Range Rover vs Navigator
The Range Rover and the Navigator land in the same full-size luxury suv category, so the comparison is fair, and the differences are telling. Scoring each area separately, the Navigator comes out on top 2 times out of 4. Its lead is sharpest in engine & performance.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Navigator wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Range Rover wins
- Space & Practicality Navigator wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance3.5
- Fuel Economy & Range8.7
- Off-road & Towing7.2
- Engine & Performance9.2
- Fuel Economy & Range1.3
- Off-road & Towing10.0
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The Range Rover has better fuel economy
Few buyers will miss this one. The Range Rover brings 21 mpg to the table; the Navigator brings 17 mpg. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
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The Navigator has room for 8 seats
When it comes to seats, the Navigator wins comfortably with 8 seats against 5 seats. The Navigator has room for more passengers, useful for growing families and carpools.
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The Navigator has 104 lb-ft more torque
It’s a lopsided result (510 lb-ft for the Navigator, 406 lb-ft for the Range Rover) and one of the main reasons to choose between them. The Navigator’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
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The Navigator has 45 hp more power
It’s a fine margin, and it favors the Navigator (440 hp versus 395 hp). The Navigator’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
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The Range Rover has better city fuel economy
The spread here is large: 19 mpg on the Range Rover versus 15 mpg on the Navigator. Expect to notice it. Hybrids often shine in the city, and the Range Rover has the better rating here.
Design & Size
Engine & Performance
Navigator leads
The Navigator clearly takes the engine & performance round. Choose the Navigator and you get 104 lb-ft more torque. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type. If engine & performance is your priority, the Navigator is the car to pick.
Torque
Range Rover: 406 lb-ft Navigator: 510 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Total system output
Range Rover: 395 hp Navigator: 440 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Fuel Economy & Range
Range Rover leads
The Range Rover is the clear pick if fuel economy & range is what you care about most. The Range Rover has the edge with better fuel economy. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership. On fuel economy & range alone, the Range Rover gets the nod.
Fuel economy (combined)
Range Rover: 21 mpg Navigator: 17 mpg The Range Rover uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
Fuel economy (city)
Range Rover: 19 mpg Navigator: 15 mpg In town, driving style has a big effect, but the Range Rover starts from a better baseline.
Space & Practicality
Navigator leads
Few areas are as clear-cut as this one: the Navigator leads the space & practicality section with room to spare. The Navigator scores with room for 8 seats. Third-row seats are often best for kids, so check legroom figures if adults will sit there. Net result: the Navigator leads this part of the comparison.
Seats
Range Rover: 5 seats Navigator: 8 seats Extra seats mean you can take more people along without taking a second car.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
On paper, the off-road & towing comparison ends all square. Net result on off-road & towing: level.
Safety & Tech
Names, not numbers: the safety & tech rows below show what each one is built with, and it’s worth reading them side by side.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Range Rover | Navigator |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas (48V mild hybrid) | Gas |
| Engine | 3.0L turbo I6 | 3.5L twin-turbo V6 |
| Total system output | 395 hp | 440 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 406 lb-ft | 510 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD (4WD) | 4x4 |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Range Rover | Navigator |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 21 mpg (winner) | 17 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 19 mpg (winner) | 15 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 24 mpg (winner) | 22 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Range Rover | Navigator |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 8 seats (winner) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Range Rover | Navigator |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 8,200 lb | 8,700 lb Best towing in class |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Range Rover | Navigator |
|---|---|---|
| Driver-assist suite | N/A (not specified) | Lincoln Co-Pilot360 |
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
Price
| Spec | Range Rover | Navigator |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | N/A (not specified) | $99,995 |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Range Rover if…
- you want better combined fuel economy (21 mpg vs 17 mpg)
- you want better city fuel economy (19 mpg vs 15 mpg)
- you want better highway fuel economy (24 mpg vs 22 mpg)
Choose the Navigator if…
- you regularly carry extra passengers (8 seats vs 5 seats)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (510 lb-ft vs 406 lb-ft of torque)
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (440 hp vs 395 hp)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Range Rover or the Navigator?
The Navigator makes more sense overall. Consider the alternative only if you specifically want better fuel economy, where the Range Rover has the edge.
Executive Summary
Here’s my honest read on a classic rivalry: Land Rover’s Range Rover against Lincoln’s Navigator. I’d put room for 8 seats at the top of the list, and it belongs to the Navigator. And if that weren’t enough, the Navigator has 104 lb-ft more torque. To be fair, the Range Rover has better fuel economy, and that’s not nothing.
I’d steer fuel economy & range fans toward the Range Rover and engine & performance fans toward the Navigator.
My pick: the Navigator. I’d only go for the Range Rover if having better fuel economy matters more to you than the rest.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.