2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar presented a balanced design, positioned between the sleek Evoque and the boxy Range Rover. Its low roof and steeply-raked windshield gave it a unique profile, distinct from the traditional Range Rover look. The Velar maintained an intimidating presence with its broad front end, while its short overhangs improved off-road capabilities. The SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition added sportier elements, such as larger air intakes and quad exhaust tips, enhancing its aggressive stance. Inside, the Velar's high-quality leather and metal trim created a luxurious environment, with a cockpit-like feel that set it apart from typical SUVs.

In contrast, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator exuded elegance and understatement, despite its massive size. Its design featured simple rectilinear shapes, with a few chrome accents adding a touch of class. The Monochromatic Package offered a body-color grille, while the illuminated Lincoln logo added a modern touch. The interior impressed with its seven color palettes and attention to detail, such as the layered wood trim and floating center console. The Black Label trims elevated luxury with more textures and softer leather. The Perfect Position seats offered unparalleled adjustability, making the Navigator's cabin a comfortable and refined space.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar, particularly in the SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition, marked a shift towards performance with its 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine, producing 550 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, allowed the Velar to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, reaching a top speed of 177 mph. Despite these impressive figures, the Velar's performance was not class-leading, as competitors like the BMW X3 M Competition and Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S were quicker. The Velar's aluminum platform provided a solid and refined ride, but its handling felt less sharp compared to other performance SUVs. Off-road capabilities were supported by Land Rover's Terrain Response system, although the Velar's single-speed transfer case limited its off-road prowess.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator featured a powerful twin-turbo V6 engine, borrowed from the Ford Raptor, delivering 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. This engine, combined with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided the Navigator with a surprisingly sprightly performance for its size. The Navigator offered both rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive options, with a towing capacity of up to 8,700 pounds. While fuel economy was not its strong suit, the Navigator excelled in highway refinement and power delivery. The adaptive dampers provided a comfortable ride, although the suspension felt less sophisticated compared to competitors like the Cadillac Escalade. The Navigator's steering and brakes lacked the precision of its rivals, but its overall refinement and power made it a compelling choice for long highway journeys.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar occupied a unique position in terms of size, being larger than compact luxury SUVs but smaller than midsize counterparts. Despite its size, the Velar's interior space was not as generous as expected, with competitors like the Mercedes-Benz GLC offering more legroom and the BMW X3 providing more headroom. Cargo space was competitive, with 15.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 48.9 cubic feet with them folded. The Velar's avant-garde styling, while visually appealing, compromised interior space and visibility. The SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition and V6 models had a towing capacity of 5,511 pounds, while the base four-cylinder model could tow 5,291 pounds.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered a spacious interior, capable of accommodating six adults comfortably. Its boxy shape contributed to generous cargo space, with 19 cubic feet behind the third row, 57 behind the second, and 103 in total. The long-wheelbase Navigator L provided even more storage capacity. The Navigator's interior featured heated rear seats and a three-zone climate system, although it lacked some of the advanced features found in German competitors. The front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, offering a commanding view of the road. Despite its size, the Navigator's large windows and high driving position made visibility easy, although parking remained a challenge.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, with dual 10.0-inch touchscreens handling various functions. The system included a WiFi hotspot, Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. While the graphics and menu layout were praised, the system's slow response times were a drawback. Additional tech features included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a head-up display, and capacitive steering-wheel controls.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's technology felt somewhat dated compared to newer competitors. Its 10-inch touchscreen, while functional, lacked the advanced features found in vehicles like the Cadillac Escalade. The Navigator's infotainment system was intuitive, sharing its interface with Ford models but with a unique Lincoln skin. It offered 4G WiFi, wireless device charging, and a smartwatch app, but lacked wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity. The rear entertainment system included Roku media streaming and various connection options. Despite its simplicity, the Navigator's technology package was effective and user-friendly.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, as low-volume luxury vehicles were not prioritized for crash testing. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and front and rear parking aids. Adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring were available as part of an option package. However, Land Rover's driver-assist offerings were less sophisticated compared to competitors, with only basic lane-keep assist available.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in every test except for rollover resistance. The IIHS had not rated the Navigator in its current generation. Optional inflatable rear seat belts for the second row were a unique safety feature. Standard safety equipment included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and auto high beams. Adaptive cruise control was optional, but the Navigator's self-steering capabilities were not as advanced as some competitors.