2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2021 Lincoln Navigator

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB, introduced in 2020, was a fresh addition to the Mercedes-Benz SUV lineup, fitting between the smaller GLA and the larger GLC. Despite its unique dimensions, the GLB shared a familial resemblance with its lineup mates, making it difficult to distinguish without checking the badge. The GLB boasted an attractive, athletic stance, partly due to its 7.9 inches of ground clearance, which was more forgiving on soft roads and speed humps compared to the lower-slung GLA and GLC. Inside, the GLB impressed with its modern design, featuring round shapes across the dash, polished metal HVAC vents, and a single panel housing both the virtual instrument cluster and infotainment screen. The cabin's fit and finish were of Mercedes-Benz's high standards, with a beefy steering wheel and perforated leather grips adding to the driving experience.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator, while sharing some design elements with the Ford Expedition, stood out with its unique elegance and understatement. Its rectilinear shapes, body-color grille, and full-width taillight assembly exuded class, while the Pristine White example with black wheels and an illuminated Lincoln logo made a striking impression during winter tests. The Navigator's interior was equally impressive, offering seven color palettes and a taste for finer details, such as layered wood trim and a floating center console. The Black Label trims elevated the luxury with more textures and softer leather. The Perfect Position seats, adjustable in 30 ways, provided exceptional comfort, making the Navigator a formidable contender in the luxury SUV segment.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB was equipped with a single engine option, a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder producing 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, the GLB offered front-wheel drive as standard, with an optional 4MATIC all-wheel drive for an additional $2,000. The GLB's fuel economy was rated at 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway for FWD, and 23 mpg city and 31 mpg highway for AWD. Weighing between 3,638 and 3,891 pounds, the GLB managed a 0-60 mph time of 6.9 seconds, with a top speed of 130 mph. The 4MATIC version provided better handling and agility, especially with the Off-Road Engineering Package, which included features like hill-start assist and downhill speed regulation.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator featured a powerful 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, offered both rear-wheel and four-wheel drive options. The Navigator's towing capacity was impressive, with 8,300 pounds for 4WD models and 8,700 pounds for RWD models. However, its fuel economy was less favorable, 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 this, the Navigator excelled in highway refinement, with its powerful engine and plush cabin making it a comfortable cruiser.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB offered a choice between two and three-row configurations, with the third-row option affecting the second row and cargo space. The second row featured a 40:20:40 split seatback and a 40:60 split seat bottom, with adjustable recline and sliding capabilities. In the three-row version, the second row had an "Easy-Entry" function for easier access to the third row, which was best suited for children or short trips due to limited legroom and headroom. Cargo space varied, with 27.0 cubic feet behind the second row in the two-row model and 5.1 cubic feet behind the third row in the three-row model. The front seats were comfortable and highly adjustable, with available heated and ventilated options.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered ample space, resembling a small bedroom with its tall boxy shape. It could accommodate six adults comfortably, with an optional bench for a total of eight passengers. 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 provided even more storage. The Navigator's interior featured heated second-row seats and a three-zone climate system, with an optional console for the second row. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with numerous adjustments and massage programs. Visibility was excellent, though parking could be challenging due to its size.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB was well-equipped with technology, featuring the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with voice control and natural language understanding. Standard features included a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, a 7-inch touchscreen multimedia display, and smartphone integration with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Premium Package offered larger 10.25-inch displays and a Burmester Surround Sound System. The optional Multimedia Package added navigation with augmented reality and traffic-sign assist. Additional options included adaptive damping, ambient lighting, wireless charging, and a head-up display.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's technology felt slightly dated compared to newer competitors, with a 10-inch touchscreen and a 20-speaker Revel Ultima stereo. While the software was intuitive and shared its interface with Ford, it lacked wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Navigator offered onboard 4G WiFi, wireless device charging, and a smartwatch app, with remote app functions included for five years. The rear entertainment system featured Roku media streaming and various connections. Drive mode animations added a touch of flair to the instrument panel, though the overall tech experience was simpler compared to some rivals.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB came with a suite of standard safety features, including active brake assist, adaptive braking technology, crosswind assist, and attention assist. Optional features included active LED headlamps, adaptive high-beam assist, and blind-spot assist. The Driver Assistance Package added advanced features like active distance assist, active steering assist, and Pre-Safe Plus with Pre-Safe Sound. However, the GLB had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in most tests except for rollover resistance. 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 not as advanced as some competitors.