2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2021 Nissan Kicks

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was a testament to luxury and elegance, shedding its past resemblance to the Ford Expedition. It shared some structural elements with the Expedition, but its unique design and high-end features set it apart. The Navigator's exterior was defined by simple rectilinear shapes, with a body-color grille, sweeping LED lights, and a full-width taillight assembly. The interior was equally impressive, offering seven color palettes and a modern, minimalist design. The materials used were of high quality, with tight panel gaps and luxurious Black Label trims. The Perfect Position seats were a highlight, offering 30 different adjustments for ultimate comfort.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Kicks underwent significant exterior changes, aligning its design with other Nissan models like the Armada and Rogue. The Kicks featured a bold V-motion design, thinner headlights, and a new bumper and taillight combination at the rear. The two-tone paint job option added an upmarket look, with a floating roof design. The Kicks SR trim level came with LED headlights, fog lights, and a sportier aesthetic. The interior retained its previous design but incorporated higher quality materials, offering a comfortable and stylish cabin for a subcompact SUV.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a robust twin-turbo V6 engine, producing 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided impressive acceleration and a smooth driving experience. 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. The Navigator's adaptive dampers offered a decent ride, but it lacked the refined handling of some competitors. Despite this, its powerful engine and plush cabin made it a comfortable highway cruiser.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks, on the other hand, was equipped with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a CVT and front-wheel drive, providing a nimble driving experience. The Kicks' handling was aided by its electric power-assisted steering and independent strut suspension. While not particularly powerful, the Kicks offered a good power-to-weight ratio for its class. Its fuel economy was a standout feature, with an EPA rating of 31 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined, making it one of the most fuel-efficient subcompact crossovers available.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered a spacious interior, capable of accommodating six adults comfortably. It featured power-folding third-row seats and optional second-row captain's chairs. The cargo space was generous, with 19 cubic feet behind the third row, 57 behind the second, and 103 in total. The Navigator Reserve trim included heated rear seats and a three-zone climate system. The front seats were highly adjustable and provided excellent comfort, although parking the large SUV could be challenging.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks made efficient use of its compact size, offering easy-to-reach controls and good small-item storage. It featured a six-way adjustable driver's seat, a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, and an electronic parking brake. The Kicks boasted best-in-class front seat legroom, although the hip room was somewhat limited. The rear seats could comfortably accommodate adults, and the available tonneau cover provided hidden storage in the cargo area.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's technology offerings included a 10-inch touchscreen, which felt outdated compared to competitors. 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. However, the Navigator did offer 4G WiFi, wireless device charging, and a smartwatch app. The rear entertainment system included Roku media streaming and various connectivity options.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks came with a host of standard tech features, including a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. The Kicks SR Premium Package added a class-exclusive Bose Personal Plus sound system, providing an immersive audio experience. The Kicks also offered a surround-view monitor and a WiFi hotspot for over-the-air updates. NissanConnect services were available, enhancing convenience and security.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with standard features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included inflatable rear seat belts and adaptive cruise control, although the Navigator's self-steering capabilities were not as advanced as some competitors.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks came standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, which included features like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Kicks was equipped with 10 airbags and offered additional safety features on higher trims. While the 2021 model had not been crash-tested, the 2020 model received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.