2022 Lincoln Navigator vs 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator received subtle styling updates, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs, with a 20-inch design becoming standard. The front end was restyled, featuring an Audi-esque grille that some felt reduced the vehicle's elegance and presence. Despite this, the rest of the updates were well-received, maintaining the Navigator's luxurious appeal. Inside, the Navigator continued to impress with high-quality materials and a mid-century modern design, enhanced by the new Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme, which evoked a twilight sky. The new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen added to the vehicle's tech-savvy appeal.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid marked a significant departure from its predecessors with a more assertive, truck-like design. It was longer and wider, giving it a more muscular stance. The classic D-pillar taillights were updated to a modern, aggressive look with three L shapes. The Sport Touring trim featured black roof rails, mirrors, dual chrome exhaust finishers, and 19-inch wheels. Inside, the CR-V Hybrid followed the design direction of the 2022 Civic and 2023 HR-V, with high-quality materials and attractive contrast stitching. The honeycomb grille surrounding the climate control vents added a premium feel to the cabin.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator retained its twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, offered robust performance and a pleasing note under acceleration. Towing capacity ranged from 8,100 to 8,700 pounds, depending on the configuration. The Navigator's adaptive-damping suspension, updated with Road Preview, provided a smooth ride even on imperfect pavement. The new electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel and response. During a test drive from Scottsdale to Payson, the Navigator handled snow and mud effortlessly, thanks to its four-wheel drive, 9.7 inches of ground clearance, and adaptive suspension. Fuel economy for the 4WD model was rated at 18 mpg combined, with an observed average of 18.6 mpg.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a new hybrid powertrain combining a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a two-motor hybrid-electric system, producing 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. This made it the most powerful CR-V to date, with a top speed of 115 mph. The hybrid setup provided more power and better efficiency, with a towing capacity of up to 1,000 lbs. The CR-V Hybrid introduced a fourth drive mode, Snow, in addition to Sport, Normal, and Econ. The updated Real Time AWD system could send up to 50% of engine torque to the rear wheels. A new "B" shifter position increased regenerative braking, approximating a one-pedal driving experience. The FWD CR-V Hybrid achieved 43 mpg city, 36 highway, and 40 combined, making it a fuel-efficient choice.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator's interior featured exceptionally comfortable 30-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain's chairs also offered heating, ventilation, and massage, making long trips enjoyable. The third-row seat provided roomy accommodations, thanks to the independent rear suspension design. Cargo space was generous, with 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 103.3 cubic feet with the second row collapsed. The long-wheelbase Navigator L offered even more space, with 34.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 73.3 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 120.2 cubic feet.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid's larger exterior translated to more interior volume, with 36.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 76.5 cubic feet with them folded. This was comparable to the 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid and more than the 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. The Sport Touring model featured a hands-free power tailgate, and all CR-Vs had wide-opening rear doors for easy access. Rear seat legroom increased to 41 inches, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The cubby ahead of the shifter could hold two smartphones side by side, and the console provided best-in-class storage. The CR-V Hybrid also featured eight cupholders throughout the cabin.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator upgraded to 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 and featured a user-friendly interface with physical controls for volume, tuning, and climate functions. The voice recognition system was improved but not perfect. The Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system now included Amazon Fire TV, providing access to popular streaming services. The test vehicle also featured a 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system, delivering exceptional sound quality.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid offered a standard 7-inch touchscreen display with physical volume and tuning knobs, while the Sport Touring trim featured a 9-inch touchscreen with a volume knob. Both Hybrid models included two USB-A and two USB-C ports, Bluetooth connectivity, dual-zone climate control, heated mirrors, and heated front seats. The Sport Touring trim added driver’s seat memory, a four-way power-adjustable front passenger’s seat, heated steering wheel, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Sirius XM, HD radio, Wi-Fi capability, a wireless charging pad, and a 12-speaker Bose Premium audio system. The smart navigation system optimized fuel efficiency based on the route.

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 to prevent unsafe movements, while Road Edge Detection steered the SUV away from unpaved surfaces. 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 but required driver attention. The system performed well on straight, dry, sunny stretches but required human intervention in certain situations.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid came standard with the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies, including improved collision mitigation, road-departure mitigation, and lane-keeping assist systems. New features included traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition, and low-speed braking control for the top trims. A blind-spot information system and cross-traffic monitor were standard across the lineup, with parking sensors added to the top trims. The CR-V Hybrid also featured new airbags, dashboard patches, and a 15% stiffer structure for added crash protection. Increased visibility helped drivers avoid collisions.