2023 Lincoln Navigator vs 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid marked a significant departure from its predecessors with a more assertive and truck-like design. It was longer and wider, with a muscular stance enhanced by a longer wheelbase and wider tracks. The classic D-pillar taillights were modernized with three L shapes, and the blockier rear end complemented the bold front fascia. The Sport Touring trim, driven in deep Canyon River Blue, featured special Sport styling elements like black roof rails, mirrors, dual chrome exhaust finishers, and 19-inch wheels. Inside, the design echoed the 2022 Civic and 2023 HR-V, with high-quality materials and attractive contrast stitching.

In contrast, the 2023 Lincoln Navigator, last redesigned in 2018 and freshened up in 2022, rolled into 2023 without significant updates. The test vehicle, a triple-black Navigator Reserve model, featured the Monochromatic Package with black 22-inch wheels and body-color trim. The interior, predominantly black with real wood trim and chrome accents, offered a luxurious feel, though some chrome plastic switchgear detracted from the overall impression. The ambient lighting in the Reserve I package added character at night, but the overall ride quality was inconsistent, with the adaptive damping suspension not living up to expectations.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid offered a simplified powertrain lineup, with a choice between a turbocharged or hybrid setup. The hybrid powertrain combined 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, capable of traveling up to 115 mph and towing up to 1,000 lbs. The CR-V Hybrid featured four drive modes—Sport, Normal, Econ, and the new Snow mode—adjusting accelerator response and utilizing the updated Real Time AWD system. A new "B" shifter position increased regenerative braking, enhancing fuel efficiency. The front-wheel-drive Sport trim achieved 43 mpg city, 36 highway, and 40 combined.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator, powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivered 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and 4WD. The test vehicle had an EPA fuel economy rating of 18 mpg combined but averaged 15.6 mpg during testing. Drivers could choose between five Lincoln Drive Modes, with an adaptive damping suspension standard. However, the ride quality was inconsistent, with the Navigator feeling like a truck over smaller bumps and floating over larger ones. Excite mode improved handling but negatively impacted fuel efficiency. The Navigator's nearly three-ton curb weight also challenged the brakes on mountain roads.

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 interior offered ample storage, with a cubby for two smartphones, eight cupholders, and a best-in-class console.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, with roomy seats in all three rows and an available extended body style for more cargo space. Power-deploying running boards facilitated entry and exit, and the 30-way Perfect Position front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage ensured comfort. The second-row captain’s chairs provided a pass-through to the third row, which accommodated taller adults. Storage was generous, with large trays and covered cupholders. The extended-length Navigator L model offered significantly more cargo space, with 34.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 73.3 cubic feet behind the second row, and 120.2 cubic feet behind the front seats.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid catered to those who preferred physical buttons, with a standard 7-inch touchscreen display featuring volume and tuning knobs. The Sport Touring trim had a 9-inch touchscreen with a volume knob and hard Seek buttons. 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 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured a 12-inch digital instrumentation display, 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, widescreen head-up display, dual-screen Lincoln Play infotainment system, and a control screen on the back of the center console. The Sync 4 infotainment system included wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, Lincoln Connect services with a Wi-Fi hotspot, a navigation system with enhanced voice recognition, and Alexa Built-in. The digital assistant performed excellently, and the 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System provided lush sound. However, the wireless smartphone charger overheated the phone, and the Lincoln Play system was underutilized by rear-seat passengers.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid came equipped with the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies, including improved collision mitigation, road-departure mitigation, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. New features for 2023 included traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition, low-speed braking control, a blind-spot information system, and a cross-traffic monitor. The top two trims also had a parking sensor system. The CR-V Hybrid had earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and five stars from the NHTSA, with additional safety enhancements like new airbags, dashboard patches, and a stiffer structure.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator was fortified with the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 and Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 Drive packages, including Evasive Steering Assist, Intersection Assist, and BlueCruise. BlueCruise allowed hands-free driving on designated highways but required frequent driver intervention. The Navigator's response to sudden lane changes by other motorists was excessive, causing abrupt braking and suspension dive. The Navigator had a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA, but no full assessment from the IIHS.