2021 Jeep Wrangler vs 2020 Lincoln Navigator

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator was a standout in the luxury SUV segment, distinguished by its chrome accents and unique styling elements that set it apart from its Ford Expedition roots. The Navigator featured a lattice-type grille with an illuminated Lincoln star, fender vents, and full-width taillights, all contributing to its sophisticated appearance. The Reserve Monochromatic Package added a custom touch with body-color enhancements and 22-inch black-painted wheels. Inside, the Navigator offered a luxurious experience with Dark Slate leather, 30-way Perfect Position front seats, and a panoramic glass roof, creating a spacious and elegant environment.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Wrangler maintained its iconic design, characterized by circular headlights, a seven-slat grille, and exposed bolts and hinges. The Wrangler's rugged appearance was complemented by various trim options, including painted or exposed fenders and soft or hard tops. The interior was functional, with upright seating and limited legroom, emphasizing its off-road capabilities over comfort. The Wrangler's charm lay in its simplicity and adaptability, appealing to those seeking adventure and a connection to Jeep's storied history.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a robust twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, offering a smooth and powerful driving experience. The Navigator's towing capacity reached up to 8,700 pounds with rear-wheel drive, aided by the Pro Trailer Backup Assist system. Despite its size, the Navigator demonstrated impressive body motion control and a hint of athleticism, though fuel economy was a concern, averaging 16.4 mpg during testing.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler offered a diverse powertrain lineup, including a standard 3.6-liter V6 with 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The Wrangler also featured a mild-hybrid eTorque variant, a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6. The Rubicon 392 trim stood out with a 6.4-liter V8 engine, producing 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, transforming the Wrangler into an off-road powerhouse. The Wrangler's 4WD systems, including Command-Trac, Select-Trac, and Rock-Trac, provided excellent off-road capabilities, making it a formidable choice for adventurous drivers.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator offered a spacious and comfortable interior, with power running boards aiding entry. The test vehicle's 30-way Perfect Position front seats provided exceptional comfort, while the second-row captain's chairs and heated rear seats ensured a pleasant ride for all passengers. The Navigator excelled in cargo space, with up to 103.3 cubic feet in the standard model and 120.2 cubic feet in the Navigator L, making it a leader in its class.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler provided a variety of top options, including the zipper-less Sunrider soft-top and the Freedom hardtop. The Rubicon 392 featured the Sky one-touch power top, offering a convenient open-air experience. The Wrangler's interior was functional, with cargo nets and drain plugs for easy cleaning. The Wrangler Unlimited offered 31.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 72.4 cubic feet with the seats folded, suitable for smaller crossovers.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator's Sync 3 infotainment system was a weak point, with slow loading times. However, it included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The Reserve's Luxury Package added a 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system, providing an immersive audio experience. Additional technologies included a surround-view camera system and a head-up display, though the optional rear-seat entertainment system was not present in the test vehicle.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler's technology varied by trim, with the Sport featuring a basic 5-inch screen. The 7-inch Uconnect screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was recommended, with an optional 8.4-inch screen available. The Rubicon 392 included a color TFT screen and an off-road camera, enhancing the driving experience. The intuitive radio toggles on the steering wheel added convenience, making the Wrangler's technology user-friendly.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator came equipped with the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Navigator's adaptive cruise control operated smoothly, and the lane-keeping assistance system was effective. The SUV received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though the rollover resistance rating was three stars for RWD models.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler offered optional safety features, such as forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. However, lane-departure warning was not available. The Wrangler included a backup camera with dynamic guidelines and a live tire-pressure monitoring system, useful for off-roading. While the Wrangler's safety features were basic, they provided essential protection for adventurous drivers.