2020 Lincoln Navigator vs 2021 Toyota RAV4

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, lattice-type grille insert, and illuminated star logo added to its distinctiveness. The Navigator also offered a Reserve Monochromatic Package with body-color enhancements and 22-inch black-painted wheels, available in White, Ceramic Pearl, and Infinite Black. The test vehicle, a standard-length Navigator Reserve with 4WD, was priced at $92,385 and included the Luxury and Reserve Monochromatic option packages. Inside, the Dark Slate leather interior featured 30-way Perfect Position front seats with heating, ventilation, and massaging functions, a dashboard with mid-century modern styling cues, and a panoramic glass roof.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 adopted a rugged exterior design, with boxy fender flares, chiseled taillights, and a scowling front end, setting it apart from previous generations and other compact crossovers. The RAV4 was based on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, shared with other Toyota models. The RAV4 Adventure model added a retro look with an Ice Edge roof and orange interior accents, while the TRD Off-Road model featured matte black 18-inch wheels, LED fog lights, and red interior accents. The interior included large rubberized knobs and door handles, with SofTex upholstery in the TRD Off-Road model. However, material quality did not improve with higher trims, and real leather was not available.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Navigator offered multiple drive modes, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, and Deep Conditions, with a maximum towing capacity of 8,700 pounds for RWD and 8,300 pounds for 4WD. The Pro Trailer Backup Assist system made towing easier. The Navigator's acceleration was strong, but fuel economy was a concern, averaging 16.4 mpg on the testing loop. The SUV's adaptive damping suspension struggled with impact harshness on imperfect pavement, but body motion control was excellent. The Navigator felt huge around town, but a tight turning radius, parking assist system, and numerous camera views improved maneuverability.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The engine achieved 40% thermal efficiency and had a high rev range, but the transmission hesitated to shift, and the steering lacked feel. The RAV4 offered a Sport driving mode, but it only added weight to the steering. The RAV4 Hybrid and RAV4 Prime provided more power and better fuel economy. On the highway, the RAV4 was quieter and more comfortable, with a suspension that absorbed road imperfections well. The Adventure and TRD Off-Road models had a torque-vectoring rear axle, 8.6 inches of ground clearance, and a 3,500-pound towing capacity, but lacked traditional off-road features like a two-speed transfer case and locking differentials.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator required a climb to enter, but once inside, passengers enjoyed ample space and comfort. The test vehicle's 30-way Perfect Position front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with power-adjustable pedals and a heated steering wheel. The second row offered a choice between a three-person bench or two captain's chairs, with a large center console available. The third-row seat provided class-leading legroom and thigh support. Cargo volumes were also 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 Toyota RAV4 had a tall, upright roof providing good headroom and visibility, but legroom was limited compared to competitors. The front seats were comfortable, but the rear seats had flat, hard cushions. The 60/40 split-folding rear seat did not slide fore and aft. Cargo space was 37.6 cubic feet with the rear seats in place, above average but behind the Honda CR-V. The cargo area had a wide aperture but a higher lip. The oversized knobs and steering-wheel controls were easy to use, but the center-console storage bin and space ahead of the shifter squeezed out console storage space.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator's Sync 3 infotainment system was slow to load content, but it offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Lincoln Connect services, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and wireless device charging. "Phone As A Key" technology allowed the smartphone to function as the vehicle key. The voice recognition system worked reasonably well but was not fully natural. 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, but the test vehicle did not have the optional Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 came with standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Most trims had a 7-inch touchscreen, while the Limited model had an 8-inch screen, and the RAV4 Prime had a 9-inch screen. Up to five USB ports were available, and a JBL premium audio system was optional. The infotainment system was easy to use, with well-positioned graphics and shortcut buttons, but it was not flashy. The gasoline RAV4 did not have a head-up display, which was available on the RAV4 Prime.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator came with the standard 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-beam headlights. The Reserve trim added adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The Navigator's adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance operated with refinement. The Navigator received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, but the RWD model had a three-star rollover resistance rating. The IIHS had not tested the 2020 model.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, with top scores in all crash tests and front-crash prevention tech. The RAV4 missed the highest rating due to mixed headlight scores. The NHTSA gave the RAV4 a five-star overall rating, with four stars in frontal and rollover crash tests, and five stars in side crash tests. The standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 bundle included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, road-sign recognition, and Lane Tracing Assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, reverse automatic emergency braking, and park assist. A 360-degree camera system was available in certain packages.