2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, despite being in its second generation since its 2005 launch, continued to impress with its luxurious design and advanced features. The 2018 refresh, which carried over into 2021, introduced a dual-screen center console that became a hallmark of Land Rover interiors. The model offered a variety of trims, from the base SE with leather upholstery and dual-zone climate control, to the high-performance SVR Carbon Edition with carbon fiber accents and a powerful V8 engine. Each trim level added layers of luxury and performance, with features like quad-zone climate control, panoramic sunroofs, and advanced sound systems enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator, while sharing some design elements with the Ford Expedition, stood out with its unique elegance and understated luxury. Its imposing presence was complemented by simple rectilinear shapes and tasteful chrome accents. The interior was a testament to luxury, with seven color palettes and high-quality materials. The Navigator's spacious cabin, with its Perfect Position seats offering 30 different adjustments, provided a comfortable and refined environment. Despite its size, the Navigator's design and features made it a compelling choice for those seeking a blend of power and luxury.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport offered a diverse range of powertrains, catering to different performance needs. The base P360 mild-hybrid powertrain delivered 355 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque, while the HST model's P400 powertrain increased output to 395 hp and 406 lb-ft. The P400e plug-in hybrid variant provided 398 hp and 472 lb-ft, and the diesel option offered 254 hp and 443 lb-ft. The supercharged 5.0-liter V8 in the HSE Dynamic and Autobiography trims produced 518 hp and 461 lb-ft, while the SVR models boasted 575 hp and 516 lb-ft. All models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD, with a towing capacity of up to 7,716 pounds, except for the SVR, which could tow 6,613 pounds.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a formidable twin-turbo V6 engine, producing 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided impressive acceleration and a satisfying driving experience. The Navigator's 4WD system offered smooth transitions between RWD and 4WD High, and its towing capacity reached 8,300 pounds for 4WD models and 8,700 pounds for RWD models. Despite its power, the Navigator's fuel economy was less than stellar, averaging in the teens. The suspension, while equipped with adaptive dampers, lacked the refinement of some competitors, but the Navigator's overall power and highway refinement were noteworthy.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport offered a maximum of 63.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 31.7 cubic feet with the second row in use. An optional third row increased seating capacity to seven, though it reduced cargo space to 10.8 cubic feet. The first and second rows provided ample headroom and legroom, while the third row was best suited for children. The Range Rover Sport's interior combined space with luxury, making it suitable for road trips and daily use.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator boasted a spacious interior, capable of accommodating six adults comfortably. It offered 19 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 57 cubic feet behind the second, and a total of 103 cubic feet. The long-wheelbase Navigator L variant provided even more storage. The Navigator's interior featured heated second-row seats, a three-zone climate system, and a high driving position for excellent visibility. The front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, though parking the large SUV could be challenging despite the 360-degree cameras.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport's interior was defined by its dual-screen center console, with the lower screen handling climate controls and vehicle settings, and the upper screen managing infotainment. While the system had a learning curve and some bugs in earlier models, it offered functionality through integrated dials and a real volume button. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though it was not the most intuitive on the market.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator featured a 10-inch touchscreen, which felt small compared to newer competitors. While the infotainment system lacked wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it was intuitive and easy to use. The Navigator offered onboard 4G WiFi, wireless device charging, and a smartwatch app. The rear entertainment system included Roku media streaming, and the vehicle's remote app functions were available for five years. Despite some technological limitations, the Navigator's simplicity was appreciated.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport came with standard driver assistance features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning. Additional features such as adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring were available at an extra cost. Other options included a surround-view parking camera and a head-up display.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received five stars overall 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. Adaptive cruise control was optional, though the Navigator's self-steering capabilities were not as advanced as some competitors.