2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was a testament to elegance and sophistication, standing apart from its Ford Expedition roots. While it shared some structural elements with the Expedition, the Navigator's design was distinct, exuding luxury and refinement. Its imposing presence was accentuated by simple rectilinear shapes, a body-color grille, and tasteful chrome accents. The interior was equally impressive, offering a range of color palettes and high-quality materials. The Slate Gray interior of the test model highlighted the attention to detail, with layered wood trim and a minimalist digital instrument panel. The Navigator's Perfect Position seats, with their 30-way adjustability, provided unparalleled comfort, making it a formidable competitor in the luxury SUV segment.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda CR-V's design was more utilitarian, blending in with the crowded compact crossover market. Its styling was similar to other vehicles in its class, with few distinguishing features. The CR-V offered a range of colors, though many were variations of gray, black, and white. Inside, the CR-V provided a modern look with angular seat designs and a choice of cloth or leather upholstery, depending on the trim. While it lacked the opulence of the Navigator, the CR-V's interior was functional and comfortable, catering to the needs of families and daily commuters.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a robust twin-turbo V6 engine, delivering an impressive 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided the Navigator with a surprising level of agility for its size. The Navigator's towing capacity was substantial, with 8,300 pounds for 4WD models and 8,700 pounds for RWD models. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, averaging in the teens, aligning with its EPA-estimated 17-mpg combined rating. While the Navigator's adaptive dampers were standard, its suspension and steering lacked the refinement found in competitors like the Cadillac Escalade.

The 2021 Honda CR-V, on the other hand, was equipped with a 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, offering smooth and steady acceleration. Its performance was adequate for daily driving, with a 0-60 mph time of around 7.8 seconds. The CR-V's continuously variable transmission (CVT) provided a seamless driving experience, though it lacked the engagement of traditional automatic transmissions. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The CR-V's handling and ride quality were decent, making it a reliable choice for families seeking a practical and efficient vehicle.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered a spacious interior, capable of accommodating six adults comfortably. Its boxy design contributed to its generous cargo space, with 19 cubic feet behind the third row, 57 behind the second, and 103 in total. The Navigator's second-row seats were heated and featured a three-zone climate control system. The front seats were highly adjustable, providing exceptional comfort and support. 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, with a passenger volume of 102.9 cubic feet and 75.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. The CR-V's tailgate options varied by trim, with the Touring trim offering a hands-free power tailgate. Roof rails were standard only on the top-tier Touring trim. The CR-V's interior was designed to accommodate five passengers comfortably, with ample space for their belongings, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator featured a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which, while intuitive, felt outdated compared to competitors. It lacked wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and its cameras were low-resolution. However, the Navigator offered onboard 4G WiFi, wireless device charging, and a smartwatch app. The rear entertainment system included Roku media streaming and various connectivity options, providing entertainment for passengers.

The 2021 Honda CR-V's base LX trim had a basic 5-inch color screen, while other trims featured a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The audio system varied by trim, with the Touring trim offering 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 in 4WD models and three stars in RWD models. It offered standard safety features such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and auto high beams. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and inflatable rear seat belts for the second row.

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 suite of advanced safety features, such as a multi-angle rearview camera, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. These features were standard across all trim levels, making the CR-V a standout choice for safety-conscious buyers.