2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2020 Land Rover Defender

The 2020 Land Rover Defender was a nostalgic nod to its predecessors, with its boxy design reminiscent of the classic Land Rover aesthetic. It featured squared-off edges, a rising roofline towards the rear, and roundish headlights, all contributing to its rugged, trail-ready appearance. The Defender's design was a stark contrast to the smoother contours of the Land Rover Discovery, which had not been as well-received. The Defender's exterior was adorned with functional yet quirky elements like step plates and a ladder, though these were more for show than utility. Its taillights, external spare tire, and various customization options, including different roof colours and design themes, allowed owners to tailor the vehicle to their preferences. Inside, the Defender's interior was basic and industrial, with exposed screws and a utilitarian layout. While it lacked the luxury expected at its price point, it was a vehicle that inspired adventure and rugged exploration.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator, on the other hand, exuded elegance and sophistication. Despite sharing some design elements with the Ford Expedition, the Navigator stood out with its unique styling and luxurious features. Its exterior was defined by simple rectilinear shapes, a body-colour grille, and tasteful chrome accents. The Navigator's interior was a testament to luxury, with seven colour palettes and high-quality materials. The Perfect Position seats offered unparalleled comfort with 30 different adjustments, making long journeys a pleasure. The Navigator's cabin was spacious and well-appointed, with a focus on refinement and comfort. It was a vehicle that combined power and luxury, appealing to those who valued both performance and opulence.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender offered a choice of two engines, with the standout being the 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline-six, producing 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. This mild hybrid engine provided a smooth and powerful driving experience, with the electric motor eliminating turbo lag. The Defender's off-road capabilities were exceptional, thanks to its Terrain Response 2 system and adjustable-height suspension. It could tackle steep inclines, deep water, and challenging terrain with ease. However, on-road performance was less refined, with slow steering and a suspension that leaned significantly. The Defender's standard engine, a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four, was more suited to the smaller two-door 90 model. Overall, the Defender was a versatile vehicle, equally at home on rugged trails and city streets.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a formidable 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 engine, delivering 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. This engine, borrowed from the Ford Raptor, provided impressive acceleration and a satisfying engine note. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD, the Navigator offered a smooth and responsive driving experience. Its towing capacity was substantial at 3,765 kilograms, making it a capable hauler. While fuel efficiency was not its strong suit, the Navigator excelled on highways, where its quiet cabin and powerful engine shone. The suspension, though not as advanced as some competitors, provided a comfortable ride, and the steering and brakes, while not as precise as the Cadillac Escalade, were adequate for a vehicle of its size.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender was designed for versatility and durability. Its interior was practical, with a focus on functionality over luxury. The Defender 90, a two-door model, offered an optional jump seat, allowing it to accommodate up to six passengers. The four-door 110 model could seat up to seven with an optional third row. Cargo space was generous, with the 110 offering up to 1,875 litres with the seats folded. The Defender's rugged design extended to its towing capacity, which was an impressive 3,719 kilograms. Its exterior features, like the ladder and roof carrier, added to its adventurous appeal.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator boasted a spacious and luxurious interior, with seating for up to eight passengers. Its boxy design maximized interior space, providing ample room for passengers and cargo. The Navigator's cargo capacity was substantial, with up to 2,925 litres available with the seats folded. The long-wheelbase Navigator L offered even more space. The Navigator's interior was well-appointed, with heated rear seats, a three-zone climate system, and a range of seat adjustments for maximum comfort. While some features, like electrically reclining second-row seats, were not available, the Navigator's overall interior experience was one of luxury and comfort.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender featured the Pivi Pro infotainment system, a significant improvement over previous Jaguar Land Rover systems. It offered two SIM cards for streaming data and over-the-air updates, enhancing its functionality. The system's interface was more intuitive, though some user interface issues remained. The Defender's off-road capabilities were supported by advanced technology, including cameras that provided a view of the ground beneath the vehicle. The digital instrument panel and optional head-up display added to the vehicle's tech offerings, though some features, like semi-automated driving, were not available.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's technology, while not as advanced as some competitors, was user-friendly and effective. Its 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, though smaller than some rivals, was intuitive and easy to use. The Navigator offered wireless device charging and the ability to use a smartphone as an ignition key. The rear entertainment system included Roku media streaming, and the vehicle's drive modes featured engaging animations. While the Navigator lacked some of the cutting-edge technology found in competitors, its simplicity and functionality were appealing.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender had not been rated by U.S. crash testing agencies, and it lacked some advanced safety features like knee airbags. However, it offered standard safety technologies, including forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and 360-degree cameras.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with four stars for rollover resistance. It offered standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional inflatable rear seat belts provided additional safety for second-row passengers.