2023 Lincoln Navigator vs 2024 Land Rover Defender

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator maintained its luxurious appeal without significant updates, as it awaited a future transformation into an electric SUV. The fourth-generation model, last redesigned in 2018 and refreshed in 2022, continued to offer a sophisticated presence with its triple-black Navigator Reserve model. This version featured the Monochromatic Package, which included black 22-inch wheels and body-color trim, although keeping the Infinite Black exterior clean proved challenging. Inside, the Navigator Reserve's cabin exuded upscale quality with real wood trim and chrome accents, though some switchgear failed to convey the luxury expected at its price point.

In contrast, the 2024 Land Rover Defender combined a classic, boxy profile with modern Land Rover design elements, such as angular headlights. Its interior leaned more towards durability and adventure-readiness, akin to a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco, but with softer materials. The Defender was available in three body styles: the two-door 90, the four-door 110, and the extended-wheelbase four-door 130, each offering various trims. Our test vehicle, the Defender 110 S, came with the County visual package, featuring white wheels and vintage graphics, which added a nostalgic touch. The interior was practical, with rubberized floors and numerous cargo compartments, making it suitable for both urban and rugged environments.

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 drivetrain. It had an EPA fuel economy rating of 18 mpg in combined driving, though our testing in Southern California averaged 15.6 mpg. The Navigator offered five drive modes, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, and Deep Conditions, with an optional Hill Climb mode. Despite its adaptive damping suspension, the Navigator's ride quality was inconsistent, feeling truck-like over smaller bumps and floating over larger dips. In Excite mode, the suspension stiffened, improving the ride but reducing fuel efficiency. The SUV's nearly three-ton curb weight challenged the brakes, especially on mountain roads, and its size proved cumbersome in urban settings.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender offered several powertrains, starting with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the P300, producing 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Our P400 test model featured a mild-hybrid turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, generating 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. Two supercharged 5.0-liter V8 options, the P500 and P525, delivered 493 hp and 518 hp, respectively. All engines were mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time active 4WD. The Defender excelled in off-road capabilities, with features like an adaptive air suspension and Terrain Response 2 system. The P400 model provided ample power for highway speeds, though it exhibited a slight lurch at low speeds. Overall, the Defender's on-road ride was pleasant, with minimal body roll.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, offering spacious seating across all three rows and a generous cargo area. Power-deploying running boards facilitated easy entry and exit, while the 30-way Perfect Position power-adjustable front seats provided heating, ventilation, and massage functions. However, the multitude of adjustments proved challenging to perfect. Storage space was abundant, with various compartments throughout the cabin. The extended-length Navigator L model offered significantly more cargo space, making it ideal for carrying both passengers and luggage.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender balanced luxury and practicality, featuring soft-touch materials alongside grip handles and rubberized floors. Seating capacity varied from five to eight passengers, depending on the configuration. The Defender 110 offered an optional third row, best suited for children, while the Defender 130 provided more seating but limited space. Cargo capacity varied by model, with the Defender 130 offering the most space. The Defender 110's two-row version provided ample cargo room, while the three-row configuration was more limited. The two-door Defender 90 offered practical cargo space with easy-to-clean surfaces.

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 a navigation system with enhanced voice recognition. The digital assistant performed well, accurately responding to commands. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System provided excellent sound quality. However, the wireless smartphone charger overheated devices, and the rear-seat Lincoln Play infotainment system went unused by passengers.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender came with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and an 11.4-inch touchscreen, offering a straightforward and utilitarian interface. Standard features included navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and a 10-speaker Meridian stereo system. The touchscreen's simplicity complemented the Defender's practical interior, with home buttons for easy navigation. This setup provided a refined yet functional experience, appealing to those who prefer a less overwhelming digital interface.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator was equipped with advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) through the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 and Co-Pilot360 2.0 Drive packages. Notable features included Evasive Steering Assist, Intersection Assist, and BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assist system. However, BlueCruise struggled with curves, mixed surfaces, and construction zones, requiring frequent driver intervention. The Navigator received a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender offered a comprehensive suite of standard driver assistance features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and more. The lane-departure and lane-keeping assist systems were overly sensitive, causing interference during normal driving. As of this writing, the Defender had not been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA.