2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2021 Nissan Armada

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator underwent a complete transformation from its earlier models, which were seen as merely dressed-up Ford Expeditions. Despite still sharing its side glass and overall footprint with the Expedition, the Navigator featured refined uniqueness in design that distanced it significantly from its Ford siblings. The vehicle's exterior was defined by simple yet elegant rectilinear shapes. These included body-color elements on the Monochromatic Package, windows, sweeping LED running lights, and a full-width taillight assembly. Chrome touches on the door trim, grille, and fender logos gave it an extra hint of class. Equipped with impressive 22-inch wheels, the Navigator showed that luxury could mix well with a robust, truck-like stance.

Inside, the Navigator boasted sophistication. With seven color palettes available, including the refined Slate Gray, the interior felt opulently appointed. Wood trim layered behind a 10-inch touchscreen, an integrated push-button gear selector, and a minimalist digital instrument panel added to the premium feel. Higher trims like the Black Label brought an even richer experience with a variety of textures and luxurious leather. The seats were particularly noteworthy, capable of adjusting in 30 different ways, enveloping passengers in comfort. The large windows and high driving position ensured great visibility, further enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Nissan Armada, on the other hand, received a significant facelift to align it more with Nissan's latest design language. With a new grille, front fenders, bumpers, and LED lighting, the Armada looked modern and athletic, retaining its robust and traditional SUV styling. The Midnight Edition Package added a dash of sportiness with dark exterior accents. Its range of colors, including the striking Coulis Red Pearl, offered ample choices for personalization.

However, while the Armada's exterior updates made it visually appealing, the interior felt a bit dated despite tech upgrades. The new 12.3-inch touchscreen was a standout feature, but some design choices like the usage of rouched materials and hard plastic inlays cheapened the overall aesthetic. Captain's chairs in the second row and features like power lumbar support ensured comfort but were offset by the less-than-optimal third-row legroom and a high load floor, which could be a struggle for shorter individuals.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator housed an exceptional twin-turbo V6 engine, similar to that found in the Ford Raptor. This 3.5-liter engine cranked out an impressive 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, this powerhouse delivered ample acceleration and a satisfying engine note. Available in both RWD and 4WD configurations, the Navigator proved versatile and nimble despite its size. Its towing capacity reached up to 8,700 pounds in RWD models. However, fuel efficiency lagged, with combined EPA ratings around 17 mpg.

The Navigator's ride quality, aided by adaptive dampers, was generally comfortable though not as refined as some competitors like the Cadillac Escalade. Steering and braking felt somewhat looser, lacking the precision offered by the Escalade's setup. However, on the highway, the Navigator’s quiet and plush cabin, along with its strong performance, provided an enjoyable driving experience.

The 2021 Nissan Armada came with a robust Endurance 5.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque when fueled with premium gasoline. This engine, paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission, offered solid performance. The Armada’s 4WD system, double-wishbone suspension, and high ground clearance made it a capable off-roader. However, the Armada was notably heavy, impacting its agility.

Fuel economy was another drawback, with RWD models getting an estimated 16 mpg combined. Despite this, the Armada featured excellent towing capabilities, with a best-in-class towing capacity of 8,500 pounds. Handling had improved over the years but maneuvering in tight spaces remained a challenge, making parking sensors a helpful, but not fully sufficient, tool.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator provided spacious comfort akin to a small bedroom, comfortably seating six adults in its tall, boxy frame. While it was a seven-passenger SUV, the third-row middle seat was best suited for children. It excelled in cargo capacity, offering 19 cubic feet behind the third row, 57 cubic feet behind the second, and 103 cubic feet in total. The long-wheelbase Navigator L increased these figures to 34, 73, and 120 cubic feet respectively. Features like power-folding third-row seats and a high driving position added practical benefits, though parking this behemoth remained cumbersome.

Conversely, the 2021 Nissan Armada offered ample space, though slightly less compared to the Navigator. It granted 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 49.9 cubic feet behind the second, and 95.4 cubic feet in total. While these figures sufficed for most needs, the high load floor presented a challenge for shorter individuals and kids. The cabin's storage options were somewhat limited, with most small-item storage relegated to the center console.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator’s technology, though not cutting-edge, remained functional and intuitive. It featured a 10-inch touchscreen, onboard 4G WiFi, wireless device charging, and a smart key system. Rear entertainment options included Roku media streaming, and drivers enjoyed slick animations when switching drive modes. However, the lack of full-screen maps, low-resolution cameras, and the absence of wireless CarPlay and Android Auto signaled a need for tech updates.

The 2021 Nissan Armada saw significant tech upgrades with a class-leading 12.3-inch touchscreen. Responsive and clear, this screen enhanced usability, especially with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, USB ports, and a WiFi hotspot. Higher trims featured a 13-speaker Bose audio system and a rearview camera mirror. The Armada's analog instruments and functional, albeit dated, steering wheel brought practicality but lacked sophistication compared to rivals.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator excelled in safety, receiving a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it scored lower in rollover resistance. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and auto high beams. Optional adaptive cruise control further eased long drives, though it lacked the precision steering assist found in some competitors.

Unfortunately, the 2021 Nissan Armada had not been fully rated by IIHS and NHTSA, with a three-star rating for rollover resistance indicative of its high rollover risk. Yet, it came standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, which offered a suite of driver-assist technology such as automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Armada did not include advanced driver assistance systems like Nissan ProPilot Assist, unlike some of its peers.