2021 Honda Odyssey vs 2020 Lincoln Navigator

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator stood out with its luxurious design, setting itself apart from its Ford Expedition roots. Designers crafted unique front and rear styling elements, including the Lincoln Embrace lighting system that illuminated the SUV to welcome its owner. The Navigator featured a lattice-type grille with an illuminated Lincoln star, fender vents, and full-width taillights, all contributing to its distinctive appearance. The Monochromatic Package, available in select colors, added a custom look with body-color enhancements and 22-inch black-painted wheels. Inside, the Navigator offered a Dark Slate leather interior with 30-way Perfect Position front seats, a panoramic glass roof, and high-quality materials, creating a convincingly luxurious flagship SUV.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Odyssey maintained a familiar look with minor updates to modernize its appearance. The new grille, front bumper, and LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation refreshed its design. The Odyssey offered five trim levels, with the Elite trim featuring perforated leather upholstery, ambient lighting, and new 19-inch wheels. The interior was designed for practicality, with comfortable seating and improved materials. The Odyssey Elite aimed to provide a more upscale experience, positioning itself as a premium minivan option.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, surpassing the Ford Expedition's most powerful version. A 10-speed automatic transmission transferred power to the rear wheels, with an option for four-wheel drive. The Navigator offered multiple drive modes, including Conserve, Normal, and Excite, tailoring the powertrain to various driving conditions. It boasted a maximum towing capacity of 8,700 pounds with rear-wheel drive and 8,300 pounds with four-wheel drive. Despite its strong acceleration, the Navigator's fuel economy averaged 16.4 mpg, slightly below the EPA's 18 mpg estimate. The SUV's adaptive damping suspension provided excellent body motion control, though impact harshness was noticeable on imperfect roads.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission, producing 280 horsepower. The front-wheel-drive Odyssey offered driving modes like Normal, Sport, Econ, and Snow, with paddle shifters for manual control. The V6 engine provided smooth and effortless power, aided by variable cylinder management for improved fuel efficiency. The Odyssey averaged 21.8 mpg on the testing loop, close to the EPA's 22 mpg estimate. While all-wheel drive was unavailable, the Odyssey's electronic brake booster enhanced brake pedal feel and response. The minivan's ride and handling qualities contributed to a pleasurable driving experience, though the brakes showed signs of fade during intense use.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator required a climb to enter, but once inside, it offered ample space for passengers to stretch out comfortably. The test vehicle's 30-way Perfect Position front seats, part of the Luxury Package, provided exceptional comfort, though finding the ideal settings took time. The Navigator's second-row seats could be configured as a bench or captain's chairs, with options for a center console and heated rear seats. The third-row seat offered generous legroom and thigh support, unmatched by competitors. Cargo volumes were class-leading, with the standard-length model providing 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 103.3 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey featured legible instrumentation, logical controls, and abundant storage. The driver's seat offered 12-way power adjustment, while the Elite trim added a heated steering wheel and ventilated front seats. The Odyssey's Magic Slide second-row seat layout allowed for versatile seating configurations, accommodating up to three passengers. The third-row seats provided ample space for both children and adults. Cargo space measured 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 144.9 cubic feet with seats removed. However, removing the second-row seats was necessary to maximize cargo volume, which could be cumbersome.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator's Sync 3 infotainment system was its least impressive technology, with slow content loading. However, it offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Lincoln Connect services, and wireless device charging. The system's voice recognition worked reasonably well, though not as naturally as some competitors. The Reserve's Luxury Package included a 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system, providing a compelling audio experience. Additional technologies included a surround-view camera system and a head-up display, though the test vehicle lacked the optional rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey, starting with EX trim, featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and more. Touring trim added navigation, WiFi capability, and a CabinWatch interior camera. Elite trim included an 11-speaker premium sound system and wireless smartphone charging. HondaLink subscription plans offered various services, including collision notification and remote operation. Despite the extensive technology, the lack of a tuning knob and limited voice recognition were drawbacks. Touring and Elite trims offered a rear-seat entertainment system with a single 10.2-inch screen and streaming apps.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator came equipped with the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. The Reserve trim added adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The Navigator's adaptive cruise control operated smoothly, while the lane-keeping assistance system was subtle yet effective. The SUV received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), though its rollover resistance rating was three stars with rear-wheel drive. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) had not tested the 2020 model.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey improved its safety features with the standard Honda Sensing suite, now available on all trims. The system included adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, pedestrian braking, and road-sign recognition. The Odyssey's ADAS worked accurately, though the adaptive cruise control could apply uneven braking. The Odyssey earned top five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance score. The IIHS ratings were expected to carry over, with improvements in headlight performance.