2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2021 Honda HR-V

The 2021 Honda HR-V had a softer, friendlier appearance compared to Honda’s larger SUVs like the CR-V, Passport, and Pilot, which had more traditional SUV looks with upright roof lines and intimidating front ends. The HR-V was distinctive with its upper and lower window lines converging near the taillights in a triangular point that also housed the rear door handles. Most trim levels featured 17-inch alloy wheels, with a machined finish on the HR-V EX and EX-L, while Sport models boasted matte-black 18-inch wheels and blacked-out trim. Fog lights were standard on all but the base LX trim level. The interior was plain but functional, with good material quality and fit and finish. EX and EX-L models included push-button start, automatic climate control, a moonroof, and heated front seats, with EX-L models also getting leather upholstery.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator, in contrast, exuded elegance and understatement despite its massive size. It shared its side glass and overall footprint with the Ford Expedition but distinguished itself with unique design elements. The Navigator featured simple rectilinear shapes defining the grille, windows, headlights, and taillight assembly, with splashes of chrome for a classy touch. The Pristine White example with a white-painted grille, black wheels, and illuminated Lincoln logo was particularly striking. The interior impressed with seven color palettes, layered wood trim, a floating center console, and a minimalist digital instrument panel. Materials were top-notch, and the Perfect Position seats offered 30 different adjustments, making the Navigator feel luxurious and refined.

The 2021 Honda HR-V was powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine producing 141 horsepower and 127 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While AWD was available on all trim levels, FWD was standard. The powertrain remained unchanged from previous models, which was a drawback as the HR-V felt underpowered for highway driving, compounded by an ineffective CVT. Competitors like the Kia Seltos and Subaru Crosstrek offered more powerful engine options. However, the HR-V’s chassis made up for its engine shortcomings, providing a rewarding driving experience on twisty roads and decent ride quality. Its AWD system was suitable for slippery roads but not for rougher terrains, and it lacked towing capability.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator, on the other hand, featured a twin-turbo V6 engine from the Ford Raptor, producing an impressive 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Navigator felt sprightly and responsive, with a smooth 4WD system. It had a towing capacity of 8,300 pounds for 4WD models and 8,700 pounds for RWD models. Fuel economy was poor, averaging in the teens, fitting the EPA-estimated 17-mpg combined rating. The Navigator’s adaptive dampers provided a decent ride, though not as refined as the Cadillac Escalade’s magnetic shocks and air springs. Despite some shortcomings in steering and brake feel, the Navigator’s low-end thrust and quiet cabin made it a refined and powerful vehicle.

The 2021 Honda HR-V offered impressive cargo space for its size, thanks to the “Magic Seat” 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat. With the seat folded down, it provided 58.8 cubic feet of cargo space (57.6 for AWD models), and 24.3 cubic feet (23.2 cubic feet with AWD) with the seat up. These figures surpassed competitors like the Chevrolet Trax, Hyundai Kona, and Subaru Crosstrek. The HR-V also excelled in rear-seat legroom, leading the segment, though front-seat legroom and headroom were average. The interior featured sensibly-designed controls, including large knobs for climate control and an audio volume knob, with a standard tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel for easy driving position adjustments.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator had the spaciousness of a small bedroom, accommodating six adults comfortably. It was a seven-passenger SUV, with the third row’s middle seat suitable only for children. The boxy shape provided ample cargo space: 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 and unloading. The Navigator Reserve featured heated second-row seats and a three-zone climate system, though it lacked some advanced features like electrically reclining second-row seats. The front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, with large windows and a high driving position for excellent visibility.

The base 2021 Honda HR-V LX came with standard Bluetooth, a 5-inch display screen, and a four-speaker audio system. Upgrading to the Sport trim level added a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, while EX and EX-L models included SiriusXM satellite radio. The infotainment system was plain but functional, with two USB ports located conveniently ahead of the shifter. However, the 7-inch touchscreen was relatively small, and competitors offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard features across all trim levels.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator featured a 10-inch touchscreen, which felt small compared to the advanced displays in competitors like the Cadillac Escalade. The Navigator’s infotainment system lacked wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the cameras were low-resolution. However, the software was intuitive, with fast and accurate voice recognition. The Navigator included onboard 4G WiFi, wireless device charging, a smartwatch app, and the ability to use a smartphone as the vehicle’s ignition key. Rear entertainment options included Roku media streaming and various connections. The system was simple and user-friendly, though not as advanced as some competitors.

The 2021 Honda HR-V received top “Good” scores in all IIHS crash tests and a “Superior” rating for its optional front-crash prevention tech. However, it got “Marginal” and “Poor” headlight ratings and an “Acceptable” rating for LATCH child-seat anchor ease of use. The NHTSA gave the HR-V a five-star overall safety rating, with five stars in side crash testing and four stars in frontal and rollover crash testing. Honda Sensing safety features were available only on the EX and EX-L trim levels, including forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and more.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in every test except for rollover resistance. The IIHS had not rated the Navigator in its current generation. The Navigator lacked knee airbags but offered optional inflatable rear seat belts for the second row. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and auto high beams. Adaptive cruise control was optional, though the Navigator’s self-steering capabilities were not as advanced as some competitors.