2020 Honda Pilot vs 2021 Lincoln Navigator

The 2020 Honda Pilot was designed with a dynamic styling that aligned with the contemporary Honda lineup. It featured thin LED headlights and a multi-tiered grille, with a subtle belt-line uptick around the rear side windows that cleverly masked its true size, giving it a more streamlined appearance. Inside, the Pilot boasted a modern cabin with a semi-digital instrument panel, where analog fuel and engine-temperature gauges complemented a digital screen displaying other vital information. The cabin was comfortable and spacious, offering a solid level of refinement, although it did incorporate hard plastics in several areas. Compared to rivals like the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade, the Pilot's interior was less upscale. The trim levels ranged from the value-packed LX to the luxurious Black Edition, each adding more features and sophistication.

In contrast, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator exuded elegance and understatement, a challenging feat for a three-ton vehicle. Its design was defined by simple rectilinear shapes, with body-colour elements in the Monochromatic Package and tasteful chrome accents. The Pristine White model, with its white-painted grille and black wheels, was particularly striking. The Navigator's interior was impressive, offering seven colour palettes and a taste for finer details, such as layered wood trim and a minimalist digital instrument panel. The materials were of high quality, and the Perfect Position seats provided unparalleled comfort with 30 different adjustments. Despite its size, the Navigator felt refined and luxurious, appealing to those accustomed to high-end vehicles.

The 2020 Honda Pilot was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It came with standard all-wheel drive in Canada, with a 6-speed automatic transmission for the LX, EX, and EX-L trims, while the Touring and Black Edition featured a 9-speed automatic for smoother acceleration and better fuel efficiency. The Pilot's ride was tuned for comfort, making it ideal for commutes and road trips, though it lacked athleticism. The Intelligent Traction Management System offered drive modes like Normal, Snow, Mud, and Sand, enhancing its adaptability to various conditions.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator, on the other hand, was equipped with a formidable twin-turbo V6 engine from the Ford Raptor, producing 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive in Canada, the Navigator offered impressive acceleration and a towing capacity of 3,765 kilograms. Despite its power, fuel efficiency was poor, with an average consumption fitting the estimated 13.8 litres per 100 kilometres combined rating. The Navigator's adaptive dampers provided a decent ride, though not as refined as competitors like the Cadillac Escalade. Its low-end thrust and quiet cabin made it a comfortable highway cruiser, with paddle shifters adding a touch of sportiness.

The 2020 Honda Pilot offered a spacious 8-passenger cabin, with optional second-row captain’s chairs on higher trims reducing capacity to seven. Its third row was adult-friendly, providing ample head and legroom. With the second and third rows folded, the Pilot offered 1,583 litres of cargo space, surpassing many rivals. The EX-L and higher trims featured a power liftgate, with Touring and up offering a hands-free power tailgate. The Pilot was designed for family hauling, with plenty of storage spaces and features like a conversation mirror and CabinTalk for easier communication with rear passengers.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator provided a vast interior, capable of seating six adults comfortably. It offered 546 litres of cargo space behind the third row, 1,627 behind the second, and 2,925 in total. The long-wheelbase Navigator L increased these figures significantly. The rear glass opened separately from the tailgate, adding convenience. The Navigator's front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, with excellent visibility from the high driving position. However, parking was challenging due to its size, despite the 360-degree cameras.

The 2020 Honda Pilot featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across all trims. The system included a 215-watt, 7-speaker stereo with a subwoofer, Bluetooth connectivity, and a USB port. However, the interface was criticized for its confusing layout and lack of a tuning knob. Higher trims added features like navigation, a rear entertainment system, and a premium audio system.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system felt outdated compared to newer models. It lacked wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system was only satisfactory. Despite this, the software was intuitive, with fast voice recognition. The Navigator offered wireless device charging and a rear entertainment system with various connectivity options. Drive mode animations added a touch of flair to the instrument panel.

The 2020 Honda Pilot came standard with the HondaSensing suite, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. It earned a five-star overall crash test rating from the NHTSA and the best crash test score from the IIHS, thanks to its comprehensive safety features.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four stars for rollover resistance. It offered standard safety features like automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, with optional inflatable rear seat belts for added protection. However, it lacked knee airbags and some advanced self-steering capabilities found in competitors.