2020 Honda Pilot vs 2021 Lincoln Navigator

2020 Honda Pilot
2020 Honda Pilot
$31,650MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Lincoln Navigator
2021 Lincoln Navigator
$76,705MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Honda Pilot
$31,650MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Lincoln Navigator
$76,705MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP

$31,650

MSRP

$76,705

Average price

$25,247

Average price

$50,498

Listings

580

Listings

376

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.7 out of 10
Pros
  • Powerful engine
  • Standard advanced safety features
Cons
  • Unintuitive technology
  • Interior materials feel cheap
Pros
  • Quiet cabin
  • Premium interior materials
  • Powerful engine
Cons
  • Poor fuel economy
  • Sluggish touchscreen response

2020 Honda Pilot Reviews Summary

The Honda Pilot was once the leader of the midsize 3-row SUV pack. But several rivals from Hyundai, Kia, and Mazda have caught up to (and in some cases, surpassed) the Pilot. Still, the Pilot offers tons of cargo space, an adult-friendly third row, and an impressive list of standard safety features. But Honda’s choices on driver controls and in-car tech are its biggest shortcomings. Read on to learn how the Pilot stacks up against the competition, and to learn the CarGurus recommended trim.

2021 Lincoln Navigator Reviews Summary

Full-size SUVs like the Lincoln Navigator represent the smallest slice of the luxury SUV market. They're the heaviest, hugest, and fanciest people movers sold by mainstream automakers—and you can count them all on two hands. The Navigator, a popular nameplate since 1998, was redesigned in dramatic fashion for 2018. In its fourth model year, this Navigator still delights us as we test newer competitors costing at or above its $77,000 starting price. Foreign nameplates offer no equal to the Navigator, and it's not for sheer size or a desire to lift up Lincoln that we say this is one of the best American vehicles, among both trucks and cars, ever made.
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Popular Features & Specs

Engine

3.5L 280 hp V6

Engine

3.5L 450 hp V6

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

4X2

Seating Capacity

8

Seating Capacity

8

Horsepower

280 hp @ 6000 rpm

Horsepower

450 hp @ 5500 rpm

MPG City

19

MPG City

16

MPG Highway

27

MPG Highway

22
2020 Honda Pilot
2020 Honda Pilot
$31,650MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Lincoln Navigator
2021 Lincoln Navigator
$76,705MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Honda Pilot
$31,650MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Lincoln Navigator
$76,705MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP
$31,650
$76,705
Average price
$25,247
$50,498
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews
4.3
4.9
Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10

Read full review

7.7 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Powerful engine
  • Standard advanced safety features
Cons
  • Unintuitive technology
  • Interior materials feel cheap
Pros
  • Quiet cabin
  • Premium interior materials
  • Powerful engine
Cons
  • Poor fuel economy
  • Sluggish touchscreen response
Summary
The Honda Pilot was once the leader of the midsize 3-row SUV pack. But several rivals from Hyundai, Kia, and Mazda have caught up to (and in some cases, surpassed) the Pilot. Still, the Pilot offers tons of cargo space, an adult-friendly third row, and an impressive list of standard safety features. But Honda’s choices on driver controls and in-car tech are its biggest shortcomings. Read on to learn how the Pilot stacks up against the competition, and to learn the CarGurus recommended trim.
Full-size SUVs like the Lincoln Navigator represent the smallest slice of the luxury SUV market. They're the heaviest, hugest, and fanciest people movers sold by mainstream automakers—and you can count them all on two hands. The Navigator, a popular nameplate since 1998, was redesigned in dramatic fashion for 2018. In its fourth model year, this Navigator still delights us as we test newer competitors costing at or above its $77,000 starting price. Foreign nameplates offer no equal to the Navigator, and it's not for sheer size or a desire to lift up Lincoln that we say this is one of the best American vehicles, among both trucks and cars, ever made.
Video
No video found
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine
3.5L 280 hp V6
3.5L 450 hp V6
Drive Train
FWD
4X2
Seating Capacity
8
8
Horsepower
280 hp @ 6000 rpm
450 hp @ 5500 rpm
MPG City
19
16
MPG Highway
27
22
Look and feel
2020 Honda Pilot
8/10
2021 Lincoln Navigator
9/10

The 2020 Honda Pilot shared the dynamic styling of the current Honda lineup, featuring thin LED headlights and a multi-tiered grille. The subtle uptick in the belt-line around the rear side windows masked the size of the Pilot, making it appear more svelte than it actually was. Inside, the Pilot boasted a modern cabin with a semi-digital instrument panel, combining analog fuel and engine-temperature gauges with a digital screen for other information. The cabin felt comfortable and spacious, though it used hard plastics in many areas, which detracted from its refinement compared to rivals like the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade.

