2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was a significant departure from its predecessors, which closely resembled the Ford Expedition. While it shared some structural elements with the Expedition, the Navigator distinguished itself with unique design features, including a distinctive turn signal stalk. The Navigator's exterior exuded elegance and understatement, a challenging feat for a three-ton vehicle. Its rectilinear shapes, body-color grille, and subtle chrome accents contributed to its classy appearance. The Pristine White model, with its white-painted grille and black wheels, was particularly striking during winter tests in Connecticut and Massachusetts. The interior of the Navigator impressed with its seven color palettes, especially the Slate Gray of the test vehicle. The wood trim, push-button gear selector, floating center console, and minimalist digital instrument panel showcased a taste for finer details. Materials were of high quality, and panel gaps were tight, with Black Label trims offering even more luxurious textures and softer leather.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid retained the familiar look of its gas-only counterparts, with subtle differences like "Hybrid" badges, blue Honda logos, and unique LED fog lights. The interior featured different trim and unique instrumentation to display battery-charge status, power regeneration, and power distribution. The CR-V Hybrid was available in EX, EX-L, and Touring trims, all with standard all-wheel drive (AWD). Pricing ranged from $30,560 to $36,350, with the Touring trim offering additional features like larger 19-inch wheels, navigation, a premium sound system, and wireless smartphone charging. The test vehicle, in Touring trim with Platinum White Pearl paint, featured Ivory leather for a rich two-tone contrast. However, the fake wood trim detracted from the overall interior quality. The CR-V Hybrid's interior was spacious, with supportive front seats and remarkable rear seat room. Cargo space was slightly reduced due to the battery pack but still offered ample storage.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbo V6 engine from the Ford Raptor, producing 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided impressive acceleration and a satisfying engine note. The Navigator's 4WD system was smooth and responsive, with a towing capacity of 8,300 pounds for 4WD models and 8,700 pounds for RWD models. However, fuel economy was poor, averaging in the teens and matching the EPA-estimated 17-mpg combined rating. The Navigator's adaptive dampers offered a decent ride, but the suspension felt rudimentary compared to competitors like the Cadillac Escalade. The steering and brakes lacked the precision and control found in the Escalade, but the Navigator's low-end thrust and quiet cabin made it a refined and powerful highway cruiser.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a two-motor hybrid system combining a 2.0-liter gasoline engine with an electric assist motor and a generator/starter motor. This setup produced a total of 212 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque. The CR-V Hybrid offered three driving modes—EV Drive, Hybrid Drive, and Engine Drive—automatically selecting the most appropriate one. Additionally, drivers could choose from Econ, Sport, and EV modes. The CR-V Hybrid's added weight from the battery pack and electric motors improved weight distribution and lowered the center of gravity. The vehicle retained the standard CR-V AWD model's 8.2 inches of ground clearance. The CR-V Hybrid delivered a smooth and predictable driving experience, with quick acceleration and enjoyable dynamics. However, it fell short of its EPA rating of 38 mpg, achieving only 33.7 mpg during testing, which was lower than the 39.7 mpg obtained from a RAV4 Hybrid.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered ample interior space, with seating for up to eight passengers. The third row's middle seat was best suited for children, while the second-row captain's chairs provided comfort and flexibility. Cargo space was generous, with 19 cubic feet behind the third row, 57 cubic feet behind the second row, and 103 cubic feet in total. The long-wheelbase Navigator L offered even more storage capacity. The rear glass opened separately from the tailgate, adding convenience. The Navigator Reserve featured heated second-row seats and a three-zone climate system. However, the second-row seats did not electrically recline, and there were no side window shades. The front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, with various customization options. Visibility was excellent, but parking was challenging due to the vehicle's size.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid excelled in interior space and comfort. The front seats were supportive and provided hours of comfort, with 12-way power adjustment for the driver's seat. Heated front seats were standard, and the available leather upholstery was soft and high-quality. The rear seat room was impressive, offering ample legroom and comfort for adults. The rear seats featured air conditioning vents and quick-charge USB ports, with a flat floor for added convenience. Interior storage space was generous, although the Touring trim's wireless smartphone charger took up significant space on the center console. Cargo space was slightly reduced due to the battery pack, with 33.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 68.7 cubic feet in total. Despite this, the CR-V Hybrid remained practical and versatile.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's technology felt somewhat outdated compared to newer competitors. The 10-inch touchscreen, while functional, appeared small next to the advanced displays found in vehicles like the Cadillac Escalade. The Navigator's instrument panel lacked full-screen map capabilities and different design options, and the cameras were low-resolution. The infotainment system did not support wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. However, the software was intuitive and easy to use, with fast and accurate voice recognition. The Navigator offered onboard 4G WiFi, wireless device charging, a smartwatch app, and the ability to use a smartphone as the vehicle's ignition key. The rear entertainment system included Roku media streaming and various connectivity options. Drive mode animations added a touch of elegance to the instrument panel.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid's infotainment system, redesigned for the 2017 model year, felt outdated in terms of performance. The seven-inch touchscreen was small compared to competitors, and the lack of a tuning knob affected user experience. The system took a long time to start, and the voice-recognition technology struggled with natural commands. The navigation map display was cluttered, and the HondaLink connected services were limited. The CR-V Hybrid offered quick-charging ports for the rear seats but had lower-powered USB ports in the front. Wireless smartphone charging was standard with the Touring trim but seemed like an afterthought. The nine-speaker premium audio system sounded good, and the infotainment system supported text messaging, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Pandora internet radio.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with five stars in every test except for rollover resistance (four stars for 4WD models, three stars for RWD models). The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) had not rated the Navigator in its current generation. The Navigator did not offer knee airbags, but optional inflatable rear seat belts for the second row were a rare safety feature. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and auto high beams. Adaptive cruise control was optional, but the Navigator's self-steering capabilities were not as advanced as some competitors.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid came standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving-assistance systems. This included adaptive cruise control with full-stop capability, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and Road Departure Mitigation. The CR-V Hybrid also featured blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. These systems worked smoothly and accurately, though they were not as advanced as those in some competing compact crossovers. The CR-V Hybrid did not offer automatic collision notification, SOS emergency calling, or safe teen driver settings. However, it earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.