2023 Lincoln Navigator vs 2023 Land Rover Defender

The 2023 Land Rover Defender was a standout in the Land Rover lineup, outselling the Discovery by a significant margin. Its boxy design, reminiscent of the old LR4, appealed to customers who favored its classic truck aesthetic over the Discovery's more conventional look. The Defender's design was characterized by its square-jawed face, rectangular hood, and doors, with steeply angled fittings like the windshield and bumper. Accents such as the dome, faux-metal step plates, and skylights paid homage to the original 1980s Defender. Available in three body styles—90, 110, and 130—the Defender offered a range of configurations, including accessory packages that enhanced its rugged appeal. Inside, the Defender prioritized function and durability, with a basic and barren interior that maintained its hardcore character. Despite its high price, the Defender's build quality was excellent, though it lacked the opulence of a Range Rover.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator, meanwhile, continued to impress with its luxurious and functional design. Although it hadn't undergone significant updates since its 2018 redesign and 2022 refresh, the Navigator remained a formidable presence in the full-size SUV market. The test vehicle, a triple-black Navigator Reserve model, featured a Monochromatic Package with black 22-inch wheels and body-color trim. Inside, the Navigator's cabin exuded luxury with real wood trim and chrome accents, though some switchgear failed to convey the same level of opulence. The ambient lighting added character, and the Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, though largely ignored by teenagers, was a notable feature. The Navigator's MSRP reached $104,715, reflecting its premium positioning in the market.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender excelled off-road, showcasing its remarkable grip, wheel articulation, and clearance. Its air suspension allowed it to tackle challenging terrains, though most owners likely didn't utilize its full capabilities. On-road, the Defender's performance was less impressive, with friction in the drivetrain, body roll, and wind noise detracting from the experience. The V8 engine, however, provided exhilarating power with 518 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque, while the six-cylinder engine offered a smooth and responsive ride with 395 hp and 406 lb-ft. The Defender's fuel economy varied, with the V8 returning 14/19/16 mpg and the six-cylinder achieving 18/23/20 mpg.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and 4WD, the Navigator offered a smooth and powerful driving experience. The SUV's fuel economy was rated at 18 mpg combined, though real-world testing yielded 15.6 mpg. The Navigator's adaptive damping suspension and Lincoln Drive Modes, including Excite mode, enhanced its performance, though the ride quality was inconsistent. The SUV's size posed challenges in urban environments, but its impressive grip and visibility made it feel smaller on winding roads.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender offered unmatched seating configurations, with the ability to seat up to eight passengers. The Defender 90 featured a jump seat for three across the front, while the 110 and 130 models provided optional third-row seating. The Defender's large glass areas and panoramic moonroof enhanced visibility, and its cargo space varied by model, with the 130 offering up to 77 cubic feet. Buyers could equip their Defenders with various off-road accessories, making it a versatile choice for adventure enthusiasts.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, with roomy seats in all three rows and an available extended body style for increased cargo space. The Navigator's 30-way Perfect Position front seats offered heating, ventilation, and massage, though their numerous adjustments could be overwhelming. Storage space was generous, and the Navigator L model provided substantial cargo capacity, with up to 120.2 cubic feet available. The SUV's power-deploying running boards and quality leather upholstery added to its luxurious appeal.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender featured two touchscreen infotainment systems running Pivi Pro software. The standard 10-inch screen and optional 11.4-inch touchscreen offered quick and simple operation, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a voice assistant, and navigation as standard features. The Defender S trim added heated power seats and a Meridian stereo, while higher trims included advanced features like air suspension, adaptive cruise control, and a head-up display.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator boasted a 12-inch digital instrumentation display, a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and an available widescreen head-up display. The Sync 4 system included wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM 360L, and Alexa Built-in. The Navigator's digital assistant excelled in voice recognition, and the 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System provided exceptional 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 2023 Land Rover Defender had not been rated by U.S. safety organizations, but it received a five-star rating in Euro NCAP crash testing. It came equipped with six airbags, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. Optional features included a digital instrument panel, head-up display, and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including Evasive Steering Assist, Intersection Assist, and BlueCruise. BlueCruise allowed for hands-free driving on designated highways, though it required driver intervention in certain situations. The Navigator received a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA.