2020 Lincoln Navigator vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator was a standout in the luxury SUV segment, distinguished by its unique design elements that set it apart from its Ford Expedition roots. The Navigator featured exclusive front and rear styling, including the Lincoln Embrace lighting system that illuminated the vehicle to welcome its owner. The lattice-type grille with an illuminated Lincoln star, fender vents, and full-width taillights were signature design elements. Inside, the Navigator offered a luxurious experience with its 30-way Perfect Position front seats, mid-century modern dashboard, and high-quality materials, creating a convincingly luxurious flagship SUV.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda CR-V had a more conventional appearance, blending in with other compact crossovers. While its styling was not its main selling point, the CR-V did have some distinguishing features like its grille and chromed plastic accents. The CR-V was available in seven colours, though many were shades of grey, black, or white. Inside, the CR-V offered a modern look with angular seats and optional wood panels and chrome for a more upscale appearance. However, competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson offered more distinctive styling options.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a robust twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering an impressive 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. This engine outperformed the Ford Expedition's most powerful version by 50 horsepower and 30 lb-ft of torque. The Navigator's 10-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive system provided smooth power delivery, with multiple drive modes to tailor the driving experience. The SUV's towing capacity reached 3,764 kilograms, aided by the Pro Trailer Backup Assist system. Despite its size, the Navigator offered strong acceleration and excellent body motion control, though fuel efficiency was a concern, averaging 14.3 litres per 100 kilometres.

The 2021 Honda CR-V, on the other hand, was equipped with a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 190 horsepower. While not designed for high-performance driving, the CR-V offered smooth acceleration and predictable handling. Its continuously variable transmission (CVT) provided a steady driving experience, though it lacked the engagement of conventional transmissions found in competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson. The CR-V came standard with front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available on higher trims. Its suspension setup ensured decent handling and ride quality, making it a reliable choice for everyday driving.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator offered a spacious and comfortable interior, with ample room for passengers in all three rows. The optional 30-way Perfect Position front seats provided exceptional comfort, though finding the ideal settings required some time. The second row could be configured with a bench or captain's chairs, and the third row offered class-leading legroom and thigh support. Cargo space was also generous, with the standard model providing up to 2,928 litres of volume, while the longer Navigator L offered up to 3,407 litres.

The 2021 Honda CR-V prioritized functionality, offering ample space for five passengers and their gear. It boasted more interior volume than the Toyota RAV4, with 1,065 litres of cargo space available with the rear seats folded. Access to the cargo area varied by trim, with options for a manual, power, or hands-free tailgate. Roof rails were standard on most trims, enhancing the CR-V's practicality for carrying additional cargo.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator featured the Sync 3 infotainment system, which, while functional, was not the most impressive aspect of the vehicle. It offered Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, among other features. The Luxury Package included a 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system, providing a rich audio experience. Additional technologies included a surround-view camera system and a head-up display.

In the 2021 Honda CR-V, a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen infotainment system was standard, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. Audio systems varied by trim, with the Touring trim featuring a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. Charging ports were plentiful, with USB ports and a wireless phone charger available on higher trims. The Touring and Black Edition trims also offered a satellite navigation system with voice recognition.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator came equipped with the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Navigator received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not tested the 2020 model.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. The Honda Sensing system, standard across all trims, included features like forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The only feature not standard on the base LX trim was blind spot monitoring, which was available on higher trims.