2020 Lincoln Navigator vs 2021 Honda Pilot

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator, sharing its platform with the Ford Expedition, distinguished itself with unique front and rear styling elements and the Lincoln Embrace lighting system. The Navigator featured a lattice-type grille insert, illuminated star logo, fender vents, and full-width taillights, giving it a luxurious and distinctive appearance. The Reserve Monochromatic Package added a custom look with body-color enhancements and 22-inch black-painted wheels. Inside, the Navigator boasted mid-century modern styling, high-quality materials, and a panoramic glass roof, creating a convincingly luxurious flagship SUV.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Pilot aimed to balance ruggedness and sophistication, with a 2019 refresh and a 2020 Black Edition. The Pilot offered seven trims, from the base LX to the upscale Black Edition, with prices ranging from $32,250 to $49,920. The new Special Edition trim added black 20-inch alloy wheels and other blacked-out features. The Black Edition, priced at $51,435, included exclusive black leather upholstery with red accents and ambient lighting. Despite its efforts, the Pilot's exterior design remained an acquired taste, and its interior, while functional, felt more like a minivan.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It offered multiple drive modes, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, and Deep Conditions, with a towing capacity of up to 8,700 pounds. The Navigator's acceleration was strong, averaging 16.4 mpg on the testing loop, with an EPA rating of 18 mpg combined. Despite its size, the Navigator handled well on open roads, though it felt large around town. Features like Pro Trailer Backup Assist and adaptive damping suspension enhanced its performance.

The 2021 Honda Pilot came with a 3.5-liter V6 engine generating 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. It offered a torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system and Intelligent Traction Management with modes for Normal, Snow, Mud, and Sand. The Pilot averaged 21.5 mpg on the testing loop, with an EPA rating of 22 mpg combined. Its MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension provided a comfortable ride and athletic handling. However, its off-road capability was limited by modest ground clearance and all-season tires.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator required a climb to enter, but once inside, it offered ample space and comfort. The test vehicle's 30-way Perfect Position front seats, power-adjustable pedals, and heated steering wheel provided exceptional comfort. The second row could be configured with a bench or captain's chairs, and the third row offered class-leading legroom and thigh support. Cargo space was also impressive, with up to 103.3 cubic feet in the standard model and 120.2 cubic feet in the Navigator L.

The 2021 Honda Pilot accommodated up to eight passengers with a second-row bench seat. The test vehicle's front seats were comfortable, with 10-way power adjustment for the driver and four-way for the passenger. Second-row captain's chairs were available, and the third row, while adequate, was less comfortable for adults. The Pilot offered numerous storage solutions and a power tailgate, with up to 83.9 cubic feet of cargo space.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator's Sync 3 infotainment system was its weakest point, with slow loading times. However, it included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and wireless device charging. The Reserve's Luxury Package added a 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system. Additional features included a surround-view camera system and a head-up display, though the test vehicle lacked the optional rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and HondaLink connected services. The Special Edition added wireless phone charging, while the Touring trim included navigation, a WiFi hotspot, and a 10-speaker audio system. The rear-seat entertainment system, available on higher trims, offered DVD and Blu-Ray playback and streaming audio apps.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator came with the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 suite, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Navigator received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though its RWD version had a three-star rollover resistance rating. The IIHS had not tested the 2020 model.

The 2021 Honda Pilot included Honda Sensing, with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning. The Pilot received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "good" ratings from the IIHS, except for an "acceptable" score for front passenger small overlap frontal-impact protection.