2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar vs 2022 Lincoln Navigator

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded a sense of luxury and sophistication that was hard to ignore. Its design was a masterful blend of elegance and sportiness, drawing inspiration from the larger Range Rover's iconic silhouette. The Velar's sleek lines, pop-out door handles, and distinctive grille made it a standout in the crowded luxury SUV market. Despite concerns about reliability, the Velar's aesthetic appeal was undeniable, with its long wheelbase, short overhangs, and trapezoidal roof contributing to its striking appearance. The interior, though less opulent than previous models, maintained high-quality materials and an exemplary fit and finish, with a polished black center stack and sharp graphics on its three screens.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator underwent subtle styling changes that included new headlights, taillights, and a restyled front end. While the new grille design was reminiscent of an Audi, it didn't quite match the elegance of its predecessor. However, the Navigator's interior continued to impress with its mid-century modern design and high-quality materials. The introduction of Lincoln's Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme added a touch of sophistication, while the new Sync 4 infotainment system with a larger 13.2-inch touchscreen display brought the Navigator up to date with its competitors. The Navigator's spacious interior, with its comfortable and adjustable seats, provided a luxurious experience for all passengers.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, resulting in a driving experience that was distinct from previous Land Rover models. Its lower center of gravity and lighter weight improved handling and braking, while the optional air suspension offered a plush ride. The base engine, a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, produced 247 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, providing adequate performance for city driving. The optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, available in two states of tune, delivered 340 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque in the base S and R-Dynamic models, and 395 hp and 405 lb-ft in the R-Dynamic HSE, thanks to an electric supercharger. This powertrain, paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, offered the high performance expected by luxury buyers while reducing emissions.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator retained its twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing a robust 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Navigator offered impressive towing capacity, ranging from 8,100 to 8,700 pounds, depending on the configuration. The updated adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview technology improved ride quality, while the new electronic brake booster enhanced brake pedal feel and response. The Navigator's performance was further bolstered by its four-wheel drive system, 9.7 inches of ground clearance, and various driving modes, allowing it to handle a variety of road conditions with ease. Despite its nearly three-ton curb weight, the Navigator delivered a smooth and confident driving experience, with an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 18 mpg in combined driving.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar offered a tighter interior compared to midsize SUVs, with limited headroom and visibility due to its stylish design. Cargo space was modest, with 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 49 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Velar's interior design choices, such as the lack of a discrete parking brake control and a bulky shifter, were frustrating, but the new Pivi Pro infotainment system improved usability with a cleaner interface and faster response times.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator, on the other hand, provided exceptional comfort with its 30-way power-adjustable front seats and newly massaging, heated, and ventilated second-row captain's chairs. The third-row seat remained spacious and supportive, thanks to the independent rear suspension design. The Navigator's generous storage and cargo space made it ideal for families, with 19.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 103.3 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded. The long-wheelbase Navigator L offered even more room, with up to 120.2 cubic feet of cargo space.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system exceeded expectations with its simplified layout and logical arrangement of functions. The system featured a voice assistant, a PM2.5 air filter, and a heated windshield, among other useful features. The instrument panel offered customizable layouts, while the optional adaptive cruise control with steering assist provided a decent level of semi-automated driving. Standard features included LED headlights, automatic high beams, and a 12-speaker Meridian stereo.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator's new Sync 4 infotainment system, with its 13.2-inch touchscreen display, brought the SUV up to date with its competitors. The system supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and allowed for extensive customization through user profiles. The voice recognition system showed improvement, though it still had room for refinement. The upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, with Amazon Fire TV, provided access to popular streaming services, while the 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system delivered an exceptional listening experience.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar had not been crash-tested by U.S. agencies, but it performed well in the European NCAP, scoring five stars and a 93-percent score for front and side impact tests. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic sign recognition. Optional features included 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced several new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Road Edge Detection, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. The surround-view camera system became standard, enhancing the SUV's safety features. ActiveGlide, Lincoln's semi-autonomous driving technology, allowed for hands-free driving on approved highways, though drivers were still required to remain attentive. While the system performed well under certain conditions, it highlighted the need for continued driver vigilance.