2021 Ford Expedition vs Lincoln Navigator

In a market saturated with full-size SUV options, the 2021 Ford Expedition and 2021 Lincoln Navigator stand out among others. Featuring upscale style and prominent features than many other SUVs cannot replicate, the Expedition and the Navigator are perfect for those buyers in search of a conventional SUV model. You will not find any economical upholstery or lackluster detailing in these Ford or Lincoln models. In fact, the Ford Expedition and the Lincoln Navigator are known for their luxury accents and bold styling details. Rising above other SUV models, these two are known for going above and beyond what consumers would expect in a family-friendly vehicle.

Pulling double duty, the 2021 Ford Expedition and the 2021 Lincoln Navigator are just as well-equipped for commercial travel as they are for family excursions. Ample space in both models make it easy to fit multiple passengers and transport as much cargo as is necessary for your guests. The Expedition and Navigator manage to do this in style, as well. This balancing act is what makes them so different from standard SUV models. Their durable components and savvy attitude also put them a step ahead of the competition.

Aside from their similarities as upscale SUV models, the 2021 Ford Expedition and the 2021 Lincoln Navigator are seemingly different in many aspects. Nearly identical in size, you will not find much variance between the Expedition and the Navigator, Yet, these two SUVs are substantially different in their price, level of luxury, number of trim level options, and key qualities. The 2021 Ford Expedition and the 2021 Lincoln Navigator are not made for every buyer. Yet, the ones who opt for these models understand where their prestigious notoriety comes from when they purchase their own.

The Powertrain

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator leaves nothing to the imagination under the hood. Maintaining a single engine choice, buyers know exactly what they are getting when they opt for this model. Complete with a 3.5-liter V6, this standard engine produces 405 horsepower across all models. Its 10-speed automatic transmission maneuvers through gears quickly, contributing to this SUV's overall speed and adaptability. Yet, the exact concept that makes the 2021 Lincoln Navigator so desirable can also be its downfall. Expected performance remains the same and leaves nothing to be desired in new concepts. Dull and straightforward, buyers in search of a dynamic engine will be disappoint in the generic power production of the Navigator's only engine.

The 2021 Ford Expedition offers a bit more versatility in its multiple engine options that are flexible with the amount of power they can produce. This SUV is equipped with a standard 3.6-liter V6 that is turbocharged. Like the Lincoln Navigator, it is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Yet, this is where the similarities in the powertrain of these models ends. Rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive are options buyers will have in the Ford Expedition. Entry level models can produce up to 375 horsepower, while higher trims have the potential to produce up to 400 horsepower.

Oftentimes, consumers looking to buy an SUV are also interested in its towing power. The 2021 Ford Expedition understands this desire and does not disappoint. In fact, the Expedition can tow up to 9,300 pounds, which is plenty of power for hauling a boat trailer or camper on family outings. Falling just short of the Expedition's maximum towing capacity, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator can tow up to 8,300 pounds. While it is not as capable as the Expedition, the Navigator is still quite powerful for a full-size SUV and tops other competitors in the market space.

Concerns about the reliability of an Expedition or a Navigator may lead buyers to research included warranty options and thresholds. The 2021 Ford Expedition comes with a standard warranty of three years or 36,000 miles and a powertrain warranty of five years or 60,000 miles. Coming in with a slightly better offer, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator is backed by a four year and 50,000 mile standard warranty and a six year or 70,000 mile powertrain warranty. Both are substantial offerings, but the Navigator offers a bit more coverage for buyers interested in this type of protection.

Drivability

Oftentimes, SUV owners are interested in these vehicles for their multi-passenger capacity and ride comfort. The upholstery and seats within the 2021 Ford Expedition are quite comfortable, but the bulky feel and disjointed steering of this SUV can result in a clunky ride. Not expected in a vehicle of this stature, buyers can be a bit discouraged in the feel of the ride in this SUV. The suspension in the 2021 Ford Expedition makes up for this shortcoming, in a sense. This model's independent rear suspension offers better absorption of jolts than other SUV alternatives.

In comparison, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator is renowned for its quick acceleration for a vehicle of its size. In its standard wheelbase and long wheelbase models, both layouts perform equally as well. As stated before, the handling of the Navigator remains unchanged across all trims. However, the biggest downfall of the Lincoln Navigator is how its luxurious 22-inch wheels affect its ride quality. Sharp jolts that are impactful to this SUV generate a rebound that is less than desirable. A bit bumpy and jittery, the Navigator is not exactly what you would look for in a full-size SUV meant for hauling family members and/or colleagues.

