2023 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar was a testament to Land Rover's long-standing tradition of crafting luxury SUVs. It exuded class and elegance, with a design that was both sporty and sophisticated. The Velar's exterior was a masterful blend of the big Range Rover's iconic profile, scaled down into a sleek, streamlined package. Its long wheelbase, short overhangs, and signature Land Rover grille were unmistakable, while subtle design tweaks like the sloping roof and flush door handles added to its allure. Inside, the Velar's cabin was equally impressive, featuring high-quality materials and a polished black center stack. Despite being a base trim, the interior maintained a sense of luxury, with sharp screens and sophisticated graphics enhancing the driving experience.

In contrast, the 2023 Lincoln Navigator was a full-size SUV that prioritized functionality and luxury. Its spacious interior offered comfort across all three rows, with power-deploying running boards for easy access. The Navigator's cabin was equipped with Lincoln's 30-way Perfect Position power-adjustable front seats, providing heating, ventilation, and massage features. While the seats offered numerous adjustments, finding the perfect setting proved challenging. The Navigator excelled in storage space, with generous cargo capacity, especially in the extended-length Navigator L model. The interior's clean look was preserved with covers for cupholders and wireless charging pads, while the ambient lighting added character to the upscale cabin.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, offering a driving experience unlike any previous Land Rover. Its lower center of gravity and lighter weight contributed to improved handling and braking. The base engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, producing 247 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD. The Velar's optional air suspension with adaptive dampers provided a plush ride, while the Terrain Response system offered six driving modes. The optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, available in two states of tune, delivered up to 395 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque, enhancing the Velar's performance.

The 2023 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 and 4WD. The Navigator offered five Lincoln Drive Modes, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, and Deep Conditions. The adaptive damping suspension with Road Preview aimed to improve ride quality, but the Navigator's ride was often harsh over smaller bumps. In Excite mode, the suspension stiffened, improving handling on winding roads. However, the Navigator's nearly three-ton curb weight challenged the brakes, and its size proved cumbersome in urban settings.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's interior was tighter than 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 design choices, such as the lack of a discrete parking brake control, were frustrating. The Pivi Pro infotainment system improved usability, but the Velar's redesign of critical controls was seen as unnecessary.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, offering roomy seats in all three rows and a cavernous cargo area. The power-deploying running boards facilitated easy access, while the 30-way adjustable front seats provided comfort, albeit with too many adjustments. Storage space was generous, with various trays and compartments throughout the cabin. The extended-length Navigator L model offered even more cargo space, making it ideal for carrying both passengers and luggage.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system was a pleasant surprise, offering a simplified layout and logical arrangements. Features like voice activation, a PM2.5 air filter, and a heated windshield added convenience. The navigation system could suggest traffic detours and provide off-road measurements. The instrument panel offered customizable displays, while the optional adaptive cruise control with steering assist was available.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured a 12-inch digital instrumentation display, a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and an available widescreen head-up display. The Sync 4 infotainment system included wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and Alexa Built-in. The digital assistant performed well, and the 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System provided excellent sound quality. The Lincoln Way app and Phone As A Key technology allowed for digital key access, while the Lincoln Play system offered rear-seat entertainment.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar lacked U.S. crash-test ratings but scored well in the European NCAP. 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 2023 Lincoln Navigator came equipped with Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 and Co-Pilot360 2.0 Drive packages, offering advanced driving assistance systems. BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assist system, was available but had limitations in certain conditions. The Navigator received a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA.