in hybrid powertrain, with data displays for charging and power usage. The Trip Summary data panel provided helpful charging time estimates, and the blue charging indicator lights on the dashboard allowed for easy monitoring of battery status.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with four stars for rollover resistance in 4WD models and three stars in RWD models. It offered standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and auto high beams. Optional inflatable rear seat belts provided additional safety for second-row passengers, though knee airbags were not available.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe came with advanced driving assistance systems bundled in the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group packages. These included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, and forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking. The Wrangler's LED headlights with automatic high beams were effective, though they received a Marginal rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The Wrangler's safety ratings were mixed, with a four-star frontal-impact crash-test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and a three-star rollover resistance rating.