2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2020 Honda CR-V

The 2020 Honda CR-V, part of Honda's fifth generation of compact crossovers, had a design that was both familiar and enjoyable. Its exterior styling was characterized by soft, curvy lines that resembled Honda's sedan lineup, giving it a station wagon-like appearance rather than a traditional SUV look. This design approach made the CR-V a modern family transportation staple. However, the interior was a mix of textures and materials, with upscale touches like wood-look trim and leather upholstery clashing with lower-quality plastics, reminding drivers that even the pricier CR-V models were still upgrades of a commodity car.

In contrast, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator was a luxury SUV that stood out with its elegance and understated styling. Despite sharing some elements with the Ford Expedition, the Navigator had a unique identity, with rectilinear shapes defining its grille, windows, and lighting assemblies. The Pristine White model with a monochromatic package and illuminated Lincoln logo was particularly striking. Inside, the Navigator impressed with its seven colour palettes and attention to finer details, such as the layered wood trim and floating centre console. The materials were of high quality, and the Perfect Position seats offered 30 different adjustments, providing a luxurious experience.

The 2020 Honda CR-V was equipped with a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine across all trims, producing 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), the CR-V delivered a smooth driving experience, especially in Sport mode. Its car-like road manners, nimble handling, and low curb weight contributed to its excellent performance and fuel efficiency. The CR-V's fuel consumption was rated at 7.7 litres per 100 kilometres for FWD models and 8.1 for AWD models, making it one of the most efficient in its class.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator, on the other hand, boasted a powerful twin-turbo V6 engine from the Ford Raptor, generating 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. This engine, combined with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD, provided impressive acceleration and responsiveness. The Navigator's towing capacity was substantial at 3,765 kilograms. However, its fuel efficiency was less impressive, with a combined rating of 13.8 litres per 100 kilometres. While the Navigator's adaptive dampers were standard, its suspension and steering lacked the refinement found in some competitors, though its overall power and highway refinement were commendable.

The 2020 Honda CR-V excelled in interior space and practicality. Its cabin was spacious, offering ample head- and legroom for both front and rear passengers. Clever storage solutions, such as the deep centre console and two-position load floor, enhanced its usability. The CR-V's cargo space was generous, with up to 1,110 litres available with the rear seats folded. The vehicle's design made it easy to live with, accommodating various storage needs.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered a vast interior, akin to a small bedroom, with seating for up to eight passengers. Its boxy shape maximized cargo space, providing 546 litres behind the third row and up to 2,925 litres in total. The Navigator's second-row seats were heated and featured a three-zone climate system, though they lacked some of the advanced features found in competitors. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with numerous adjustments and massage functions. Despite its size, the Navigator's large windows and high driving position ensured good visibility.

The 2020 Honda CR-V's infotainment system showed its age, with a standard 7-inch touchscreen that felt small compared to competitors. The system lacked hard buttons, making it challenging to operate, though Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard. The CR-V offered plenty of USB ports and wireless charging on higher trims, but its overall technology package lagged behind rivals.

In contrast, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator featured a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which, while not as advanced as some competitors, was intuitive and easy to use. The Navigator included wireless device charging and a rear entertainment system with Roku streaming. However, it lacked some modern features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system provided good sound quality, and the vehicle's technology package was generally user-friendly.

The 2020 Honda CR-V came with the "Honda Sensing" suite of safety features as standard, including forward-collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. It received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, though lower trims had less effective headlights. A recall for a rear subframe issue affected a small number of vehicles.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator also received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with standard safety features like automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. However, it lacked knee airbags and had optional inflatable rear seat belts. Adaptive cruise control was available, but the Navigator's self-steering capabilities were not as advanced as some competitors.