2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2020 Lincoln Navigator

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV maintained a subtle exterior, with no gratuitous styling changes to distinguish it from its non-hybrid counterparts, aside from a discreet “P400e” badge. The charging port was cleverly integrated into the grille, maintaining the SUV's sleek design. This approach was appreciated by those who valued design as a key factor in vehicle selection, as it avoided unnecessary details that could detract from the vehicle's appeal. The test vehicle, priced at $93,200 with options, featured striking Firenze Red paint, a black roof, and 21-inch aluminum wheels, enhancing its inherent good looks. Inside, the cabin was adorned with quality materials, reflecting the vehicle's premium price tag.

In contrast, the 2020 Lincoln Navigator stood out with its distinctive chrome and brightwork, setting it apart from its Ford Expedition platform mate. The Navigator featured unique front and rear styling, including the Lincoln Embrace lighting system, a lattice-type grille, and full-width taillights. The Reserve Monochromatic Package added a custom look with body-color enhancements and 22-inch black-painted wheels. Inside, the Navigator offered a luxurious experience with its Dark Slate leather interior, 30-way Perfect Position front seats, and a dashboard with mid-century modern styling cues. The panoramic glass roof and high-quality materials further elevated the Navigator's status as a luxurious flagship SUV.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with a 141-hp electric motor, producing a total of 398 horsepower and 472 lb-ft of torque. Despite Land Rover's claim of a 31-mile all-electric range, the test vehicle struggled to maintain EV mode, possibly due to climate control use or hilly terrain. The SUV averaged 25.5 mpg over a 60-mile loop, a modest improvement over previous models. The Range Rover Sport PHEV offered quick acceleration and a comfortable ride, thanks to its adaptive air suspension and various driving modes. However, the regenerative brakes were grabby, and the SUV's off-roading capabilities remained intact with its 4WD system and multiple traction settings.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission and multiple drive modes tailored the powertrain to different driving conditions. The Navigator's towing capacity reached 8,700 pounds with RWD, aided by Pro Trailer Backup Assist. The SUV averaged 16.4 mpg on the testing loop, slightly below the EPA's 18 mpg combined rating. Despite its size, the Navigator exhibited excellent body motion control and a hint of athleticism, though it was best suited for open roads. Around town, its size was noticeable, but features like a tight turning radius and parking assist system improved maneuverability.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV's cargo space was limited due to the battery placement, reducing the standard 27.5-cubic-foot area behind the back seat. The SUV comfortably seated five, with excellent front-seat comfort and a tall riding position for rear passengers. The test vehicle featured 4-zone automatic climate control and a panoramic glass roof, enhancing the interior experience. However, practical storage was limited, especially with the optional refrigerated center console bin.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator offered ample interior space, with the test vehicle's 30-way Perfect Position front seats providing exceptional comfort. The second row could be configured with a bench or captain's chairs, and the third row offered class-leading legroom and thigh support. Cargo volumes were impressive, with the standard model providing up to 103.3 cubic feet of space, while the longer Navigator L offered up to 120.2 cubic feet. The Navigator's interior was designed for comfort and convenience, with features like triple-zone climate control and heated rear seats.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport's InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system was complex and occasionally frustrating, even for tech-savvy users. The system sometimes behaved unexpectedly, and the lack of haptic feedback from the touchscreen added to the challenge. While the technology was necessary to manage the vehicle's complexity, it could lead to occasional confusion.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator's Sync 3 infotainment system was less impressive, with slow content loading times. However, it offered features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and "Phone As A Key" technology. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system provided a compelling audio experience, and additional technologies included a surround-view camera system and a head-up display. The Navigator's technology package was comprehensive, though the Sync 3 system was due for an upgrade.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport came equipped with advanced driver-assistance systems, though some features like the steering-assist system could be distracting. The SUV's adaptive air suspension and heavy battery helped lower its center of gravity, but head-toss remained an issue. Crash-test ratings were unavailable, but the vehicle's weight provided a sense of security in collisions.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator featured the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Navigator's adaptive cruise control operated smoothly, and the lane-keeping assistance system was effective. The SUV received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though the RWD model had a three-star rollover resistance rating.