2022 Lincoln Navigator vs 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, which launched in 2005 and entered its second generation in 2014, received a significant refresh in 2018 that carried over into 2021. This refresh introduced the dual-screen center console, a defining feature of Land Rover interiors. The 2020 model year saw the addition of a plug-in hybrid variant and the availability of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Range Rover Sport offered various trims, including SE, HSE Silver, HST, HSE Dynamic, Autobiography, SVR, and SVR Carbon Edition, each with a range of luxurious features and powerful engines.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator underwent subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs, along with an updated Lincoln Embrace nighttime welcome illumination sequence. The front end received a restyle, featuring an Audi-esque grille with Lincoln star and chrome detailing. Inside, the Navigator dazzled with quality materials and a mid-century modern design, highlighted by Lincoln’s Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme. The new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display and a host of other updates made the Navigator a strong contender in the luxury SUV market.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport offered a variety of powertrain options. The base P360 mild-hybrid powertrain, available in the SE and SE Silver Edition, combined a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt electrical system, producing 355 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. The HST model featured a more potent version, the P400, rated at 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The HSE Silver Edition also offered plug-in hybrid and diesel powertrains, with the P400e plug-in hybrid delivering 398 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, and the 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 producing 254 hp and 443 lb-ft. The HSE Dynamic and Autobiography trims boasted a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 with 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque, while the SVR and SVR Carbon Edition had an even more powerful version of this engine, making 575 hp and 516 lb-ft. All models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive, with impressive off-road capabilities and a towing capacity of up to 7,716 pounds (except the SVR, which could tow 6,613 pounds).

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator retained its twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and available in rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). This engine produced 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, offering a pleasing note under acceleration. The Navigator's towing capacity ranged from 8,100 to 8,700 pounds, depending on wheelbase and drivetrain selections, and featured Trailer Reverse Guidance technology. The Navigator's adaptive-damping suspension, updated with Road Preview, identified and prepared for road imperfections, ensuring a smooth ride. The new electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel and response. The Navigator's fuel economy was rated at 18 mpg in combined driving, with our test vehicle averaging 18.6 mpg.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport provided 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 from five to seven, though it offered only 10.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row in use. Both the first and second rows provided ample headroom and legroom, while the optional third row was best suited for children.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator continued to impress with its heated, ventilated, and massaging 30-way power-adjustable front seats, offering exceptional comfort. The second-row captain’s chairs, also heated, ventilated, and massaging, provided a luxurious experience, while the third-row seat remained roomy and supportive. The Navigator offered generous storage and cargo space, with 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row (34.3 cubic feet for Navigator L), 57.5 cubic feet with the third row folded (73.3 cubic feet for Navigator L), and a maximum of 103.3 cubic feet with the second row collapsed (120.2 cubic feet in Navigator L).

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport featured a dual-screen center console, with the lower screen handling climate controls and vehicle settings, and the upper screen dedicated to the infotainment system. While the system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it was not always intuitive and had a learning curve. The lower screen's dials controlled various functions, and the upper screen had reasonably sized icons for easy navigation. However, the system had its quirks and was not as user-friendly as some competitors.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display, replacing the previous 10.1-inch screen. The new system was easy to use, with two data panels for simultaneous viewing of navigation and music details. Physical controls for volume, stereo tuning, and climate functions were well-designed and user-friendly. Sync 4 supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and its voice recognition system, while not perfect, was improved. The upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system featured Amazon Fire TV, providing access to popular streaming services. The test vehicle also included a new 28-speaker Revel 3D high-end audio system, delivering an exceptional audio experience.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport came with standard driver assistance features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and front-and-rear parking sensors. However, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert were optional. Additional available features included a surround-view parking camera, traffic sign recognition, driver drowsiness monitoring, and parallel and perpendicular park assist.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced several new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Road Edge Detection, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. A surround-view camera system became standard. Intersection Assist could automatically brake to prevent unsafe movements, while Road Edge Detection steered the SUV away from road edges. Active Park Assist 2.0 handled parking maneuvers, and ActiveGlide offered semi-autonomous, hands-free driving on approved highways. While ActiveGlide performed well, it required the driver to remain attentive.