2022 Lincoln Navigator vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2021 Honda CR-V had a design that blended into the crowded compact crossover market. Its styling was nearly identical to its competitors, with only minor details like the grille and some chromed plastic features setting it apart. The color options were limited, especially for the base LX trim, which only offered black, silver, and white. The interior was modern, with angular seats and a choice of black, gray, or ivory cloth or leather, depending on the trim level. However, mid-tier trims from competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson offered more distinctive styling.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator featured subtle yet impactful styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and a redesigned front end. The SUV's interior continued to impress with high-quality materials and a mid-century modern design. The new Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme added a touch of elegance, resembling a twilight sky. The Navigator's updates, including a larger 13.2-inch touchscreen and a new Sync 4 infotainment system, enhanced its luxurious feel, making it a standout in its class.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was not built for high-speed thrills but offered smooth and steady acceleration with its 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It took about 7.8 seconds to reach 60 mph, which was competitive within its segment. The CR-V's continuously variable transmission (CVT) provided a predictable driving experience, though it lacked the engagement of competitors with conventional transmissions. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The suspension setup ensured decent handling and ride quality, making it a reliable choice for everyday driving.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator, powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivered a robust 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Its 10-speed automatic transmission and available four-wheel drive provided a smooth and powerful driving experience. The Navigator's towing capacity ranged from 8,100 to 8,700 pounds, depending on the configuration. The adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview technology ensured a comfortable ride, even on imperfect roads. The new electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel and response, making the Navigator a capable and confident performer.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was designed to comfortably fit five passengers and their gear. It offered 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume and 75.8 cubic feet of total cargo space with the rear seats folded. Depending on the trim, the CR-V featured manual or power tailgates, with the Touring trim offering a hands-free version. Roof rails were standard only on the top-tier Touring trim, limiting options for carrying additional cargo on the roof.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator excelled in comfort and space. Its 30-way power-adjustable front seats were exceptionally comfortable, and the second-row captain’s chairs offered heating, ventilation, and massaging functions. The third-row seat provided ample room and support, making it a comfortable option for all passengers. The Navigator's cargo space was generous, with up to 103.3 cubic feet of volume in the standard model and 120.2 cubic feet in the long-wheelbase Navigator L. This made it an excellent choice for families needing both passenger and cargo space.

The 2021 Honda CR-V's base LX trim had a basic 5-inch color screen with Bluetooth connectivity. Higher trims featured a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The audio system varied by trim, with the Touring trim offering a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. Charging ports were plentiful in all but the base trim, and the Touring trim included a wireless phone charger.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display. The system supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and featured a user-friendly interface. The upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system included Amazon Fire TV, providing access to popular streaming services. The test vehicle also featured a 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system, delivering an exceptional audio experience.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA overall crash test rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. The Honda Sensing system, standard across all trims, included advanced safety features like a multi-angle rearview camera, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The only feature not standard on the base LX trim was the blind spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced several new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Road Edge Detection, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. The surround-view camera system became standard. ActiveGlide, Lincoln’s semi-autonomous driving technology, allowed for hands-free driving on approved highways. While the system performed well, it required the driver to remain attentive, as it did not always identify potential threats.