2023 Lincoln Navigator vs 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport was characterized by its modernist and reductive design, which translated to a clean and simple aesthetic. This approach might not have appealed to those seeking a flashy luxury SUV, as Land Rover offered limited options for making the Range Rover Sport stand out, such as a Firenze Red paint color and diamond-turned, multi-spoke 23-inch wheels. The test vehicle, finished in Eiger Gray with silver 23-inch wheels and a Black Exterior Pack, exuded understated luxury. Inside, the Deep Garnet over Ebony theme, complemented by aluminum and shiny black trim, created a sophisticated atmosphere. The Range Rover Sport was available in SE P360, SE Dynamic P400, and Autobiography P440e specifications, with the SE Dynamic P400 test vehicle priced at $98,420, including destination charges. Notable design features included premium LED headlights, flush-mounted door handles, and surface LED technology taillights, contributing to its excellent aerodynamics.

In contrast, the 2023 Lincoln Navigator maintained its traditional luxury SUV appeal, with no significant updates since its 2018 redesign and 2022 refresh. The test vehicle, a triple-black Navigator Reserve model, featured the Monochromatic Package with black 22-inch wheels and body-color trim. The interior was predominantly black, with real wood trim and chrome accents, and ambient lighting added character at night. The Navigator Reserve's cabin was upscale, though some chrome plastic switchgear detracted from the luxury feel. The test vehicle's MSRP was $104,715, including destination charges. The Navigator's design emphasized functionality, with power-deploying running boards for easy access and a spacious interior that accommodated passengers comfortably in all three rows.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport aimed to balance refinement and driver-focused engagement, though it only partially succeeded. It offered a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque in the SE Dynamic model. The SE P360 variant delivered 355 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) drivetrain was standard in the Autobiography P440e, providing 434 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque with an estimated 51 miles of electric range. The Range Rover Sport's 395-hp inline-six enabled a 0-60 mph time of 5.4 seconds, and it could tow up to 7,716 pounds. Fuel efficiency was commendable, with an EPA rating of 21 mpg combined, and the test vehicle averaged 22.3 mpg. The Range Rover Sport featured a new vehicle architecture with a 35-percent increase in torsional stiffness, adaptive damping air suspension, and various driving modes. However, it struggled to match the agility of sport-tuned SUVs from Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz on twisty roads.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator was powered by 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 test vehicle's EPA fuel economy rating was 18 mpg combined, but it averaged 15.6 mpg during testing. The Navigator offered five Lincoln Drive Modes, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, and Deep Conditions, with Hill Climb available with the towing package. The adaptive damping suspension, featuring Road Preview, aimed to enhance ride quality, but the Navigator's ride was inconsistent, feeling truck-like over smaller bumps and floaty over larger undulations. Excite mode improved handling on mountain roads but negatively impacted fuel efficiency. The Navigator's size posed challenges in urban environments, making parking and maneuvering difficult.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport retained its Command Driving Position, offering a tall and airy feel with a low dashboard and thin roof pillars. The air suspension could kneel for easier entry and exit, and 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 cargo area offered 31.9 cubic feet of space, expandable to 53 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Storage solutions included a deep bin under the center armrest and a handy contraption to prevent items from rolling around in the cargo hold.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, with spacious seating in all three rows and an available extended body style for increased cargo capacity. Power-deploying running boards facilitated cabin access, and the 30-way Perfect Position front seats offered heating, ventilation, and massage. However, the numerous adjustments could be overwhelming. The Navigator's storage space was generous, with large trays and covered compartments. The extended-length Navigator L model provided significantly more cargo space, with up to 120.2 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded.

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 system was often confusing and frustrating to use, with a lack of intuitive navigation and voice recognition issues. The Range Rover Sport offered impressive Meridian audio systems and a next-generation Active Noise Cancellation system, but the wireless smartphone charging pad was difficult to access.

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 infotainment system included wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and Alexa Built-in. The digital assistant performed well, accurately responding to voice commands. The Navigator's 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System delivered exceptional sound quality. However, the wireless smartphone charger caused the phone to overheat, and the Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system was underutilized by passengers.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport came equipped with a range of advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. It also featured automatic high-beam headlights, a driver monitoring system, and a surround-view camera system. However, the adaptive cruise control and steering assist systems were not as smooth or reliable as expected, particularly on freeway curves with inconsistent lane markings.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator was equipped with Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 and Co-Pilot360 2.0 Drive packages, offering features like Evasive Steering Assist, Intersection Assist, and BlueCruise hands-free driving. BlueCruise worked on designated Hands-Free Blue Zones but struggled with curves, mixed surfaces, and sudden lane changes by other drivers. The Navigator received a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA.