2023 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded luxury and elegance, a hallmark of Jaguar Land Rover's long-standing reputation in the SUV market. Its design was a testament to wealth and taste, with features like pop-out door handles adding to its allure, despite concerns about reliability. The Velar's aesthetic appeal was undeniable, with its sleek, sporty profile reminiscent of the larger Range Rover, yet distinct in its lowered stance. The vehicle's design elements, such as the trapezoidal roof and signature grille, were unmistakably Range Rover, while subtle adjustments like the sloping roof and flush door handles added a modern touch.

Inside, the Velar's interior mirrored its exterior sophistication. The all-black cabin, though less opulent than previous models, still boasted high-quality materials and exemplary fit and finish. The three screens, including two touchscreens and a reconfigurable instrument panel, offered sharp graphics and a user-friendly interface. Even in its base trim, the Velar maintained a sense of luxury, with features like white contrast stitching and a polished black centre stack enhancing its appeal.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator, meanwhile, maintained its status as a full-size luxury SUV, offering a spacious and functional interior. Despite the pressure to transition to electric, the Navigator continued to impress with its size and comfort. The test model, a triple-black Navigator Reserve, featured the Monochromatic Package, adding black 22-inch wheels and body-colour trim. The interior, adorned with real wood trim and chrome accents, exuded an upscale feel, though some chrome plastic elements fell short of conveying true luxury.

The Navigator's cabin was designed for comfort, with power-deploying running boards and 30-way adjustable front seats offering heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain’s chairs provided ample space and easy access to the third row, which accommodated taller passengers comfortably. Storage was generous, and the Navigator L model offered even more cargo space, making it ideal for carrying both passengers and luggage.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, resulting in handling and steering that set it apart from previous Land Rover models. Its lower centre of gravity and lighter weight improved cornering and braking. The base engine, a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four, delivered 247 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. While not particularly exciting, it provided adequate acceleration. The optional 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six, available in two states of tune, offered more power, with the R-Dynamic model producing 335 hp and the HST 395 hp, thanks to a mild-hybrid system.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and 4WD. The Navigator's ride quality was mixed, with the adaptive damping suspension struggling over smaller bumps but improving in Excite mode. The SUV's size and weight posed challenges, particularly in urban settings, but it handled mountain roads with surprising agility, despite its slow and lifeless steering.

The 2022 Velar's interior was tighter than midsize SUVs, with limited headroom and visibility due to its design. Cargo space was modest, with 552 litres behind the rear seats and 1,358 litres with seats folded. The Velar's design choices, such as the lack of a discrete parking brake control, were frustrating, though the Pivi Pro infotainment system improved usability.

The 2023 Navigator excelled in functionality, offering roomy seating across three rows and ample cargo space, especially in the Navigator L model. The interior featured numerous storage options and high-quality leather seats, though the multitude of adjustments could be overwhelming. The Navigator's design prioritized comfort and utility, making it a strong contender for families needing space and luxury.

The 2022 Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system was surprisingly reliable, with a simplified layout and useful features like voice activation and advanced navigation. Standard features included LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, and a 12-speaker Meridian sound system.

The 2023 Navigator boasted a 12-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Sync 4, offering wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The digital assistant performed well, and the 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System provided excellent sound quality. However, the wireless smartphone charger caused overheating issues.

The 2022 Velar scored well in European NCAP tests, with standard safety features like forward emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. Optional features included 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control.

The 2023 Navigator came equipped with the Co-Pilot360 suite, featuring advanced systems like BlueCruise for hands-free driving. However, BlueCruise had limitations, particularly in challenging driving conditions. The Navigator received a 5-star side-impact rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA.