2020 Honda Pilot vs 2021 Lincoln Navigator
Overview | |
MSRP$31,650 | MSRP$76,705 |
Average price$25,247 | Average price$50,498 |
Listings580 | Listings376 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews8.0 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.7 out of 10 |
Pros
| Pros
|
2020 Honda Pilot Reviews SummaryThe 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 SummaryFull-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. | |
No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine3.5L 280 hp V6 | Engine3.5L 450 hp V6 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive Train4X2 |
Seating Capacity8 | Seating Capacity8 |
Horsepower280 hp @ 6000 rpm | Horsepower450 hp @ 5500 rpm |
MPG City19 | MPG City16 |
MPG Highway27 | MPG Highway22 |
Engine | |
Engine Name3.5L 280 hp V6 | Engine Name3.5L 450 hp V6 |
Torque262 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm | Torque510 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm |
Horsepower280 hp @ 6000 rpm | Horsepower450 hp @ 5500 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | Drivetrain4X2 |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City19 | MPG City16 |
MPG Highway27 | MPG Highway22 |
Interior | |
Leather Seats | Leather SeatsStandard |
Seating Capacity8 | Seating Capacity8 |
Key Features | |
Navigation System | Navigation SystemStandard |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall4 | Front Crash Overall5 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space16.5 cu ft | Cargo Space20.9 cu ft |
Curb Weight4036 lbs | Curb Weight5673 lbs |
Height70.6 in | Height76.4 in |
Length196.5 in | Length210.0 in |
Width78.6 in | Width93.8 in |
Wheelbase111.0 in | Wheelbase122.5 in |
Maximum Payload1509 lbs | Maximum Payload1620 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity3500 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity8600 lbs |
Standard Towing Capacity | Standard Towing Capacity6200 lbs |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $31,650 | $76,705 |
Average price | $25,247 | $50,498 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 8.0 out of 10Read full review | 7.7 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| Pros
|
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 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 3.5L 280 hp V6 | 3.5L 450 hp V6 |
Torque | 262 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm | 510 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm |
Horsepower | 280 hp @ 6000 rpm | 450 hp @ 5500 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | 4X2 |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 19 | 16 |
MPG Highway | 27 | 22 |
Interior | ||
Leather Seats | Standard | |
Seating Capacity | 8 | 8 |
Key Features | ||
Navigation System | Standard | |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | 5 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 16.5 cu ft | 20.9 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 4036 lbs | 5673 lbs |
Height | 70.6 in | 76.4 in |
Length | 196.5 in | 210.0 in |
Width | 78.6 in | 93.8 in |
Wheelbase | 111.0 in | 122.5 in |
Maximum Payload | 1509 lbs | 1620 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 3500 lbs | 8600 lbs |
Standard Towing Capacity | 6200 lbs | |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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

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.
Choose the 2020 Honda Pilot if:
- You need a spacious and comfortable family SUV with an adult-friendly third row.
- You prefer a vehicle with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features.
- You want a refined and comfortable ride for commutes and road trips.
Choose the 2021 Lincoln Navigator if:
- You desire a luxurious and elegant SUV with a powerful twin-turbo V6 engine.
- You need a vehicle with impressive towing capacity and ample cargo space.
- You appreciate a high level of interior comfort and advanced seat adjustments.
CarGurus highlights

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.
Choose the 2020 Honda Pilot if:
Shop Now- You need a spacious and comfortable family SUV with an adult-friendly third row.
- You prefer a vehicle with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features.
- You want a refined and comfortable ride for commutes and road trips.
Choose the 2021 Lincoln Navigator if:
Shop Now- You desire a luxurious and elegant SUV with a powerful twin-turbo V6 engine.
- You need a vehicle with impressive towing capacity and ample cargo space.
- You appreciate a high level of interior comfort and advanced seat adjustments.

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.