2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, introduced as part of a mid-cycle refresh, closely resembled its gasoline-powered counterpart in terms of dimensions and design. Measuring 182.1 inches in length, 73.0 inches in width, and 66.5 inches in height, it featured identical 19-inch alloy wheels. The interior was nearly indistinguishable from the non-hybrid model, with the same dashboard, multi-function center console, 7-inch infotainment screen, and steering-wheel-mounted functions. Subtle differences included blue-outlined Honda emblems, "Hybrid" badges, a hidden exhaust in the rear bumper, and LED fog lights on EX models and above. Inside, the gear shifter was replaced with a push-button selector, and paddle shifters adjusted brake regeneration rather than shifting gears.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator, while sharing its side glass and overall footprint with the Ford Expedition, stood out with its unique design and luxurious feel. The Navigator's elegance and understatement were evident despite its massive size and 22-inch wheels. The Pristine White model with a white-painted grille, black wheels, and illuminated Lincoln logo was particularly striking. The interior boasted seven color palettes, with the Slate Gray option showcasing fine details like layered wood trim, a floating center console, and a minimalist digital instrument panel. The materials were high-quality, and the panel gaps were tight, with Black Label trims offering even more luxurious textures and softer leather.

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a two-motor hybrid system with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine, an electric generator/starter motor, and a propulsion motor, delivering a combined 212 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque. This setup eliminated the need for a conventional transmission, using four fixed-ratio gear sets and a lock-up clutch instead. The hybrid's fuel economy was impressive, with an EPA rating of 40 mpg city, 35 highway, and 38 combined, compared to the gasoline model's 27/32/29 mpg. However, it ranked third among hybrid competitors, behind the Ford Escape Hybrid and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. The CR-V Hybrid's driving experience was enhanced by its on-demand torque and various driving modes, though its EV mode was limited to short distances.

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. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Navigator offered both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) options. Its towing capacity was substantial, at 8,300 pounds for 4WD models and 8,700 pounds for RWD models. Fuel economy was less impressive, averaging in the teens and fitting the EPA-estimated 17-mpg combined rating. The Navigator's adaptive dampers provided a decent ride, though it lacked the refinement of competitors like the Cadillac Escalade. Despite some shortcomings in steering and brake feel, the Navigator's powerful engine and plush cabin made it a comfortable highway cruiser.

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, while maintaining the same exterior dimensions as its gasoline counterpart, sacrificed some cargo space to accommodate the battery pack. It offered 33.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 68.7 cubic feet with the seats folded flat, compared to the non-hybrid's 39.2 and 75.8 cubic feet. Despite this, it still provided more cargo volume than the Ford Escape Hybrid, though the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid had a slight edge. The CR-V Hybrid's low cargo floor made loading and unloading easy, and it offered competitive ground clearance at 8.2 inches. Passenger comfort was maintained, with more overall space than its direct competitors, and the configurable center console bin added to its practicality.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered ample space for passengers and cargo, with a boxy design that maximized interior volume. It could accommodate up to seven passengers, with an optional bench seat increasing capacity to eight. 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 provided even more storage, with 34, 73, and 120 cubic feet, respectively. The rear glass opened separately from the tailgate, adding convenience. The Navigator's front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, with numerous customization options. However, the second-row seats lacked some features found in competitors, such as electric reclining and massage functions.

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid came standard with Bluetooth connectivity, Pandora compatibility, and a single USB connector. Higher trims added more features, with the EX trim introducing a 7-inch touchscreen, smartphone integration, SiriusXM and HD radio, and additional USB ports. The top-tier Touring trim offered navigation, wireless device charging, and a premium audio system. However, the infotainment system had some usability issues, with complicated procedures for adjusting settings and navigating menus.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator featured a 10-inch touchscreen, which felt small compared to newer competitors. While the software was intuitive and shared its interface with Ford models, it lacked some advanced features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima stereo was good but not exceptional. The Navigator offered onboard 4G WiFi, wireless device charging, a smartwatch app, and the ability to use a smartphone as an ignition key. Rear entertainment options included Roku media streaming and various connectivity options. The Navigator's technology was user-friendly, but it lacked some of the cutting-edge features found in competitors.

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid earned top safety ratings, with a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS and a 5-Star Safety Rating from the NHTSA. It came standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of safety and driver-assistance technologies that included automatic braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and a multi-angle rearview camera. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available starting with the EX trim.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in every test except for rollover resistance. The IIHS had not rated the Navigator in its current generation. The Navigator offered standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and auto high beams. Adaptive cruise control was optional, though it lacked the advanced self-steering capabilities of some competitors. Optional inflatable rear seat belts for the second row were a unique safety feature.