2021 Toyota Sequoia vs 2021 Lincoln Navigator

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia, despite its age, maintained a robust presence with its large silhouette and subtle updates from its 2018 facelift. The Nightshade Special Edition added a touch of modernity, but the overall design still reflected its 2007 roots. Inside, the Sequoia's cabin was spacious yet felt dated, with a multi-tiered center dash reminiscent of mid-2000s designs. The standard 7-inch touchscreen appeared small against the expansive dashboard, though it was functional. The front seats, while comfortable, were bulky, limiting headroom for taller drivers, especially with the optional sunroof. The second-row seats, however, offered ample space and comfort.

In contrast, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator exuded elegance and sophistication, setting itself apart from its Ford Expedition roots. Its design featured simple rectilinear shapes, with tasteful chrome accents and a monochromatic package that added a touch of class. The interior was a testament to luxury, with seven color palettes and high-quality materials. The Navigator's Perfect Position seats offered unparalleled comfort with 30 different adjustments, making long journeys a pleasure. The cabin was spacious, accommodating up to eight passengers, and the cargo space was generous, especially in the long-wheelbase version. The Navigator's design and interior quality made it a standout in the luxury SUV segment.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a 5.7-liter V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, provided strong acceleration, even for an SUV weighing up to 6,000 pounds. The Sequoia's driving dynamics were reminiscent of a truck, with a soft suspension and powerful brakes. It could tow up to 7,400 pounds, which was less than some competitors like the Ford Expedition and Chevrolet Tahoe. Despite its age, the Sequoia's performance was reliable, though not the most fuel-efficient.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator, on the other hand, boasted a twin-turbo V6 engine from the Ford Raptor, producing an impressive 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. This engine, coupled with a 10-speed automatic transmission, made the Navigator feel agile and responsive. Its towing capacity was substantial, with 8,300 pounds for 4WD models and 8,700 pounds for RWD models. While its fuel economy was not exceptional, averaging in the teens, the Navigator's performance was refined, with a smooth 4WD system and adaptive dampers. The Navigator excelled in highway driving, offering a plush and powerful experience.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia offered a spacious cabin with nearly 19 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and up to 120 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. While its cargo capacity was impressive, it fell slightly short compared to competitors like the Chevrolet Tahoe and Ford Expedition. The Sequoia's power-retractable rear window was a unique feature, providing convenient access to the cargo area. Despite its age, the Sequoia had ample storage options, including deep door pockets and a large center console, though newer SUVs offered better space utilization.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator provided a luxurious and spacious interior, accommodating up to eight passengers. Its boxy design maximized interior space, with 19 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and up to 103 cubic feet in total. The long-wheelbase version offered even more storage capacity. The Navigator's front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with numerous adjustments and massage functions. While the second-row seats could be removed for additional storage, they lacked electric reclining options. The Navigator's large windows and high driving position enhanced visibility, though parking could be challenging due to its size.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and a WiFi hotspot. While the system was user-friendly, it felt outdated compared to modern offerings. The larger 9-inch screen in our test model was still small for the dashboard. The Sequoia's digital trip computer was simple but functional, and its overall technology package was straightforward and easy to use.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator, while equipped with a 10-inch touchscreen, felt dated compared to newer luxury SUVs. Its infotainment system lacked wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the cameras were low-resolution. However, the software was intuitive, and voice recognition was fast and accurate. The Navigator offered onboard 4G WiFi, wireless device charging, and a smartwatch app. The rear entertainment system included Roku media streaming and various connectivity options. While not cutting-edge, the Navigator's technology was functional and user-friendly.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia came equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense-P suite, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. It also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors. However, it lacked more advanced features like lane-keeping assist. The Sequoia scored four out of five stars in the NHTSA's rollover test but was not rated in other crash tests.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received five stars overall from the NHTSA, with five stars in most tests except for rollover resistance. It offered standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and auto high beams. Optional inflatable rear seat belts were available for added safety. While adaptive cruise control was optional, the Navigator's safety features were comprehensive, though not as advanced as some competitors.