2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE had a mixed reception regarding its exterior design. While it showed promise with an aggressive nose and sloping hood, it lost its appeal past the A-pillar, making it look similar to older models. The flat taillights and contoured rear helped somewhat, but it still lacked the pitch-perfect proportions seen in competitors like BMW, Audi, and Jaguar. The AMG trim added a sporty touch, but it couldn't compete with the likes of the BMW X5 M or Porsche Cayenne Turbo. However, the interior was a different story. The redesigned GLE Coupe for 2021 featured a streamlined and cohesive look, with a luxurious interior that boasted high-quality materials, a striking red and black color scheme, and advanced features like twin arching grab handles and LED lighting. Despite some flimsy gear selectors, the GLE's interior exuded a sense of pampering and luxury.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator, on the other hand, was a standout in terms of elegance and understatement. Despite sharing some design elements with the Ford Expedition, the Navigator felt unique and luxurious. The exterior featured simple rectilinear shapes, a body-color grille, and tasteful chrome accents. The Pristine White model with a white-painted grille and black wheels was particularly striking. The Navigator also impressed with its light show when locking or unlocking the vehicle. Inside, the Navigator offered seven color palettes and a taste for finer details, such as layered wood trim and a minimalist digital instrument panel. The materials were high-quality, and the Perfect Position seats offered 30 different adjustments, making the Navigator one of the most comfortable and luxurious SUVs in its class.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled in performance with its complex suspension and engine setups. The base GLE 350 featured a coil-sprung setup, while the GLE 450 offered AIRMATIC self-leveling air springs. The AMG Ride Control+ and E-Active Body Control systems provided exceptional handling, allowing the GLE to lean into turns like a motorcyclist. The AMG GLE 53 Coupe featured an electric supercharger for instant throttle response, while the GLE 580 and AMG GLE 63 S offered twin-turbo V8 engines with up to 603 horsepower. All GLE models, except the base GLE 350, were hybrids with a 48-volt battery system, providing additional horsepower and torque. The GLE's towing capacity was impressive at 7,700 pounds, and its ride quality and steering were exceptional, making it feel agile despite its size.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator featured a powerful twin-turbo V6 engine from the Ford Raptor, producing 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Navigator offered quick acceleration and a smooth driving experience. The 4WD system was efficient, and the towing capacity was substantial at 8,300 pounds for 4WD models and 8,700 pounds for RWD models. However, the Navigator's fuel economy was poor, averaging in the teens. The suspension, while featuring adaptive dampers, felt rudimentary compared to competitors, and the steering and brakes lacked the precision found in the Cadillac Escalade. Despite these shortcomings, the Navigator's low-end thrust and quiet cabin made it a refined and powerful choice for highway driving.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a spacious interior with optional third-row seating, allowing for up to seven passengers. The second-row seats featured power controls for recline and fore-aft adjustments, and the third row was accessible with the push of a button. Cargo capacity was 34 cubic feet behind the second row and 75 cubic feet with all rows folded. The GLE Coupe, however, was limited to five passengers and had less cargo space due to its sloping roofline. The new MBUX infotainment system improved usability with a single touchpad and simplified interface, although some controls, like the thumbpads on the steering wheel, were less intuitive.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered ample space for up to eight passengers with its tall, boxy design. The second-row captain's chairs were standard, with an optional bench seat for additional seating. Cargo capacity was impressive, with 19 cubic feet behind the third row, 57 cubic feet behind the second row, and 103 cubic feet in total. The long-wheelbase Navigator L provided even more storage space. The rear glass opened separately from the tailgate, adding convenience. The front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, with features like separate thigh extensions and massage programs. Visibility was excellent, but parking was challenging due to the vehicle's size.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured a 12-inch touchscreen with Interior Assistant, allowing for gesture controls and personalized shortcuts. The system was intuitive, with search bars and larger type for easy navigation. The AMG models included a Track Pace app for virtual pit crew functions and GPS lap timing. The GLE also offered advanced features like a head-up display, ambient lighting with 64 colors, and a natural voice assistant. The semi-automated functionality provided lane-changing and curve-slowing capabilities, making the GLE one of the most technologically advanced SUVs on the market.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's 10-inch touchscreen felt outdated compared to competitors, lacking features like full-screen maps and wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima stereo was good but not exceptional. However, the software was intuitive and easy to use, with fast and accurate voice recognition. The Navigator offered onboard 4G WiFi, wireless device charging, and a smartwatch app. The rear entertainment system included Roku media streaming and various connection options. The drive mode animations on the instrument panel were a nice touch, and the overall simplicity of the system was a relief compared to the overkill found in some competitors.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE earned the Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, scoring top marks in six crash tests and for its standard forward emergency braking. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration had not rated the GLE. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring and a driver attention monitor, with optional features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and 360-degree cameras. The GLE also offered Pre-Safe Sound and Pre-Safe Impulse Side for added protection in a crash.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received five stars overall from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with four stars for rollover resistance in 4WD models and three stars in RWD models. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety 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, but the Navigator's self-steering capabilities were not as advanced as some competitors.