2025 Lincoln Navigator vs 2026 Lexus TX

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator presented a more refined aesthetic, moving away from its previous flashy design to embrace a subtler elegance. The vehicle still retained a sparkle, but without the gaudiness of its predecessors. With options like the Jet Appearance or Black Label Special Edition package, the Navigator featured blacked-out wheels and details, allowing the illuminated star logo on the grille and the light bars to make a statement. The overall design was simpler and more cohesive, with new 24-inch wheel designs and a striking Sunrise Copper paint color exclusive to Black Label models adding a touch of flair. 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 to the interior's allure, though some materials, particularly in the rear, fell short of luxury expectations.

The 2026 Lexus TX offered a variety of trim levels, with the 550h+ plug-in hybrid standing out due to its standard panoramic glass roof and eye-catching Matador Red Mica paint. The TX maintained a large grille reminiscent of the older spindle design, complemented by sharp bi-LED headlights and a rear LED light bar. Inside, the TX provided standard luxury features like multi-zone climate control and heated seats, though the material quality didn't quite meet luxury standards. The third row was notably spacious, with a recline function and ample headroom, while the second row offered captain’s chairs with a removable center console. The TX's interior design included some innovative elements, such as redesigned door handles, but overall, it lacked the attention to detail found in some competitors.

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 capable on various terrains. During a test drive near San Diego, the Navigator achieved an impressive fuel economy of 20.3 mpg, surpassing its EPA rating of 17 mpg. Despite its weight, the Navigator moved swiftly, with driving modes like Normal and Excite adjusting powertrain response and suspension firmness. However, the 24-inch wheels contributed to a rough ride, transmitting road shock into the cabin. The steering wheel's size and shape were unconventional, but the Navigator excelled on open roads, offering a quiet and composed ride with the help of BlueCruise for hands-free driving.

The 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid combined a 3.5-liter V6 engine with a hybrid system to produce 404 horsepower. The vehicle offered multiple drive options, including electric-only, hybrid, and gas-only modes, providing flexibility for different driving scenarios. The TX featured Normal, Eco, Sport, and Custom drive modes, with Sport mode enhancing throttle sensitivity. The 550h+ delivered a smooth and quiet ride, seamlessly transitioning between gas and electric power. Its AWD system could distribute power between the front and rear wheels, and a Trail Mode helped maintain traction on slippery surfaces. The TX's suspension effectively absorbed bumps, making it suitable for long road trips.

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, and Black Label models offered 30-way adjustment with massage functionality. The Lincoln Rejuvenate system provided stress relief through scent, sound, imagery, and massage. Second-row captain’s chairs were power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated, but knee room was limited due to thick front seats. The third-row seat offered good leg support but was also affected by hard plastic seatback panels. The Navigator L provided ample cargo space, with a new Split Gate tailgate design offering flexibility. However, reaching items near the third-row seatbacks was challenging. The Navigator L offered up to 121.6 cubic feet of cargo space, though competitors like the Cadillac Escalade offered more.

The 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ provided standard luxury features, including multi-zone climate control and heated seats. The third row was spacious, with a recline function and headroom for adults. A one-touch button facilitated entry to the third row, though folding the second row flat was more complicated. The front seats were roomy but lacked thigh support. The TX offered excellent cargo space, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 97 cubic feet with the second row folded. The liftgate featured a kick sensor for easy access, and all TX models could tow up to 5,000 pounds.

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator featured the Lincoln Digital Experience infotainment system with a 48-inch panoramic display and an 11.1-inch 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. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system provided a satisfying listening experience. Additional tech included Phone As A Key, Pro Trailer Backup Assist, and various trailering technologies. The Navigator lacked a head-up display and digital rearview mirror, which could be useful for a vehicle of its size.

The 2026 Lexus TX featured a 14-inch touchscreen, though some functions lacked polish. Steering wheel buttons controlled various functions but were not labeled, requiring drivers to rely on the gauge cluster for guidance. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though connectivity issues occasionally arose. The TX offered a back-up camera with a bird’s-eye view and an Advanced Park system for automated parking. The vehicle included seven USB ports and wireless charging, with an available 120-volt outlet for larger devices.

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator came equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. Unique features like intersection assist and evasive steering assist provided additional safety. BlueCruise offered hands-free driving on approved roads, with the latest version enhancing functionality. As of the review, the Navigator had not been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA.

The 2026 Lexus TX included Safety System+ 3.0, featuring forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and more. Proactive Driving Assist provided gentle braking or steering if needed, though it could be intrusive. Adaptive cruise control worked well once set up, and hands-free driving was available via subscription. The TX 350 and 500h received five-star ratings from the NHTSA, while the IIHS gave the TX mixed scores in crash tests.