The sheer size of the 2021 Ford Expedition and the 2021 Lincoln Navigator creates multiple blind spots in both models. In the front and rear where the roof meets the hood and trunk panels, thick pieces of steel create substantial blind spots that can generate safety hazards if drivers are not aware of these hindrances. In general, the 2021 Ford Expedition's sleek design and skinny contours minimize the area blocked by potential blind spot zones.

Safety

Setting the pace for competitors, the 2021 Ford Expedition received a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Even though it missed out on a Top Safety Pick designation, the safety features included in this full-size SUV model are quite impressive. Excelling in this area, the Ford Expedition incorporates all the latest and greatest driver assistive safety feature technology. Some of this is included as standard, while some are only available as optional upgrades. Automated emergency braking and pedestrian detection are features that will be included across all models, while available features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist must be purchase as upgrades.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator has not been rated by similar safety organizations, but do not let that discourage you from considering this SUV for a purchase. It is equipped with a standard suite of safety features known as Co-Pilot360. This inclusive suite makes features like blind-spot monitoring, rear-cross traffic alert, and automated emergency braking standard. Yet, the offerings do not stop there. Adaptive cruise control is available and can also be opted for as an upgrade, if desired.

Which Has the Best Value?

Value is relative to the qualities each buyer finds beneficial in their upscale SUV purchase. The attitude for excellence these two models exhibit leaves little room for cutting corners. Simply put, each of these SUVs is going to come at a hefty cost. Yet, buyers can expect the best quality with long-lasting materials and durable powertrain components in both.

There is no denying the vast difference in the prices of the 2021 Ford Expedition and the 2021 Lincoln Navigator. While the Ford Expedition is upscale in its particular class of SUVs, the Lincoln Navigator takes luxury and distinction to a new level. However, the wide difference in price between the Expedition and the Navigator is not without merit. In fact, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator proves just how prestigious it is by promoting a 30-way power-adjustable driver's seat with massaging features that reign supreme over the Ford Expedition's 15 cupholders and multi-contoured front seats. Although the Ford Expedition also features a massaging function, it pales in comparison to the prestigious features of the Lincoln Navigator.

Trim level options offer a way for buyers to invest in individualized models in a comprehensive package with a set cost. The 2021 Ford Expedition offers five signature trim levels that range from entry-level to upscale. The 2021 Lincoln Navigator also offers five trim levels, but two of these options are different versions of pre-existing trims. Each of these models has several options to choose from, ranking them comparable to each other in this consideration.

Which is Better?

Making the decision of which model is the better option is completely based on what a buyer considers to be important in a new vehicle purchase. If you are a buyer in search of a family-friendly SUV with a few upscale attributes and luxury features, the well-rounded 2021 Ford Expedition is the one to go with. It is upscale without being so costly that it is not affordable. In fact, this model balances high-end features with competitive pricing. Its exterior look is reminiscent of other Ford models, including those in its signature F Series truck line.

However, if you are a buyer who loves luxury vehicles and will do so at any cost, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator is a good fit. This full-size SUV goes out of its way to be comfortable, convenient, and high-class. Its looks are not indicative of all it has to offer. There is much more to the new Lincoln Navigator than what meets the eye. With trim names like Reserve and Black Label, this model oozes brandings that shows off this SUV's prestigious namesake. It was made for those who love traveling in style and garnering attention wherever they go.

Power variants are another consideration to evaluate when comparing the 2021 Ford Expedition and the 2021 Lincoln Navigator. The Navigator is rather streamlined and limited in the powertrain configurations it offers and the horsepower it can produce. Yet, the 2021 Ford Expedition offers a few engine choices with varying horsepower maximums across models. If you do not mind sticking with the same horsepower limitations, then the 2021 Lincoln Navigator will suffice. However, very few buyers would be satisfied with this restriction.

If we had to choose one of these vehicles over the other, the impressive amenities and luxury features of the 2021 Lincoln Navigator are hard to beat. Where can you go wrong with individualized thigh supports in the front seat that maximize comfort? However, the tradeoff for all these classy and comfortable amenities is a cost that is so exorbitant that most buyers simply cannot swing it. Although this is to be expected of a model like this, it narrows down the consumer base it appeals to. If cost were not an option, we would enjoy the comfort and luxury of the 2021 Lincoln Navigator over other SUV options.