2020 Lincoln Navigator vs 2021 Lexus NX

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator stood out with its luxurious design, featuring chrome and brightwork that differentiated it from the Ford Expedition, on which it was based. The Lincoln Embrace lighting system welcomed owners with sequential illumination, while the lattice-type grille insert and illuminated star logo added a touch of elegance. The Navigator's black roof pillars created a wraparound glass appearance, and the new Reserve Monochromatic Package offered a custom look with body-color enhancements and 22-inch black-painted wheels. Inside, the Dark Slate leather interior with 30-way Perfect Position front seats, digital instrumentation, and a panoramic glass roof provided a convincingly luxurious experience.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus NX retained a familiar Lexus design with sharp lines and a sculpted exterior, similar to the smaller UX and larger RX models. The NX F Sport version added sportier elements like a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels. Inside, the F Sport models featured quilted NuLuxe sport seats with optional Circuit Red interior color schemes. The interior materials were of high quality, and the gauge cluster, though functional, appeared dated compared to newer models. The center stack design was also somewhat outdated but remained functional.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, outperforming the Ford Expedition. A 10-speed automatic transmission transferred power to the rear wheels, with an optional four-wheel drive available. The Navigator offered multiple drive modes, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, and Deep Conditions, with a towing capacity of up to 8,700 pounds. The SUV averaged 16.4 mpg on the testing loop, with an EPA rating of 18 mpg combined. Despite its size, the Navigator's adaptive damping suspension provided excellent body motion control, though it felt large around town.

The 2021 Lexus NX 300 and 300 F Sport were equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The NX accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in around seven seconds, with a relatively quiet ride except under hard acceleration. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available. The NX's fuel economy was 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined for FWD models, with AWD models achieving similar numbers. The adaptive suspension system provided a smooth and comfortable driving experience, though the steering lacked feedback.

Entering the 2020 Lincoln Navigator required climbing up into the SUV, but once inside, passengers enjoyed ample space and comfort. The 30-way Perfect Position front seats, power-adjustable pedals, and heated steering wheel ensured a perfect driving position. The second row offered a choice between a three-person bench or captain's chairs, with heated rear seats and triple-zone climate control. The third-row seat provided excellent legroom and thigh support. Cargo space was class-leading, with 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and 103.3 cubic feet maximum. The longer Navigator L offered even more space.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured a well-styled and comfortable interior, with front seats providing ample room for adults and the second row accommodating two adults comfortably. Heated and ventilated seats were available, along with a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. The NX's cargo space was limited, with 17.7 cubic feet behind the second row and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The power liftgate with kick sensor technology and power-folding rear seats were available options.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator's Sync 3 infotainment system was its least impressive feature, with slow content loading. However, it offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Lincoln Connect services, wireless device charging, and "Phone As A Key" technology. The voice recognition system worked reasonably well, though not as naturally as some competitors. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system provided a compelling audio experience, and additional technologies included a surround-view camera system and a head-up display. The optional Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system added dual 10-inch displays and wireless headphones.

The 2021 Lexus NX's infotainment system featured an 8-inch touchscreen, with a 10.3-inch screen available in the Navigation package. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Lexus Enform Destination Assist. The Lexus infotainment system was less user-friendly, with functions buried deep in menus. Standard features included keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, a USB port, HD Radio, and a WiFi hotspot. The Lexus Premium Audio system was standard, with an optional Mark Levinson 14-speaker system. The Lexus Enform Remote mobile app allowed remote control of various vehicle functions.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator came with the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and automatic high beams. Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability was standard on Reserve trim. The Navigator received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though the RWD model had a three-star rollover resistance rating. The IIHS had not tested the 2020 model.

The 2021 Lexus NX included Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, featuring a rearview camera, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, automatic high beams, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. Optional safety features included park assist, a surround-view camera system, and adaptive headlights. The NX received top "Good" scores from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Lexus Enform Safety Connect provided additional safety services.