2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2020 Land Rover Range Rover

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover was a testament to the brand's legacy of combining luxury with rugged capability. Originating from the Series I off-roader, the Range Rover evolved into a luxury SUV with robust 4x4 underpinnings, a hallmark that defined the brand. By 2013, the current-generation Range Rover had introduced various trims, including 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 offered additional luxuries like massaging seats and a rear-seat entertainment system.

In contrast, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator was a blend of elegance and understated luxury, despite its massive size. Sharing some design elements with the Ford Expedition, the Navigator stood out with its unique styling and luxurious interior. The exterior featured simple rectilinear shapes with splashes of chrome, while the interior boasted seven color palettes and high-quality materials. The Navigator's Perfect Position seats offered 30-way adjustability, providing exceptional comfort. Although the Navigator's technology felt slightly dated compared to competitors, its overall design and features made it a compelling choice for those seeking a spacious and refined 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 pound-feet of torque. The HSE trim featured a more powerful 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 trim, the performance variant, boasted a 5.0-liter V8 tuned to produce 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's electronic air suspension and Terrain Response System ensured a comfortable ride and off-road capability.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator featured a single, impressive engine: a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 from the Ford Raptor, producing 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, offered a responsive and powerful driving experience. The Navigator's 4WD system was smooth and efficient, with a towing capacity of 8,300 pounds for 4WD models and 8,700 pounds for RWD models. Despite its power, the Navigator's fuel economy was modest, averaging in the teens. The suspension, while equipped with adaptive dampers, lacked the refinement of some competitors, and the steering and brakes felt less precise. However, the Navigator excelled in highway refinement and power, making it a comfortable and capable choice for long journeys.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered two wheelbase options: Standard Wheelbase (SWB) and Long Wheelbase (LWB). Both configurations provided seating for five, with the option for second-row captain's chairs reducing capacity to four. The SWB model offered 70.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, while the LWB model provided 77.5 cubic feet. The Range Rover's unique two-piece power liftgate facilitated easy loading and tailgating. The interior featured convenient storage compartments, although cargo space was less than some competitors.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator, with its boxy design, provided ample space for up to eight passengers. The third row's middle seat was best suited for children, while the second row offered standard captain's chairs or an optional bench. The Navigator's cargo space was generous, with 19 cubic feet behind the third row, 57 behind the second, and 103 in total. The long-wheelbase Navigator L increased these figures to 34, 73, and 120 cubic feet, respectively. The rear glass opened separately from the tailgate, adding convenience. The Navigator's front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, offering a commanding view and excellent visibility.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo system, consisting of two touchscreens. The top screen managed navigation, phone, and media, while the lower screen controlled climate and seat settings. The system's integrated dials changed functions based on the selected menu, offering a unique interface. While the system had a learning curve and occasional lag, it provided comprehensive control over vehicle functions. A fully digital instrument panel and optional head-up display added to the Range Rover's tech offerings.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's technology, while not cutting-edge, was functional and user-friendly. The 10-inch touchscreen, though smaller than some competitors, offered an intuitive interface shared with Ford vehicles. The system lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the cameras were low-resolution. However, the Navigator included features like onboard 4G WiFi, wireless charging, and a smartwatch app. The rear entertainment system supported Roku streaming and various connections. Drive mode animations added a touch of flair to the instrument panel, and the overall simplicity of the system was a welcome contrast to more complex setups.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover came equipped with standard safety features such as 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 offered a solid list of safety features, some competitors provided more standard equipment.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with four stars for rollover resistance in 4WD models and three stars in RWD models. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional inflatable rear seat belts added an extra layer of protection. While adaptive cruise control was available, the Navigator's self-steering capabilities were less advanced than some competitors.