2021 Land Rover Defender vs 2022 Lincoln Navigator

The 2021 Land Rover Defender carried forward the legacy of its predecessors, which dated back to the original Land Rover Series I from 1948. The Defender's design evolved over the decades, maintaining its distinctive look with round headlamps, a box-shaped cabin, and a tall roofline. The new Defender echoed this classic vibe while incorporating modern elements like half-round LED headlights and a structural-looking grille. The interior featured exposed structure themes, with a dash held between horizontal beams and beefy controls, blending ruggedness with luxury.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator made subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs. The front end received a restyled grille reminiscent of an Audi, which some felt reduced its elegance. Inside, the Navigator dazzled with quality materials and a mid-century modern design, featuring Lincoln’s Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme. The new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen and a 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system enhanced the tech experience, making the Navigator a luxurious and tech-savvy choice.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender offered two powertrains in the U.S.: a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four-cylinder engine producing 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder mild-hybrid setup with 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The Defender's off-road capabilities were impressive, with a 30.1-degree approach angle, 37.6-degree departure angle, and a maximum wading depth of 35.4 inches. On-road, the Defender was quick, with the 2.0-liter model reaching 0-60 mph in 7.7 seconds and the 3.0-liter in 5.8 seconds. It also had a maximum towing capacity of 8,200 pounds and a payload capacity of over 1,700 pounds.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Navigator's towing capacity ranged between 8,100 and 8,700 pounds, depending on the configuration. The SUV's adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview and new electronic brake booster improved ride quality and braking response. The Navigator handled well in various conditions, including snow and mud, thanks to its 4WD system and 9.7 inches of ground clearance. Fuel economy for the 4WD model was 18 mpg in combined driving.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender rode on a unibody platform shared with the Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, and Discovery, using aluminum for weight reduction and strength. Its four-wheel independent multi-link air suspension enhanced both on-road and off-road performance. The Defender offered flexible seating options, including a jump seat between the front seats and an available third-row seat in the long-wheelbase 110 model. Cargo space was generous, with 34.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 78.8 cubic feet behind the first row in the 110 model.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator continued to impress with its exceptionally comfortable 30-way power-adjustable front seats, now with massaging, heating, and ventilation. The second-row captain’s chairs also featured these functions, and the third-row seat remained roomy and supportive. The Navigator offered ample storage and cargo space, with 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 103.3 cubic feet with the second row collapsed. The long-wheelbase Navigator L provided even more cargo space.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender used Land Rover's Electronic Vehicle Architecture 2.0, allowing for remote software updates. The Pivi Pro infotainment system featured a 10-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, with standard Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Multiple camera views, including a "transparent hood" view, aided off-roading. The audio system could be upgraded to a Meridian sound system with up to 700 watts of amplification. A full-color head-up display and ClearSight rear-view mirror were also available.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced the Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen, supporting Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The system featured a user-friendly interface with voice recognition and over-the-air update capability. The Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system now included Amazon Fire TV, providing access to streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime. The test vehicle also had a 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system, delivering an exceptional audio experience.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including a perimeter alarm, front airbags, tire pressure monitoring, electronic traction control, dynamic stability control, roll stability control, emergency braking, anti-lock braking, emergency brake assist, cruise control speed limiter, blind spot assist, lane-keep assist, driver condition monitor, traffic sign recognition, rear traffic monitor, clear exit monitor, and a 360-degree parking aid. The Defender underwent extensive durability testing but had not been rated by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced several new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Road Edge Detection, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. Intersection Assist could automatically brake to prevent unsafe movements, while Road Edge Detection helped steer the SUV away from road edges. Active Park Assist 2.0 allowed for automated parking, and ActiveGlide provided semi-autonomous, hands-free driving on approved highways. The Navigator also featured a surround-view camera system and performed well in various driving conditions.