2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2020 Honda CR-V

The 2020 Honda CR-V, a familiar face since its fifth generation debut in 2017, showcased a design that was both fun and recognizable. Its exterior, with curvy and car-like lines, bore a family resemblance to Honda’s sedan lineup, giving it a station wagon vibe rather than a traditional SUV look. Inside, the CR-V presented a mix of textures and materials, with upscale touches like wood-look trim and leather upholstery in higher trims clashing with some low-quality plastics, reminding drivers of its commodity car roots.

In contrast, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator exuded elegance and understatement despite its massive size. The Navigator's exterior featured simple rectilinear shapes, a body-color grille, and splashes of chrome, creating a classy appearance. Inside, the Navigator impressed with seven color palettes, layered wood trim, a floating center console, and a minimalist digital instrument panel. The materials were top-notch, and the panel gaps were tight, making the Navigator feel luxurious and refined.

The 2020 Honda CR-V came equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, producing 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). This powertrain provided a well-matched and fuel-efficient driving experience, with FWD models achieving 30 mpg combined and AWD models 29 mpg. The CR-V's car-like demeanor extended to its road manners, offering nimble handling and a firm yet comfortable ride.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator, on the other hand, boasted a twin-turbo V6 engine from the Ford Raptor, delivering an impressive 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Navigator felt sprightly despite its size. Its 4WD system was smooth and responsive, and it had a towing capacity of up to 8,700 pounds. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, averaging in the teens, and its suspension and steering were not as refined as some competitors.

The 2020 Honda CR-V excelled in interior space and clever storage solutions. Its cabin was roomy, with excellent head- and legroom, and a smart two-position load floor in the rear cargo area. The CR-V offered 75.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and its door pockets and center console provided ample storage for small items.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator, with its tall boxy shape, offered ample space for six adults and their belongings. It featured 19 cubic feet of cargo space 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. The Navigator's front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, while the second-row seats could be removed for maximum storage. However, the third-row middle seat was best suited for children.

The 2020 Honda CR-V's infotainment system showed its age, with a standard 5-inch screen in the LX trim and a 7-inch touchscreen in higher trims. The system lacked hard buttons and was challenging to operate, even with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the CR-V did offer plenty of USB ports and a wireless phone charger in the Touring trim.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator featured a 10-inch touchscreen, which felt small compared to newer competitors. Its software was intuitive, but the system lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Navigator did offer onboard 4G WiFi, wireless device charging, and a smartwatch app, along with a 20-speaker Revel Ultima stereo. The rear entertainment system included Roku media streaming and various connectivity options.

The 2020 Honda CR-V came standard with the “Honda Sensing” system, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, road-departure mitigation, and adaptive cruise control. It earned five stars from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, although lower trims had less effective halogen headlights.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received five stars overall from the NHTSA, with four stars for rollover resistance in 4WD models and three stars in RWD models. It came standard with 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.