For SUV shoppers in the luxury segment, there are a lot of SUVs to choose from. There are many different sizes and price points. Among the SUVs in about the $50,000 starting price range, there are two luxury SUV models that are strikingly different, but that start around the same price. Let’s break down the 2022 Land Rover Defender against the 2022 Lincoln Aviator. 

Is the 2022 Land Rover Defender a good car? 

Yes, this is a good SUV. However, it’s boxy rugged look can be polarizing. In addition, the 2022 Land Rover Defender base model is nice, but not loaded. In fact, the upper trims have much more to offer in the way of luxurious creature comforts and performance. The Defender 90 ($47,700) is a novelty two-door version, while the Defender 110 ($50,500) offers four doors for a more family-style approach to luxury off-roading.

When someone pays about $50,000 for a 2022 Land Rover Defender, they are getting a leather trimmed interior. The base level Defender comes powered by a turbocharged inline four. Other trims can be had with turbocharged and supercharged V6 options or the supercharged V8 engine which was introduced for the 2022 model year. 

However, to have the more powerful engine and safety upgrades such as a heads up display or adaptive cruise control buyers will need to spend more than the $50,000 base price. The 2022 Land Rover Defender is for a certain market of drivers that want the ability to drive off-road pretty seriously. It wins accolades for being “surprisingly refined on-road” from places like Car and Driver. Plus, the Land Rover Defender earned a five-star safety rating from EuroNCAP.

“This modern interpretation of the iconic Defender is as impressive and as cool as its forebear.”

Car and Driver

Is the 2022 Lincoln Aviator a more practical choice? 

For SUV buyers in this price range, there’s another luxury SUV option that is quite different from the rugged Defender. In fact, some might say its sleek design is a bit more practical. The 2022 Lincoln Aviator is a premium crossover with a starting price right around the $50,000 mark––just like the 2022 Land Rover Defender. However, the similarities between these two vastly different luxury SUV models stop there. 

Where the Defender base model offers four-wheel drive as standard equipment, buyers have to pay extra for an all-wheel drive Lincoln Aviator. That said, the Aviator’s purpose isn’t exactly to traverse into the unknown off the beaten path. The 2022 Lincoln Aviator is refined and the base trim offers plenty of standard safety equipment and an upscale trim. 

This luxury crossover by Ford’s elevated segment features a strong base engine as well. That said, it’s hard to find anyone who recommends its plug-in hybrid version. On the other hand, the Lincoln Aviator did earn an IIHS Top Safety Pick. 

“The Lincoln Aviator’s 400-hp twin-turbo V-6 is among the most powerful standard engines in the mid-size luxury SUV segment.”

Car and Driver

Choosing the right luxury SUV for you

The 2022 Land Rover Defender is a more rugged SUV with off-roading baked into the core of its design. However, the 2022 Lincoln Aviator is an upscale family hauler with a sleek and stylish exterior. They both easily fit into the luxury segment, with starting prices in the $50,000 ballpark. 

Each one has its own appeal that speaks to entirely different types of buyers. So it ultimately depends on the personal preference of each car shopper. Additionally, the primary purpose may also play a role in the final decision between these two luxury SUVs that are similar in terms of price yet remarkably different in virtually every other way.