2019 Toyota 4Runner vs 2020 Lincoln Navigator

The 2019 Toyota 4Runner had a rugged and utilitarian design that was a product of necessity rather than style. Its aggressive front end, large tires, and flared fenders were not just for show; they provided the off-road capability that matched its looks. The 4Runner's trim levels ranged from the base SR5 to the off-road-focused TRD Pro, each offering a mix of features like 17-inch alloy wheels, under-body skid plates, and a power up/down rear window. Inside, the 4Runner's interior was dated, with a simple instrument panel and an 8-way power driver’s seat, but it offered practical features like a 120-volt power outlet in the rear cargo area.

In contrast, the 2020 Lincoln Navigator was a luxury SUV that stood out with its chrome accents and unique design elements like the Lincoln Embrace lighting system. The Navigator's grille featured a lattice-type insert and an illuminated Lincoln star, while its black roof pillars gave the glass a wraparound appearance. The Navigator offered a new Reserve Monochromatic Package with body-color enhancements and 22-inch black-painted wheels. Inside, the Navigator's Dark Slate leather interior and 30-way Perfect Position front seats provided exceptional comfort. The dashboard featured digital instrumentation and a 10-inch infotainment touchscreen, making it a convincingly luxurious flagship SUV.

The 2019 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a 4.0-liter V6 engine that produced 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission. This engine, dating back to 2002, was known for its reliability and truck-like performance, allowing the 4Runner to tow up to 5,000 pounds. The TRD Off-Road and Premium trims added off-road features like a locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select system, and crawl control. However, the 4Runner's fuel economy was a downside, with 4WD models returning just 17 mpg city, 20 highway, and 18 combined.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator, on the other hand, featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine that generated 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, offering multiple drive modes like Conserve, Normal, and Excite. The Navigator's towing capacity was impressive, with a maximum of 8,700 pounds for RWD models and 8,300 pounds for 4WD models. The Pro Trailer Backup Assist system made towing easier by allowing the driver to steer the trailer using a dashboard knob. Despite its power, the Navigator's fuel economy was similar to the 4Runner's, averaging 16.4 mpg in combined driving.

The 2019 Toyota 4Runner offered a spacious interior with plenty of head- and legroom, even for taller drivers. Its fully enclosed cabin provided nearly 90 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, making it more practical than competitors like the Jeep Wrangler. However, the 4Runner's interior was dated, with a small 6.1-inch touchscreen and basic controls that were easy to use, even with gloves.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator required a climb to enter, but once inside, it offered ample space and comfort. The test vehicle's 30-way Perfect Position front seats were exceptionally comfortable, and the second row could be configured with either a bench or captain’s chairs. The Navigator's third-row seat provided class-leading legroom and thigh support. Cargo volumes were also impressive, with the standard-length model offering up to 103.3 cubic feet of space, and the longer Navigator L providing up to 120.2 cubic feet.

The 2019 Toyota 4Runner lagged in technology, lacking modern features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SR5 Premium trim came with the upgraded Entune system, which included navigation and Siri Eyes Free. While the system was basic and straightforward, it might have felt outdated to those accustomed to modern infotainment systems.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator featured the Sync 3 infotainment system, which included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The system also offered "Phone As A Key" technology, allowing the smartphone to function as the vehicle key. The Reserve’s Luxury Package added a 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system, providing a compelling audio experience. Additional technologies included a surround-view camera system and a head-up display, although the Sync 3 system was noted for its slow loading times.

The 2019 Toyota 4Runner came with basic safety features like airbags, traction control, and a reversing camera. However, it lacked modern driver-assistance features, making it less family-friendly. The 4Runner received a 4-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, but only 3 stars in the rollover test.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator was equipped with the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Navigator's adaptive cruise control operated with refinement, and the lane-keeping assistance system was subtle yet effective. The Navigator received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, although the RWD model had a three-star rollover resistance rating.