2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2020 Land Rover Defender

The 2020 Land Rover Defender was a nostalgic nod to its predecessors, with its boxy design reminiscent of the classic Land Rover aesthetic. It featured squared-off edges, a rising roofline, and round headlights, all contributing to its rugged, utilitarian look. Despite its modern updates, the Defender retained quirky elements like step plates and a ladder, though these were more for show than function. The interior was basic and industrial, with exposed screws and a utilitarian layout, emphasizing durability over luxury. While it offered a range of customization options, the Defender's interior felt more like a well-built Jeep than a luxury SUV, lacking the plushness expected at its price point.

In contrast, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator exuded elegance and sophistication, setting itself apart from its Ford Expedition roots. Its design was characterized by simple, rectilinear shapes and tasteful chrome accents, creating a refined appearance. The interior was a testament to luxury, with seven color palettes and high-quality materials. The Navigator's cabin was spacious and thoughtfully designed, with features like the Perfect Position seats offering unparalleled comfort and adjustability. Despite its size, the Navigator managed to feel nimble and responsive, thanks to its powerful twin-turbo V6 engine and advanced transmission. Overall, the Navigator delivered a premium experience that justified its price tag.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender offered a choice between two engines: a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 296 horsepower and an optional 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. The latter was a mild hybrid, providing smooth power delivery and impressive off-road capabilities. The Defender excelled in rugged terrains, thanks to its Terrain Response 2 system and adjustable-height suspension, allowing it to tackle steep inclines and deep water with ease. However, on-road performance was less refined, with slow steering and a suspension that leaned heavily in turns.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator, powered by a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, delivered 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, making it feel surprisingly agile for its size. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Navigator offered smooth and responsive performance, whether in rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. Its towing capacity was impressive, reaching up to 8,700 pounds. While fuel economy was not its strong suit, the Navigator's adaptive dampers provided a comfortable ride, though not as refined as some competitors. Despite its size, the Navigator's power and refinement made it a standout in its class.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender was designed for versatility and durability, with a focus on off-road capability. Its interior was practical, with options for a two-door or four-door configuration, accommodating up to seven passengers. The Defender offered generous cargo space, with up to 79 cubic feet available in the four-door model. Its rugged design included features like a ladder for roof access and impressive towing capacity. However, the interior was more utilitarian than luxurious, prioritizing function over form.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator boasted a spacious interior, capable of seating up to eight passengers. Its boxy design maximized cargo space, offering up to 103 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Navigator's interior was luxurious, with features like heated second-row seats and a three-zone climate system. While it lacked some advanced features found in competitors, such as electrically reclining second-row seats, the Navigator's comfort and practicality made it a strong contender in the luxury SUV market.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender featured the Pivi Pro infotainment system, a significant improvement over previous iterations. It offered a 10-inch touchscreen with dual SIM cards for streaming data and over-the-air updates. While the interface was more user-friendly, some elements were still challenging to navigate. The Defender included standard features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 360-degree camera system, with options for a head-up display and a 12-inch digital instrument panel.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's technology package included a 10-inch touchscreen, though it felt dated compared to newer competitors. The system was intuitive, with voice recognition and a unique Lincoln interface. It offered features like 4G WiFi, wireless charging, and a smartwatch app, but lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Navigator's rear entertainment system included Roku streaming and various connectivity options, providing ample entertainment for passengers.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender had not been rated by U.S. crash testing agencies, and it lacked some advanced safety features like knee airbags. However, it came standard with forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and 360-degree cameras. Optional features included rear cross-traffic alerts and exit warnings.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with high marks in most categories. It offered standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional inflatable rear seat belts provided additional protection for second-row passengers, though knee airbags were not available.