2022 Lincoln Navigator vs 2021 Honda Pilot

The 2021 Honda Pilot aimed to balance styling with reliability, safety, comfort, and performance. Despite efforts to enhance its rugged appearance with a 2019 refresh and a 2020 Black Edition, the exterior design remained polarizing. The Pilot was available in five trims in Canada, with AWD as standard. The Black Edition, fully loaded with exclusive black leather upholstery and red accents, offered a premium feel. However, the interior's minivan-like design and drab exterior did not enhance its appeal.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator underwent subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and a restyled front end. While the new grille design was less elegant, the overall update was successful. Inside, the Navigator dazzled with quality materials and a mid-century modern design, featuring the new Constellation display theme. The SUV's interior was luxurious, with a new Sync 4 infotainment system and a larger touchscreen, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a torque-vectoring AWD system, providing a smooth and refined driving experience. The Pilot offered various driving modes and fuel-saving measures, achieving an average of 10.9 L/100 km during testing. Its suspension provided a comfortable ride and athletic handling, though off-road capability was limited by its ground clearance.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator boasted a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine with 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD in Canada. The Navigator excelled in towing capacity, with a maximum of 3,765 kilograms. The adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview improved ride quality, and the new electronic brake booster enhanced braking performance. The Navigator averaged 12.6 L/100 km during testing, showcasing its efficiency despite its size.

The 2021 Honda Pilot offered ample space for families, seating up to eight people. The front seats were comfortable, with 10-way power adjustment for the driver. Second-row captain’s chairs were optional, providing comfort and flexibility. The third-row seat was less comfortable for adults. The Pilot excelled in storage, with a power tailgate and generous cargo space, offering up to 3,092 litres with seats folded.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator provided exceptional comfort with 30-way power-adjustable front seats. The second-row captain’s chairs were newly massaging, heated, and ventilated, enhancing passenger comfort. The third-row seat was spacious and supportive. The Navigator offered generous storage and cargo space, with up to 2,925 litres available. The long-wheelbase Navigator L increased cargo capacity further, making it ideal for larger families.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims offered navigation, wireless charging, and a premium audio system. The system was adequate but lacked a tuning knob and had limited voice recognition. The Touring trim added a rear-seat entertainment system with various connectivity options.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen. It supported Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay, with user-friendly controls. The voice recognition system was improved, though not perfect. The upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system included Amazon Fire TV, providing access to popular streaming services. The optional 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system delivered exceptional sound quality.

The 2021 Honda Pilot came standard with Honda Sensing, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring. The Pilot received favourable crash-test ratings, with some areas for improvement in safety features.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. The surround-view camera system was standard. ActiveGlide offered semi-autonomous driving on approved highways, though driver attention was still required. These systems represented steps towards fully autonomous driving, enhancing safety and convenience.