2025 Lincoln Navigator vs 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator presented a more refined aesthetic, moving away from its previous flashy design to embrace a subtler elegance. While it retained a touch of sparkle, the addition of the Jet Appearance or Black Label Special Edition package introduced blacked-out wheels and details, allowing the illuminated star logo on the grille and light bars to stand out. The overall design was simpler and more cohesive, with new 24-inch wheel designs and a striking Sunrise Copper paint option exclusive to Black Label models. Inside, the Navigator adopted a minimalist cabin design, enhancing the perception of quality despite some ergonomic challenges. The 48-inch panoramic display and Revel speaker grilles added a touch of sophistication, though some interior elements like the tweeter speaker housings and door defogger vents appeared less refined.

In contrast, the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid followed a conservative design path, drawing inspiration from the popular RAV4. This approach resulted in a larger version of the RAV4, offering seating for up to eight and ample cargo space. The interior prioritized function over form, with the Platinum trim adding a layer of luxury. However, the use of glossy hard plastic and unlined storage surfaces detracted from the overall quality. The climate system was user-friendly, featuring large knobs for temperature adjustments, but the infotainment interface had its drawbacks, such as a small volume knob and the absence of a tuning knob.

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, it offered a towing capacity of up to 8,700 pounds with the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package. The Navigator's 4WD system provided 8.9 inches of ground clearance, making it suitable for various terrains. During testing near San Diego, the Navigator achieved an observed fuel economy of 20.3 mpg, surpassing the EPA rating of 17 mpg. Despite its weight, the Navigator accelerated swiftly, with driving modes like Excite enhancing responsiveness. However, the 24-inch wheels contributed to a rough ride, transmitting road shock into the cabin. The steering wheel's size and shape were less than ideal for such a large SUV, but the Navigator excelled on open roads, offering a quiet and composed ride with the assistance of BlueCruise.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max focused on performance with its turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and electronic full-time AWD, producing 362 horsepower. This setup allowed the Grand Highlander to accelerate quickly, with a traditional six-speed automatic transmission avoiding the droning common in CVTs. While the Hybrid Max sacrificed some fuel efficiency, achieving 27 mpg compared to the Hybrid's 36 mpg, it offered a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds. During testing, the Hybrid Max averaged 23.3 mpg on a mountainous route. The powertrain's acceleration was smooth, and the ride quality was soft and isolating, though road undulations could cause some vertical and lateral movement. The Grand Highlander's handling was secure, with excellent outward visibility aided by cameras.

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator excelled in interior space and cargo capacity, though taller passengers might find the rear seats less accommodating. The Navigator featured Perfect Position seats with up to 24-way power adjustment, leather upholstery, and heating and ventilation. The Black Label trim offered 30-way adjustment and massage functionality. The Lincoln Rejuvenate system provided stress relief through scent, sound, imagery, and massage. However, the thick front seats limited knee room in the second row, and the third-row seat, while offering good leg support, was also affected by hard plastic seatback panels. The Navigator L variant provided expanded cargo volumes, with a new Split Gate tailgate design offering flexibility but making it harder to reach items near the third-row seatbacks.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid offered comfortable seating across all three rows, with nearly 100 cubic feet of maximum cargo space. The Platinum trim featured a Portobello interior with leather and artificial suede upholstery, adding an upscale touch. The front and second-row seats were heated and ventilated, though the rear doors' design posed challenges for parents with small children. The second-row captain's chairs allowed for easy access to the third row, which was reasonably comfortable for adults and tall teens. The Grand Highlander provided 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 97.5 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator introduced the Lincoln Digital Experience infotainment system, featuring a 48-inch panoramic display and an 11.1-inch center touchscreen. The system integrated Google Built-in and Alexa Built-in, offering an intuitive interface. However, some controls, like air vent adjustments, required navigating the touchscreen, which could be distracting while driving. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system delivered a satisfying listening experience. Additional tech included Phone As A Key, Pro Trailer Backup Assist, and various trailering technologies. However, the Navigator lacked a head-up display, digital rearview mirror, and night vision technology.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system across all trims, with higher trims offering a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and various connected services. While the infotainment system was user-friendly, it lacked the ability to display multiple main-menu screens simultaneously. The digital voice assistant responded accurately to commands, and the Platinum trim included a head-up display, digital rear-view mirror, and surround-view camera system. The JBL premium audio system exceeded expectations in sound quality.

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator offered a comprehensive suite of standard advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more. Unique features included intersection assist, evasive steering assist, and Turn Signal View. BlueCruise provided hands-free driving on approved roads, with the latest version offering improved functionality. However, as of the review, the Navigator had not been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering a range of standard safety features and driver-assistance technologies. While the system provided a high level of automation, it lacked hands-free operation. Proactive Driving Assist was standard but could be irritating in certain situations. The Grand Highlander received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but fell short of the IIHS Top Safety Pick due to headlight performance and small overlap frontal-impact protection.