2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid vs 2023 Lincoln Navigator

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator, a full-size luxury SUV, maintained its established design without significant updates since its last refresh in 2022. Despite the anticipation of an electric version, the current model continued to offer a blend of luxury and functionality. The test vehicle, a triple-black Navigator Reserve model, featured a Monochromatic Package with black 22-inch wheels and body-color trim, although keeping it clean proved challenging. Inside, the cabin exuded an upscale feel with quality materials, though some chrome plastic elements fell short of conveying true luxury. The ambient lighting added character, and the Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, though pricey, went largely unused by tech-savvy teenagers.

In contrast, the 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid presented a more conservative yet sporty design with its black 18-inch wheels and blacked-out exterior trim. The Sport Touring Hybrid test vehicle, painted in Canyon River Blue, offered a sophisticated appearance, especially from the rear quarter view. Inside, the CR-V Hybrid's cabin impressed with leather seats featuring orange contrast stitching and numerous quality details. The sound of the doors, the soft-touch dashboard, and the metal mesh air vents contributed to a sense of refinement. While the CR-V Hybrid's styling was understated, it provided a comfortable and well-appointed interior for a compact SUV.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a robust twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and a 4WD drivetrain, it offered five driving modes, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, and Deep Conditions. Despite its adaptive damping suspension, the Navigator's ride quality was inconsistent, with a truck-like feel over smaller bumps and a floating sensation over larger dips. In Excite mode, the suspension stiffened, improving the ride but impacting fuel efficiency. The Navigator's nearly three-ton curb weight challenged the brakes, especially on mountain roads, and its size proved cumbersome in urban settings.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a fourth-generation two-motor hybrid drive system, combining a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors. This setup delivered 204 horsepower to the front or all four wheels, with an EPA rating of 37 mpg in combined driving. However, during testing, it achieved 32.4 mpg on a mountainous loop. The CR-V Hybrid provided a quiet and compliant ride with predictable handling, though the steering effort was notably heavy. While it excelled in fuel efficiency compared to its non-hybrid counterpart, the hybrid system's complexity didn't translate into a significant performance advantage.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, offering spacious seating across all three rows and a cavernous cargo area. Power-deploying running boards facilitated entry and exit, while the 30-way Perfect Position front seats provided heating, ventilation, and massage functions. However, the multitude of adjustments proved challenging to perfect. The Navigator's storage options were generous, and the extended-length Navigator L model offered even more cargo space, making it ideal for carrying both passengers and luggage.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid impressed with its form and function, featuring quality materials, intuitive controls, and comfortable seating. The 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat provided excellent support, while the rear doors opened wide for easy access. The back seat offered ample legroom and comfort, with adjustable backrest angles and USB-C charging ports. The CR-V Hybrid's cargo area, though smaller in the Sport Touring trim, remained competitive in its class, providing 76.5 cubic feet of space with the back seat folded down.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator offered a range of digital displays, including a 12-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Sync 4 system featured wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a navigation system, and Alexa Built-in. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System delivered impressive sound quality. However, the wireless smartphone charger overheated devices, and the Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system went unused by passengers.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid came equipped with a 7-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with a larger 9-inch display available. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system, were reserved for higher trims. The voice recognition system was basic, and the walk-away automatic locking feature provided peace of mind. While the CR-V Hybrid's tech offerings were functional, they lacked the sophistication of some competitors.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) through the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 and Drive packages. Notable features included Evasive Steering Assist, Intersection Assist, and BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assist system. However, BlueCruise struggled with certain driving conditions and required frequent driver intervention. The Navigator received a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid came standard with Honda Sensing, a collection of ADAS features including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The system performed well during testing, with only minor issues in specific conditions. The CR-V Hybrid earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS for the 2023 calendar year, though NHTSA ratings were not yet available.