2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was a testament to elegance and understated luxury, a feat not easily achieved by a three-ton vehicle. Despite sharing some design elements with the Ford Expedition, the Navigator stood out with its unique features, such as the body-color grille and sweeping LED running lights. The Pristine White model, with its black wheels and illuminated Lincoln logo, was particularly striking during winter tests. Inside, the Navigator impressed with its seven color palettes and modern design elements like the floating center console and minimalist digital instrument panel. The materials used were of high quality, and the Black Label trims offered even more luxurious textures and softer leather. The Perfect Position seats, adjustable in 30 different ways, added to the Navigator's appeal, making it one of the most comfortable large SUVs available.

In contrast, the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a more affordable yet surprisingly upscale experience. The Santa Fe's exterior featured a redesigned front end with new running lights and a reworked grille, giving each trim level a unique character. Inside, the Santa Fe moved upmarket with new colors, patterns, and textures, especially in the Calligraphy trim, which featured premium Nappa leather and a suede-like headliner. The interior was comfortable, with features like an eight-way power driver's seat and heated front seats standard on higher trims. The Santa Fe's interior exuded quality, with a fit and finish that belied its price tag, making it feel like a bargain for the level of luxury it offered.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a formidable twin-turbo V6 engine, producing 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided the Navigator with impressive acceleration and a satisfying engine note. The Navigator's towing capacity was substantial, with 8,300 pounds for 4WD models and 8,700 pounds for RWD models. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, averaging in the teens, aligning with the EPA-estimated 17-mpg combined rating. The Navigator's adaptive dampers offered a decent ride, but it lacked the refinement of competitors like the Cadillac Escalade. Despite some shortcomings in steering and braking feel, the Navigator excelled in highway refinement and power delivery.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe offered three new powertrains, including a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a 226-horsepower hybrid option. The higher-level Limited and Calligraphy trims featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The Santa Fe's driving modes, including Normal, Sport, and Smart, allowed for a tailored driving experience. The turbocharged engine provided impressive performance, with a fuel economy rating of 24 mpg in combined driving. The Santa Fe's improved structural rigidity and refined braking system contributed to its solid and athletic handling, making it a standout in its class.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered a spacious interior, capable of accommodating six adults comfortably. The SUV's boxy shape contributed to its generous cargo space, with 19 cubic feet behind the third row, 57 behind the second, and 103 in total. The Navigator Reserve model featured heated second-row seats and a three-zone climate system, although it lacked some features offered by German competitors. The front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, providing excellent visibility. However, parking the Navigator could be challenging due to its size, despite the assistance of 360-degree cameras.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe, while lacking a third-row seat, provided ample passenger room and comfort. The Calligraphy trim elevated the interior with premium materials and features like a suede-like headliner and quilted Nappa leather. The Santa Fe offered dual-zone automatic climate control and a range of seating adjustments, including heated and ventilated front seats. The rear seat was spacious and comfortable, with features like air-conditioning vents and quick-charge USB ports. The Santa Fe's cargo space was practical, with 36.4 cubic feet available behind the rear seats and 72.1 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's technology offerings included a 10-inch touchscreen, which felt small compared to newer systems. While the software was intuitive, it lacked features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima stereo was good but not exceptional. The Navigator did offer 4G WiFi, wireless device charging, and a smartwatch app, along with rear entertainment options. However, it lacked the advanced features found in some competitors.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy was equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a surround-view camera system, and an 8.5-inch head-up display. The infotainment system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with the basic 8-inch screen, while the larger 10.25-inch screen required wired connections. The Santa Fe's Blue Link connected services were free for three years, providing a range of features, including remote engine start and climate control adjustments. While the Santa Fe lacked a WiFi hotspot, it offered Digital Key and Remote Smart Parking Assist, adding to its technological appeal.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with four stars for rollover resistance in 4WD models and three stars for RWD models. It offered standard safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist, with optional inflatable rear seat belts for the second row. However, it lacked some advanced self-steering capabilities found in competitors.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe boasted an impressive array of safety features, including forward-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, Safe Exit Assist, and a rear-occupant alert system. The Blind-Spot View Monitor and Highway Driving Assist added to its safety credentials. The Santa Fe earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety when equipped with LED projector headlights, making it a strong choice for safety-conscious buyers.