2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2020 Lincoln Navigator

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator stood out with its luxurious design, setting itself apart from its Ford Expedition roots. Designers gave it unique front and rear styling, along with the Lincoln Embrace lighting system that welcomed owners with sequential illumination. The Navigator featured a distinctive lattice-type grille with an illuminated Lincoln star, fender vents, and full-width taillights. Its black roof pillars created a wraparound glass appearance, enhancing its premium look. Inside, the Navigator offered a mid-century modern styled dashboard, digital instrumentation, and a 10-inch infotainment touchscreen. The interior was bathed in natural light from a panoramic glass roof, and high-quality materials were used throughout, making it a convincingly luxurious flagship SUV.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited AWD, despite its high price, appeared more like a standard rental car than a fully loaded model. Its styling was tough for a compact SUV, but the 18-inch wheels seemed bland and undersized. Inside, the RAV4 Hybrid was stylish and practical, with a mix of impressive materials and glossy hard plastics. The test vehicle had a rattle from the license plate vibrating on the tailgate. The interior was functional, with clear instrumentation and well-placed controls. The infotainment system was easy to use, and storage was accommodating, with useful shelves and a roomy cargo area.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, surpassing the Ford Expedition's most powerful version. A 10-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive were standard, with multiple drive modes like Conserve, Normal, and Excite. The Navigator's towing capacity reached 3,764 kilograms, aided by Pro Trailer Backup Assist. The SUV averaged 14.3 litres per 100 kilometres in fuel efficiency, slightly above the expected 13.4 L/100 km. Despite its size, the Navigator offered excellent body motion control and a hint of athleticism, though it was best suited for open roads. Around town, it felt large, but features like a tight turning radius and parking assist improved maneuverability.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder gas engine with front and rear electric motors, generating 219 horsepower. The hybrid system provided instant torque, making the RAV4 Hybrid feel lively, though the engine sounded unpleasant when revving. It achieved a fuel efficiency of 5.9 litres per 100 kilometres, better than the expected 6.0 L/100 km. The continuously variable transmission operated smoothly, and the regenerative braking system was effective. The RAV4 Hybrid's suspension design and Active Cornering Assist system enhanced ride and handling, though the tires lacked grip. It handled well on winding roads and absorbed bumps effectively, making it a comfortable daily driver.

Entering the 2020 Lincoln Navigator required climbing up, but once inside, passengers enjoyed ample space and comfort. The 30-way Perfect Position front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with power-adjustable pedals and steering wheel. The second row offered a choice between a bench or captain's chairs, with optional audio controls and a centre console. The third row provided unmatched legroom and thigh support. Cargo space was class-leading, with up to 3,407 litres in the long-wheelbase model.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered comfort with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and heated and ventilated front cushions. Rear-seat legroom and foot space were decent, though the seat felt low. The dashboard was well-organized, with oversized climate control knobs and easy-to-use infotainment. Storage was practical, with useful shelves and a roomy cargo area of 1,059 litres, expandable to 1,977 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator's Sync 3 infotainment system was slow to load, but it offered Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and more. "Phone As A Key" technology allowed smartphone-based vehicle access. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system provided a compelling audio experience. Additional technologies included a surround-view camera system and a head-up display.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid featured a choice of infotainment systems, with the top version offering an 8-inch touchscreen and an 11-speaker JBL audio system. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with dynamic voice recognition. The RAV4 Hybrid also offered a 360-degree camera system and a camera rearview mirror.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator came with Lincoln Co-Pilot360, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and more. The adaptive cruise control operated smoothly, and the lane-keeping system was effective. The Navigator received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid included Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, lane-keep assist, and more. The system was generally effective, though lane-tracing was resistant to steering inputs. The RAV4 Hybrid earned a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and top marks from the IIHS, except for its headlights.