2020 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2020 Lincoln Navigator

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover was a testament to luxury and ruggedness, a legacy that began with the Series I off-roader. Over the years, it evolved into a luxury SUV with robust 4x4 capabilities, appealing to affluent British landowners. By 2012, the current-generation Range Rover was introduced, offering various trims like HSE, Autobiography, and SVAutobiography Dynamic, available in both Standard and Long Wheelbase configurations. Standard features included leather seating, a panoramic sunroof, and the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, while higher trims added more luxurious touches like massaging seats and a rear-seat entertainment system.

In contrast, the 2020 Lincoln Navigator stood out with its distinctive chrome and brightwork, sharing a platform with the Ford Expedition but boasting unique styling elements like the Lincoln Embrace lighting system. The Navigator offered a Reserve Monochromatic Package for a custom look, and trims ranged from the standard Navigator to the opulent Black Label. The test vehicle, a Navigator Reserve with 4WD, featured a Dark Slate leather interior with 30-way Perfect Position front seats, a panoramic glass roof, and high-quality materials, making it a convincingly luxurious flagship SUV.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered a diverse range of powertrains, starting with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 355 horsepower and 365 lb-ft of torque. The HSE trim featured a non-hybrid version of the same engine, delivering 395 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque. A turbodiesel V6 was also available, rated at 254 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. The P525 and Autobiography trims came with a supercharged 5.0-liter V8, generating 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque. The SV Autobiography Dynamic, the performance variant, boasted a 5.0-liter V8 tuned to 557 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, providing a blend of power and efficiency. The Range Rover excelled in off-road capability, thanks to its Terrain Response System with multiple drive modes.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator, on the other hand, featured a single engine choice: a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 producing 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, with power sent to the rear wheels or available four-wheel drive. The Navigator offered multiple Lincoln Drive Modes, including Conserve, Normal, and Excite, tailoring the powertrain to various driving conditions. With a maximum towing capacity of 8,700 pounds, the Navigator excelled in towing capabilities, aided by Pro Trailer Backup Assist. While the V6 provided strong acceleration, the Navigator's fuel economy averaged 16.4 mpg. Despite its size, the Navigator's adaptive damping suspension and body motion control lent it a hint of athleticism, though it was best suited for open roads.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered two wheelbase options: Standard and Long Wheelbase, with seating for five or four with optional second-row captain’s chairs. The SWB version provided 70.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, while the LWB model offered 77.5 cubic feet. The Range Rover featured a hands-free power liftgate with a unique two-piece configuration, enhancing cargo loading. The center-console compartment was convenient, and both front and rear doors had decently sized cargo compartments and cupholders.

In contrast, the 2020 Lincoln Navigator required a climb to enter, but once inside, it offered ample room for passengers. The test vehicle's 30-way Perfect Position front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with power-adjustable pedals and a heated steering wheel. The second row offered a choice between a bench or captain’s chairs, with a large center console available. The Navigator's third-row seat provided unmatched legroom and thigh support. Cargo volumes were class-leading, with the standard model offering 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 103.3 cubic feet with seats folded. The longer Navigator L increased these measurements significantly.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo system, consisting of two touchscreens. The top screen managed navigation, phone, and stereo functions, while the lower screen controlled climate settings and Terrain Response modes. The system had a learning curve, with integrated dials changing functions based on the menu. A fully digital instrument panel and optional head-up display added to the tech offerings.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator, however, was equipped with the Sync 3 infotainment system, which was slow to load content. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Lincoln Connect services. "Phone As A Key" technology allowed smartphone-based vehicle access. The Reserve’s Luxury Package added a 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system, while additional technologies included a surround-view camera system and head-up display. The optional Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system was not included in the test vehicle.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover came with standard safety features like low-speed automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-departure warning. Optional features included a 360-degree parking camera, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. While the Range Rover had a solid list of safety features, some competitors offered more standard equipment.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator featured the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 collection of advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. The Reserve trim added adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The Navigator received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though the RWD version had a three-star rollover resistance rating. The IIHS had not tested the 2020 model.