2021 Toyota 4Runner vs 2020 Lincoln Navigator

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator stood out as a luxury SUV with its distinctive chrome accents and unique styling elements that set it apart from its Ford Expedition counterpart. The Lincoln Embrace lighting system added a welcoming touch, while the lattice-type grille and illuminated star logo enhanced its premium appearance. Inside, the Navigator offered a luxurious experience with its 30-way Perfect Position front seats, mid-century modern dashboard, and high-quality materials, making it a convincing flagship SUV.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota 4Runner maintained a rugged and utilitarian design, with its two-box body and flared fenders exuding timeless styling and utility. Despite its age, the 4Runner's design remained functional, with a focus on durability and practicality. The interior featured hard plastics and a straightforward dashboard with large knobs and buttons, reflecting its off-road capabilities and no-nonsense approach to design.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a robust twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering an impressive 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. This engine outperformed the Ford Expedition's most powerful version by 50 horsepower and 30 lb-ft of torque. The Navigator's 10-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive system provided a smooth and adaptable driving experience, with multiple drive modes to suit various conditions. Its towing capacity reached 3,764 kilograms, aided by the Pro Trailer Backup Assist system. However, fuel efficiency was a concern, with an average consumption of 14.3 litres per 100 kilometres.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner, equipped with a 4.0-litre V6 engine, produced 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. Its five-speed automatic transmission and part-time four-wheel drive system allowed for off-road prowess, especially with features like A-Trac and optional packages that included a locking rear differential and Crawl Control. The 4Runner's towing capacity was 2,268 kilograms. While it excelled off-road, the 4Runner felt slow and cumbersome on pavement, with a fuel consumption average of 14.0 litres per 100 kilometres.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator offered a spacious and comfortable interior, with ample room for passengers across all three rows. The optional Luxury Package added 30-way adjustable front seats, enhancing comfort. The Navigator's cargo space was class-leading, with up to 2,928 litres in the standard model and 3,407 litres in the long-wheelbase version. The SUV's design prioritized passenger comfort and cargo capacity, making it a top choice for luxury and practicality.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner provided a comfortable cabin with supportive seats and generous legroom. Its high ground clearance could pose a challenge for shorter passengers, but the interior offered good visibility and air circulation. Cargo space was substantial, with up to 2,540 litres available with the rear seats folded. The 4Runner's design emphasized practicality and adventure readiness, with features like a large roof rack and a versatile rear bumper.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator's Sync 3 infotainment system was its weakest link, with slow loading times. However, it offered a range of features, including Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system. The "Phone As A Key" technology and surround-view camera system added convenience and safety.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner's technology was basic, especially in the entry-level Trail grade. It featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with physical buttons and knobs for easy operation. While not as advanced as the Navigator's, the 4Runner's technology was functional and practical.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator came equipped with the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. It received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, highlighting its robust safety features and design.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner featured Toyota Safety Sense P, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. However, it lacked blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The 4Runner's safety ratings were mixed, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and a "Marginal" rating for small overlap frontal-impact protection from the IIHS.