2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2022 Lincoln Navigator

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator underwent subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs, with a standard 20-inch design. The front end was restyled, featuring an Audi-esque grille with the Lincoln star and chrome detailing, which some felt reduced its elegance. Despite this, the Navigator's updates were largely successful, with the interior continuing to impress with quality materials and a mid-century modern design. The new Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme added a celestial touch to the cabin, enhancing the overall luxurious feel. The introduction of the Sync 4 infotainment system with a larger 13.2-inch touchscreen display kept the Navigator competitive in the screen size race. Available in standard and long-wheelbase styles, the Navigator offered Standard, Reserve, and Black Label trims, with the Black Label model tested featuring a Central Park theme and a total price of $106,530.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport embraced a modernist and reductive design philosophy, offering a clean and simple aesthetic. While not flashy, the Range Rover Sport's design included premium LED headlights, flush-mounted door handles, and surface LED technology in the taillights. The test vehicle, in Eiger Gray with silver 23-inch wheels, exuded understated luxury. Inside, the Deep Garnet over Ebony theme with aluminum and shiny black trim provided a sophisticated ambiance. The Range Rover Sport was available in SE P360, SE Dynamic P400, and Autobiography P440e specifications, with the SE Dynamic P400 model tested featuring various upgrades, bringing the MSRP to $98,420. The SUV's aerodynamic design boasted a coefficient of drag of 0.29, contributing to its refined appearance.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator retained its twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque through a 10-speed automatic transmission. Available in rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD), the Navigator offered a towing capacity between 8,100 and 8,700 pounds, depending on configuration. The adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview technology enhanced ride quality by preparing for road imperfections. Despite its nearly three-ton curb weight, the Navigator handled various terrains with ease, including snow and mud, thanks to its 9.7 inches of ground clearance and appropriate driving modes. The SUV achieved an average fuel economy of 18.6 mpg during testing.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport aimed to balance refinement and driver engagement. The SE Dynamic model featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. The SUV accelerated to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds and had a towing capacity of 7,716 pounds. The Range Rover Sport's fuel efficiency was commendable, averaging 22.3 mpg on the evaluation route and 25.1 mpg on a drive from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara. The SUV's new architecture increased torsional stiffness by 35%, and the adaptive damping air suspension provided a comfortable ride. However, the steering lacked involvement, and the SUV felt tall and heavy in tight curves. Off-road, the Range Rover Sport excelled with 11.1 inches of ground clearance and advanced off-road technologies.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator offered exceptionally comfortable 30-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain's chairs also featured heating, ventilation, and massage capabilities, enhancing passenger comfort. The third-row seat provided roomy accommodations, and the Navigator's independent rear suspension design contributed to its comfort. Storage and cargo space were generous, with the long-wheelbase Navigator L offering up to 120.2 cubic feet of cargo volume.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport maintained the Range Rover Command Driving Position, providing a tall and airy feel. The front seats were comfortable, with 20-way power adjustments, heating, and ventilation. However, the rear seat was less accommodating, with limited legroom and hard front seatback panels. The back seat's reclined angle forced a slouched posture, and narrow door openings made entry and exit challenging. The cargo area offered 31.9 cubic feet of space, expandable to 53 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The SUV included practical storage solutions, such as a deep bin under the center armrest and a handy contraption to secure smaller items in the cargo hold.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display, offering improved functionality and ease of use. The system supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and users could save personalized settings to a user profile. The voice recognition system was improved but not flawless. The upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system featured Amazon Fire TV, providing access to popular streaming services. The test vehicle also included a 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system, delivering exceptional sound quality.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport featured a 13.7-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with haptic feedback. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment platform was often confusing and frustrating to use. The native digital assistant struggled with basic commands, and the system's functionality was inconsistent. The Range Rover Sport offered impressive Meridian audio systems and a next-generation Active Noise Cancellation system. A wireless smartphone charging pad was included but difficult to access.

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 was also standard. ActiveGlide, Lincoln's semi-autonomous driving technology, allowed for hands-free driving on approved highways. However, the system required constant driver attention and was not entirely trustworthy in all situations.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport came equipped with advanced driving assistance systems, such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The SUV also featured automatic high-beam headlights, a driver monitoring system, and a surround-view camera system with ClearSight Ground View. Remote Park Assist was available, allowing the SUV to park itself while the driver directed it using a smartphone app. The adaptive cruise control and steering assist systems were not as smooth or reliable as expected, particularly on freeway curves.