2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was a testament to luxury and elegance, shedding its past resemblance to the Ford Expedition. It shared some structural elements with the Expedition, but its unique design and luxurious features set it apart. The Navigator's exterior was characterized by simple, rectilinear shapes, a body-colour grille, and tasteful chrome accents, making it a standout in the luxury SUV market. Inside, the Navigator impressed with its seven colour palettes and attention to detail, such as the layered wood trim and minimalist digital instrument panel. The Perfect Position seats offered unparalleled comfort with 30 different adjustments, making the Navigator a top choice for those seeking a spacious and opulent interior.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda CR-V's design was more utilitarian, blending in with the competitive crossover market. Its styling was similar to other compact crossovers, with few distinguishing features. The CR-V offered a range of colours, though many were variations of grey, black, and white. Inside, the CR-V provided a modern look with angular seats and optional wood panels and chrome accents. While it didn't stand out in terms of design, the CR-V was practical and functional, appealing to those prioritizing utility over aesthetics.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a formidable twin-turbo V6 engine, producing 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive in Canada, delivered impressive acceleration and a thrilling driving experience. The Navigator's towing capacity was a substantial 3,765 kilograms, making it a capable choice for those needing to haul heavy loads. However, its fuel efficiency was less impressive, averaging 13.8 litres per 100 kilometres combined. While the Navigator excelled in power and refinement, its handling and ride quality were not as superior as some competitors, such as the Cadillac Escalade.

The 2021 Honda CR-V, on the other hand, offered a more modest performance with its 1.5-litre turbo four-cylinder engine, delivering 190 horsepower. Its acceleration was adequate for everyday driving, reaching 100 kilometres per hour in about 8 seconds. The CR-V's continuously variable transmission provided smooth acceleration, though it lacked the engagement of traditional automatic transmissions. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on higher trims. The CR-V's handling and ride quality were decent, making it a reliable choice for those seeking a practical and efficient crossover.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered a spacious interior, accommodating up to eight passengers with its optional bench seating. Its boxy shape provided ample cargo space, with 546 litres behind the third row, 1,627 litres behind the second, and a total of 2,925 litres. The Navigator's rear glass opened separately from the tailgate, adding convenience for loading and unloading. The front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, enhancing the driving experience. However, parking the Navigator could be challenging due to its size, despite the assistance of 360-degree cameras.

The 2021 Honda CR-V prioritized functionality, comfortably seating five passengers and offering generous cargo space. With the rear seats folded, it provided 1,065 litres of cargo volume. The CR-V's tailgate options varied by trim, with the Touring trim featuring a hands-free power tailgate for added convenience. Roof rails were standard on most trims, enhancing its practicality for carrying additional gear. The CR-V's interior was designed for comfort and utility, making it a suitable choice for families and those needing versatile storage options.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator featured a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which, while intuitive, felt outdated compared to competitors. It offered Bluetooth and SiriusXM satellite radio but lacked wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system was good, though not exceptional. The Navigator included wireless device charging and a rear entertainment system with Roku media streaming, providing entertainment options for passengers.

The 2021 Honda CR-V came standard with a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. The audio system varied by trim, with the Touring trim featuring a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. Charging ports were abundant, with USB ports in the front and second rows. The Touring trim also included a wireless phone charger, enhancing convenience for tech-savvy drivers.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with four stars for rollover resistance. It offered standard safety features such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional inflatable rear seat belts provided additional safety for second-row passengers.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star overall crash test rating from the NHTSA and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. Its Honda Sensing system included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. These features were standard across all trim levels, making the CR-V a top choice for safety-conscious buyers.