2021 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2021 Lincoln Navigator

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser, in its final year of the current form, offered a Heritage Edition trim to celebrate its 65th anniversary. This edition was available in four colors, with Midnight Black being the standout choice, complemented by bronze BBS wheels and a Yakima Megawarrior roof storage basket. However, the standard Land Cruiser, which arrived for review, was dressed in Magnetic Gray paint with Terra semi-aniline premium leather upholstery. Externally, it resembled a first-generation Toyota Highlander, with oversized headlights and taillights, and a chrome-heavy design. Inside, the Land Cruiser mixed Toyota parts-bin switchgear with Lexus design themes, featuring high-quality materials and a traditional hand-operated parking brake. The overall experience was akin to a nostalgic journey back in time, though not far enough to when these SUVs were the pinnacle of desirability.

In contrast, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator was a departure from its predecessors, which were essentially dressed-up Ford Expeditions. The Navigator shared some elements with the Expedition but stood out with its unique design and luxurious feel. The theme was elegance and understatement, with simple rectilinear shapes defining its exterior, complemented by a few chrome accents. The Pristine White example tested was a perfect snowmobile during winter tests, with its illuminated Lincoln logo and powered running boards. Inside, the Navigator impressed with its seven color palettes and attention to finer details, such as the layered wood trim and floating center console. The materials were of high quality, and the Perfect Position seats offered 30 different adjustments, making the Navigator one of the most comfortable large SUVs available.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser was powered by a 381-horsepower 5.7-liter V8 engine, shared with the Toyota Tundra. The engine's roar was subdued, contributing to an average fuel economy of 14.7 mpg, slightly better than the EPA rating of 14 mpg. An eight-speed automatic transmission delivered power to all four wheels through a full-time four-wheel-drive system with a two-speed transfer case. The Land Cruiser's off-road prowess was enhanced by features like a Torsen limited-slip differential, mud-and-snow tires, and a full-size spare tire. It also boasted Active Traction Control, Multi-Terrain Select, Crawl Control, and Off-Road Turn Assist, making it capable of handling challenging terrains. On pavement, the Land Cruiser offered a refined driving experience, though it required more steering effort when parking. It was rated to tow up to 8,100 pounds.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator featured a twin-turbo V6 engine from the Ford Raptor, producing 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided a sprightly performance for the Navigator, with a towing capacity of 8,300 pounds for 4WD models and 8,700 pounds for RWD models. The Navigator's fuel economy was in the teens, aligning with the EPA-estimated 17-mpg combined rating. While the Navigator's adaptive dampers were standard, its suspension felt less sophisticated compared to competitors like the Escalade. The steering and brakes lacked the precision found in the Cadillac, but the Navigator excelled in highway refinement and power, with paddle shifters adding a touch of sportiness.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's interior was swanky despite its dated appearance. Storage space was limited, with a small center console bin that doubled as a "cool box." The seats were covered in plush, premium leather, with the front seats offering heating and ventilation. The Land Cruiser provided a commanding view from the driver's seat, and the second-row bench seat was roomy and heated. The SUV featured a four-zone automatic climate control system with 28 air vents. The third-row seat could accommodate adults if the second row was adjusted, but leg support was lacking. Cargo space was 16.1 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 82.8 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered ample space, akin to a small bedroom, with seating for up to eight passengers. The boxy shape contributed to generous cargo space, with 19 cubic feet behind the third row, 57 behind the second, and 103 in total. The Navigator L variant 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. The front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, with features like separate thigh extensions and massage programs. Visibility was excellent, though parking was challenging due to the vehicle's size.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's technology was reminiscent of a simpler era. It featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system that required tapping rather than swiping. The system ran on Toyota Entune technology, lacking depth and modern features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The voice-recognition system was basic, and the dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system was outdated. A 14-speaker JBL Synthesis audio system was standard, but it didn't match the high-end audio systems in other SUVs.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's technology felt dated compared to newer competitors. Its 10-inch touchscreen was small, and the instrument panel lacked advanced features like full-screen maps. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima stereo was good but not exceptional. However, the software was intuitive, and voice recognition was fast and accurate. The Navigator offered onboard 4G WiFi, wireless device charging, and a smartwatch app. The rear entertainment system included Roku media streaming and various connections. Drive mode animations added a touch of elegance to the instrument panel.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser came equipped with 10 airbags and a curb weight of nearly 6,000 pounds, offering a good chance of survival in collisions. However, it lacked crash-test ratings. Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) driving assistance systems were standard, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beam headlights. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also included, but more advanced driving assistance systems were absent.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received five stars overall from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with lower ratings for rollover resistance. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety had not rated it. The Navigator offered optional inflatable rear seat belts for the second row. 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.