2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2021 Honda Odyssey

The 2021 Honda Odyssey had a familiar look that was subtly updated for the new model year. It featured a new grille and front bumper, standard LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation across all trims, and a new gloss black spear with a chrome insert stretching the width of the taillights. New wheel designs were introduced for the top three trim levels, modernizing the Odyssey by reducing brightwork. Buyers could choose from five trim levels: LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, and Elite, with base prices ranging from $31,790 to $47,820, excluding destination charges. The test vehicle, a Lunar Silver Metallic Elite trim, was priced at $48,940, including the $1,120 destination charge. The Elite trim featured perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching and piping, new dashboard ambient lighting, and handsome new 19-inch wheels with Shark Gray paint and machined surfaces, giving it a more luxurious feel.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator, on the other hand, was a standout in its class, sharing its side glass and overall footprint with the Ford Expedition but offering a unique and luxurious experience. The Navigator Reserve, priced at $92,000, exuded elegance and understatement despite its three-ton weight and 22-inch wheels. 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, including the Slate Gray of the test truck, and featured layered wood trim, a floating center console, and a minimalist digital instrument panel. Materials were of high quality, and panel gaps were tight, with Black Label trims offering even more luxurious textures and softer leather. The Perfect Position seats, adjustable in 30 different ways, added to the Navigator's appeal, making it one of the most refined and powerful large SUVs on the market.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and a ten-speed automatic transmission, delivering 280 horsepower to the front wheels. The drivetrain included Normal, Sport, Econ, and Snow driving modes, along with paddle shifters. The V6 engine featured variable cylinder management for improved fuel efficiency, with an EPA rating of 22 mpg combined. During testing, the Odyssey averaged 21.8 mpg. However, the lack of all-wheel drive (AWD) put it at a disadvantage compared to competitors offering AWD. The new electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel and response, and the adaptive cruise control now included stop-and-go low-speed following capability. The Odyssey's ride and handling were enjoyable, with perfectly weighted steering and firm but comfortable suspension. However, the brakes showed signs of fade during intense use, indicating a need for a braking component upgrade.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator featured a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing an impressive 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Navigator offered both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) options. The 4WD system was smooth and responsive, with a towing capacity of 8,300 pounds for 4WD models and 8,700 pounds for RWD models. Fuel economy was less impressive, averaging in the teens, with an EPA rating of 17 mpg combined. The Navigator's adaptive dampers provided a comfortable ride, though not as refined as competitors with magnetic shocks and air springs. The steering and brakes were less precise than those of the Cadillac Escalade, but the Navigator's low-end thrust and quiet cabin made it a refined and powerful highway cruiser. Paddle shifters added a touch of sportiness with quick reaction times and rev-matched downshifts.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered a well-designed interior with legible instrumentation, logical controls, and ample storage. The 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat, standard in all but the base LX trim, was comfortable and included inboard adjustable armrests. The Elite trim added a heated steering wheel and heated and ventilated front seats. The Magic Slide second-row seat layout provided versatile seating options, with two outboard captain's chairs that could slide and a removable middle section. The third-row seats were spacious enough for both children and adults. Cargo space was generous, with 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row, 88.8 cubic feet with the third row tumbled, and a maximum of 144.9 cubic feet. However, the second-row seats had to be physically removed to access the maximum cargo volume, which was inconvenient.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator boasted a spacious interior, capable of comfortably seating six adults. The third row's middle seat was best suited for children, and the second-row captain's chairs could be replaced with a bench for a total of eight passengers. Cargo space was ample, with 19 cubic feet behind the third row, 57 cubic feet behind the second row, and 103 cubic feet 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 control system. The front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, with separate thigh extensions, bolsters, and massage programs. Visibility was excellent, though parking could be challenging due to the vehicle's size.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey, starting with the EX trim, featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, text-messaging support, basic HondaLink connectivity, and a Cabin Control smartphone app. The Touring trim added a navigation system, HondaLink subscription service plans, WiFi capability, a CabinWatch interior camera, and a CabinTalk in-vehicle PA system. The Elite trim included an 11-speaker premium sound system, multi-zone listening options, and wireless smartphone charging. HondaLink Security, Remote, and Concierge subscription plans were available, with varying levels of free service. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were notable drawbacks. The rear-seat entertainment system included a 10.2-inch screen, Blu-Ray disc player, wireless headphones, and built-in streaming apps, though the lack of a touchscreen was disappointing.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator featured a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which felt small compared to newer competitors. The system lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the instrument panel couldn't display full-screen maps or different designs. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima stereo was good but not exceptional. Despite these shortcomings, the software was intuitive and easy to use, with fast and accurate voice recognition. The Navigator offered onboard 4G WiFi, wireless device charging, a smartwatch app, and the ability to use a smartphone as the vehicle's ignition key. Lincoln's remote app functions were included for five years, with SiriusXM traffic data for six years. The rear entertainment system included Roku media streaming and various connection options. Drive mode animations on the instrument panel added a touch of elegance, and the overall simplicity of the system was a relief compared to more complex competitors.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey improved its safety features with the standard inclusion of Honda Sensing on all trims. This suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) included adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, pedestrian braking, road-sign recognition, and a new Honda Sensing menu button for easy access to ADAS settings. The Odyssey was expected to earn a Top Safety Pick recommendation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and received top five-star ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in all assessments except for rollover resistance, which earned four stars.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received five-star overall ratings from the NHTSA, with five stars in every test except for rollover resistance (four stars for 4WD models, three stars for RWD models). The IIHS had not rated the Navigator in its current generation. The Navigator offered automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and auto high beams as standard features. Adaptive cruise control was optional, though it did not perform as competently as some competitors in self-steering and lane tracking.