2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2021 Honda Pilot

The 2021 Honda Pilot aimed to balance styling with reliability, safety, comfort, and performance. Despite efforts to enhance its rugged appearance with a 2019 refresh and a 2020 Black Edition, the exterior design remained polarizing. The Pilot was available in seven trims, ranging from the base LX to the upscale Black Edition, with prices between $32,250 and $49,920. The Special Edition trim, new for 2021, added features like black 20-inch alloy wheels and wireless smartphone charging. The Black Edition, fully loaded with exclusive black leather upholstery and red accents, offered a premium feel, though its minivan-like front seat design and drab exterior did not appeal to everyone.

In contrast, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator exuded elegance and understatement, despite its massive size. Sharing some design elements with the Ford Expedition, the Navigator stood out with its unique features and luxurious feel. The exterior boasted simple rectilinear shapes, chrome accents, and a light show upon unlocking. Inside, the Navigator impressed with seven color palettes and high-quality materials. The Black Label trims offered even more luxurious textures and leather. The Perfect Position seats, adjustable in 30 ways, provided exceptional comfort. While the Navigator's size made parking challenging, its plush interior and high driving position offered excellent visibility.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, delivering smooth and refined power. A nine-speed automatic transmission powered the front wheels, with an optional torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system. The Pilot offered a comfortable ride and athletic handling, aided by its suspension and torque-vectoring AWD. Fuel-saving measures included variable-cylinder management and automatic engine stop/start, with an EPA rating of 22 mpg combined for AWD models. However, off-road capability was limited by its modest ground clearance and all-season tires.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator boasted a twin-turbo V6 engine from the Ford Raptor, generating 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Navigator offered impressive acceleration and a thrilling sound. Its 4WD system provided smooth transitions between RWD and 4WD High, with a towing capacity of up to 8,700 pounds. Fuel economy was less impressive, averaging in the teens, but the Navigator excelled on highways with its quiet cabin and powerful performance. While the suspension and steering lacked the precision of competitors, the Navigator's overall refinement and power were remarkable.

The 2021 Honda Pilot offered ample space for families, seating up to eight with a second-row bench seat. The test vehicle featured comfortable leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated front seats, with 10-way power adjustment for the driver. Second-row captain's chairs were optional, providing nearly the same comfort as the front seats. The third-row seat was less comfortable for adults, but storage was abundant throughout the cabin. Cargo space measured 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 83.9 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator provided generous space, accommodating six adults comfortably. The third row's middle seat was best suited for children. Cargo space was substantial, with 19 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 103 cubic feet in total. The Navigator Reserve featured heated second-row seats and a three-zone climate system. The front seats offered exceptional comfort with numerous adjustments, while large windows and a high driving position ensured excellent visibility. However, parking was challenging due to its size.

The 2021 Honda Pilot came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and more. The Special Edition added wireless phone charging, while the Touring trim included navigation and a premium audio system. The system was adequate but lacked some features found in competitors. The Touring trim also offered a rear-seat entertainment system with various connectivity options.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator featured a 10-inch touchscreen, which felt outdated compared to newer systems. While the software was intuitive, it lacked wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima stereo was good but not exceptional. The Navigator offered onboard 4G WiFi, wireless device charging, and a smartwatch app. Rear entertainment included Roku media streaming and other connections, with beautiful animations for drive mode changes.

The 2021 Honda Pilot included Honda Sensing, a package of advanced driving assistance systems. It featured adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The Pilot received favorable crash-test ratings, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and high scores from the IIHS.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with lower scores for rollover resistance. It offered standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional inflatable rear seat belts provided additional safety for the second row.