2022 Lincoln Navigator vs 2021 Honda HR-V

The 2021 Honda HR-V presented a softer, friendlier appearance compared to Honda’s larger SUVs like the CR-V, Passport, and Pilot, which had more traditional and intimidating SUV looks. The HR-V’s distinctive styling included upper and lower window lines converging near the taillights, housing the rear door handles. Most trim levels featured 17-inch alloy wheels, with the Sport models boasting matte-black 18-inch wheels and blacked-out trim. The interior, while plain, was functional with good material quality and fit and finish. Higher trims like the EX and EX-L offered features such as push-button start, automatic climate control, a moonroof, and heated front seats, with the EX-L also adding leather upholstery.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator underwent subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs, with a 20-inch design becoming standard. The front end was restyled, featuring an Audi-esque grille with Lincoln star and chrome detailing, which some felt reduced its elegance. Inside, the Navigator dazzled with quality materials and mid-century modern design, highlighted by Lincoln’s Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme. The new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen, digital instrumentation, and widescreen HUD provided ample display acreage. The Navigator continued in standard and long-wheelbase styles with Standard, Reserve, and Black Label trims, starting at $78,405, with the Black Label model tested priced at $106,530.

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, FWD was standard. The HR-V’s powertrain was considered underpowered for highway driving, and the CVT was seen as ineffective. Competitors like the Kia Seltos and Subaru Crosstrek offered more powerful engine options. However, the HR-V’s chassis provided a rewarding driving experience on twisty roads, living up to Honda’s reputation for fun cars. Its AWD system was suitable for slippery roads but not for rougher terrains, and it lacked towing capability.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Available in RWD or 4WD, the Navigator’s towing capacity ranged from 8,100 to 8,700 pounds. The adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview and a new electronic brake booster improved ride quality and braking response. The Navigator handled various driving conditions, including snow and mud, with ease due to its 4WD, 9.7 inches of ground clearance, and adaptive suspension. The Navigator 4WD was expected to return 18 mpg in combined driving, with the test vehicle averaging 18.6 mpg.

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 with AWD) with the seat up. These figures surpassed competitors like the Chevrolet Trax, Hyundai Kona, and Subaru Crosstrek. The HR-V excelled in rear-seat legroom but had average front-seat legroom and headroom. 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 easier driving position adjustments.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator’s interior was exceptionally comfortable, with heated, ventilated, and massaging 30-way power-adjustable front seats. The second-row captain’s chairs were also heated, ventilated, and massaging, providing a luxurious experience. The third-row seat offered roomy accommodations, continuing Lincoln’s tradition of a comfortable third-row since 2005. Storage and cargo space were generous, with the Navigator L offering even more space. The Navigator provided 19.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seat (34.3 cubic feet for Navigator L), 57.5 cubic feet with the third-row folded (73.3 in Navigator L), and a maximum of 103.3 cubic feet with the second-row seats collapsed (120.2 cubic feet in Navigator L).

The 2021 Honda HR-V’s base LX trim included standard Bluetooth, a 5-inch display screen, and a four-speaker audio system. The Sport trim and higher levels featured a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, while the EX and EX-L added 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 considered small, and competitors offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard features across all trims.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display, replacing the previous 10.1-inch screen. The new system supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with a user-friendly interface similar to modern smartphones. The Navigator also featured physical controls for volume, stereo tuning, and climate functions, with clear markings for ease of use. The upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system included Amazon Fire TV, providing access to streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+. The test vehicle also had a new 28-speaker Revel 3D high-end audio system, delivering an exceptional audio experience.

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 received “Marginal” and “Poor” headlight ratings and an “Acceptable” rating for LATCH child-seat anchor ease of use. The NHTSA awarded 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 on the EX and EX-L trims, including forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and more.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced several new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Road Edge Detection, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. A surround-view camera system became standard. Intersection Assist could automatically brake during unsafe movements, while Road Edge Detection steered the SUV away from road edges. Active Park Assist 2.0 handled parking in parallel and perpendicular spaces. ActiveGlide, Lincoln’s semi-autonomous driving technology, allowed hands-free driving on approved highways. The system performed well but required the driver to remain attentive.