In contrast, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator exuded elegance and understatement, despite its three-ton weight and 22-inch wheels. The Navigator's design featured simple rectilinear shapes for the grille, windows, and headlights, with a few chrome accents for a classy touch. The interior impressed with seven color palettes and finer details like layered wood trim and a floating center console. Materials were high-quality, and panel gaps were tight. The Black Label trims offered even more luxurious textures and softer leather. The Perfect Position seats could adjust in 30 different ways, providing exceptional comfort.

Performance
2020 Honda Pilot
8/10
2021 Lincoln Navigator
8/10

The 2020 Honda Pilot was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission on the LX, EX, and EX-L trims, while the Touring, Elite, and Black Edition received a 9-speed automatic transmission. The V6 provided stout acceleration, making it suitable for real-world driving, though it wasn't the segment leader in acceleration. The Pilot's ride was refined and comfortable, ideal for commutes and road trips, but it lacked athleticism. The Intelligent Traction Management System offered drive modes for various conditions, though the mode selector was not very intuitive.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator featured a twin-turbo V6 engine from the Ford Raptor, delivering 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Navigator responded quickly and felt sprightly despite its size. The 4WD system was smooth and didn't bind at low speeds. The Navigator's towing capacity was impressive, with 8,300 pounds for 4WD models and 8,700 pounds for RWD models. Fuel economy was poor, averaging in the teens, and the suspension felt rudimentary compared to competitors. However, the Navigator's low-end thrust and quiet cabin made it a refined and powerful vehicle for highway driving.

Form and function
2020 Honda Pilot
9/10
2021 Lincoln Navigator
8/10

The 2020 Honda Pilot provided a spacious 8-passenger cabin with second-row bench seating, while the Touring, Elite, and Black Edition trims featured second-row captain’s chairs, reducing seating capacity to seven. The Pilot's third row was adult-friendly, and EX trims and higher offered one-touch fold-down rear seats for easier access. With the second and third rows folded, the Pilot provided 83.9 cubic feet of cargo space, comparable to rivals like the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade. The Pilot had plenty of storage spaces for family gear, and higher trims included a power liftgate and hands-free power tailgate.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator had ample space for six adults, with a possible total of eight passengers if the second-row bench was chosen. The boxy shape provided generous cargo space, with 19 cubic feet behind the third row, 57 behind the second, and 103 in total. The long-wheelbase Navigator L offered even more storage. The rear glass opened separately from the tailgate, a convenient feature for loading. The Navigator Reserve had heated rear second-row seats and a three-zone climate system. The front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, with large windows and a high driving position for excellent visibility.

Technology
2020 Honda Pilot
6/10
2021 Lincoln Navigator
7/10

The 2020 Honda Pilot's LX trim featured a 5-inch color LCD screen, while other trims had an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system lacked a tuning knob and had a confusing layout. Higher trims included HD Radio, SiriusXM, and Cabin Control Remote Capability. Navigation, a rear-seat entertainment system, and a premium audio system were available on higher trims. The Elite and Black Edition came with a wireless charging pad.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator had a 10-inch touchscreen, which felt small compared to newer systems. The infotainment system was intuitive but slow, and the cameras were low-resolution. The Navigator included onboard 4G WiFi, wireless device charging, and a smartwatch app. The rear entertainment system featured Roku media streaming and various connections. The Navigator's technology was simple compared to competitors, but it included useful features like voice recognition and remote app functions.

Safety
2020 Honda Pilot
9/10
2021 Lincoln Navigator
8/10

The 2020 Honda Pilot came standard with the HondaSensing suite, including forward-collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. It earned a five-star overall crash test rating from the NHTSA and the best crash test score of Good from the IIHS. Optional safety features included front and rear parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received five stars overall from the NHTSA, with four stars for rollover resistance in 4WD models and three stars for RWD models. The IIHS had not rated the Navigator. Standard safety features included 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 competitors.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Honda Pilot is 8.0 out of 10, while the 2021 Lincoln Navigator scores 7.7 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2020 Honda Pilot is the recommended choice for its higher overall rating, spacious interior, and comprehensive safety features.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Honda Pilot is 8.0 out of 10, while the 2021 Lincoln Navigator scores 7.7 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2020 Honda Pilot is the recommended choice for its higher overall rating, spacious interior, and comprehensive safety features.

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By: CarGurus + AI

At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.

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