Going into the 2020 model year, we’re finding more full-size SUVs on the market. These large, three-row utility vehicles – like the Lincoln Navigator –offer a lot when it comes to cargo space and towing. As the competition heats up, automakers are working hard to beat out their competitors with the best full-size SUV out there. 

Therefore, we’re seeing more luxurious interiors with ample tech features. Automakers want their vehicles to stand out in the crowd. MotorTrend looked at all the offerings and made a list of what they felt were the best ones to buy. Here’s what made them decide which ones made their list.

What’s the list all about?

MotorTrend took all the full-size SUVs on the market and placed them on their list of the best three-row utility vehicles out there. They started off with one they hadn’t ranked yet, which was the 2021 Cadillac Escalade. 

Since they hadn’t quite reviewed it properly, they left it off the list as a contender, but they still thought it was important to mention anyway. To determine which one was the best in their eyes, they took a few features into account. They considered its fuel economy, powertrain, and its usefulness as a daily driver. 

Towing capacity was another large part of the decision as well as its luxurious interior and quality of materials used. The price didn’t hold too much weight, as all full-size SUVs are generally high-priced anyway. 

The Lincoln Navigator made the No. 1 spot on their list because it beat out the other contenders on almost all the points on their list’s criteria. 

Which vehicles did the Lincoln Navigator beat out?

One of the biggest names on the list that failed to beat the Navigator was the BMW X7. This is surprising since BMW is well known for producing high-quality materials in luxurious platforms. 

The X7 impressed them with their above-average materials, such as the diamond-cut crystal controls. But since they felt it had too much excessive body roll and an annoying under-steer, it fell to the No. 3 spot. 

The Mercedes-Benz GLS was another three-row SUV on the list that couldn’t quite take the lead over the Navigator. This one surpassed their expectations with a luxurious cabin, quiet and comfortable ride, and superb handling.

But the third-row seat was too small for their liking, and the controls weren’t as user-friendly as one would hope. With those drawbacks in mind, they placed it in second place, right behind the Lincoln Navigator. 

The Lexus LX found its way onto the list, but it didn’t make it past the fifth spot. This full-size SUV is not only luxurious, but it’s a beast when driving on off-road terrain. 

The biggest strike against it was the fact that it needs some major updating to the interior and its choice of tech equipment. Being a 2020 model, it should be able to keep up with its competitors, which, in this case, have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – something the Lexus LX hasn’t quite attained yet. 

What sets the 2020 Lincoln Navigator apart from the others?

MotorTrend felt the Lincoln Navigator performed a bit better than the others. It has smooth acceleration, great handling, and it’s a comfortable ride. It also has one of the most powerful engines under its hood, which is a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine running at 450 hp. 

Coupled with a 10-speed automatic transmission, this SUV has no problem towing 8,000 lbs if you add the towing package to the vehicle. The fuel economy is about where you’d expect it to be for a full-size, heavy-weight vehicle like this. Their tests showed that the Navigator got 21-22 mpg on the highway. 

The interior cabin is one of the most luxurious available, with plenty of space for passengers and cargo. You’ll find nice, classic styling to the exterior, but you could customize it a bit more with one of the available themes.  

The only drawback MotorTrend had with it was that the comfortable ride went out the window when you hit rough, or broken pavement and the price can get substantially high. But most full-size SUVs are in the same boat when it comes to price ranges. 

The Lincoln Navigator proved to be the best three-row SUV on the market with its luxurious cabin, powerful engine, and lots of optional packages to customize your vehicle.