2020 Lincoln Navigator vs 2020 Land Rover Defender

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator was a standout in the luxury SUV segment, distinguished by its chrome accents and unique styling that set it apart from its Ford Expedition roots. The Lincoln Embrace lighting system added a touch of elegance, welcoming owners with a sequential illumination. The Navigator's design featured a lattice-type grille with an illuminated Lincoln star, fender vents, and full-width taillights, all contributing to its sophisticated appearance. Inside, the Navigator offered a luxurious experience with its 30-way Perfect Position front seats, mid-century modern dashboard, and high-quality materials, making it a true flagship SUV.

In contrast, the 2020 Land Rover Defender embraced a rugged, utilitarian design reminiscent of classic Land Rovers. Its boxy frame, round headlights, and short overhangs were a nod to its heritage, while modern touches like plastic step plates and a three-piece ladder added functionality. The Defender's interior was basic and industrial, with exposed screws and a slab-sided cabin. Despite its simplicity, the Defender's design was purposeful, offering a unique blend of classic style and modern capability, appealing to those seeking adventure and off-road prowess.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a robust twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering an impressive 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. This engine outperformed the Ford Expedition's most powerful version by 50 horsepower and 30 lb-ft of torque. The Navigator's 10-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive system provided smooth power delivery, with multiple drive modes to suit various driving conditions. Its towing capacity reached 3,764 kilograms, aided by the Pro Trailer Backup Assist system. While acceleration was strong, the Navigator's fuel efficiency averaged 14.3 litres per 100 kilometres, slightly higher than expected. Despite its size, the Navigator offered excellent body motion control, making it a comfortable choice for open roads.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender offered a choice between a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine with 296 horsepower and a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline-six with 395 horsepower. The latter featured a mild hybrid system, enhancing power delivery and efficiency. The Defender's eight-speed automatic transmission provided smooth shifts, and its off-road capabilities were exceptional, thanks to Terrain Response 2 and adjustable-height suspension. The Defender excelled in challenging terrains, with impressive approach and departure angles, and a wading depth of 90 centimetres. While its on-road performance was less refined, the Defender's off-road prowess made it a versatile choice for adventure seekers.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator offered a spacious and comfortable interior, with power running boards for easy access. Its 30-way Perfect Position front seats provided exceptional comfort, while the second-row captain's chairs and third-row seating ensured ample space for passengers. The Navigator's cargo capacity was class-leading, with up to 3,407 litres of space in the long-wheelbase version. Triple-zone climate control and heated rear seats added to the comfort, making it an ideal choice for families seeking luxury and practicality.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender prioritized durability and functionality, with a minimalist interior design. The Defender 90 and 110 models offered flexible seating configurations, with options for a jump seat and third-row seating. While the interior was basic, it provided generous headroom and legroom, with a panoramic moonroof for added light. Cargo space varied by model, with the Defender 110 offering up to 1,875 litres with seats folded. The Defender's rugged design and impressive towing capacity of 3,719 kilograms made it a practical choice for those needing a versatile and capable vehicle.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator featured the Sync 3 infotainment system, which, while functional, was not the most advanced in its class. It offered Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. The system's voice recognition worked reasonably well, and the 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system provided an immersive listening experience. Additional technologies included a surround-view camera system and a head-up display, enhancing the Navigator's tech offerings.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender introduced the Pivi Pro infotainment system, a significant improvement over previous JLR systems. It featured dual SIM cards for seamless data streaming and over-the-air updates. The system's interface was user-friendly, though some elements, like map zoom icons, were small. The Defender's off-road capabilities were enhanced by front cameras and a rearview mirror that doubled as a screen. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 360-degree camera system, with options for a head-up display and rear-seat entertainment.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator came equipped with the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Navigator's safety was further supported by a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, making it a secure choice for families.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender, while not rated by U.S. crash testing agencies, offered a range of safety features, including forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and 360-degree cameras. With six airbags and driver assistance technologies, the Defender provided a reasonable level of safety for its occupants.