2022 Lincoln Navigator vs 2023 Honda HR-V

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator received subtle styling updates, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs, with a standard 20-inch option. The front end was restyled, featuring an Audi-esque grille with Lincoln's star and chrome detailing, which some felt reduced its elegance. Despite this, the Navigator's interior continued to impress with high-quality materials and a mid-century modern design. The new Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme added a touch of celestial beauty, enhancing the overall luxurious feel. The updated Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display kept the Navigator competitive in the screen size race.

The 2023 Honda HR-V underwent a significant styling update, losing some of its quirky charm but gaining a sophisticated, modern look. The lowered beltline and simplified detailing created a sleeker appearance, with cleaner lines and fewer interruptions. The example tested was in a dusky, oceanic gray-green called Nordic Forest Pearl. The HR-V Sport trim featured 18-inch black alloy wheels, a black rear spoiler, and a chrome exhaust, while the EX-L trim offered perforated leather seats and dual-zone climate control. The interior followed the refinement trend set by the 2022 Civic, with a metal honeycomb grille hiding the vents and touch-sensitive reading and map lights.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator retained its twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, it offered rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) options. The Navigator's towing capacity ranged from 8,100 to 8,700 pounds, depending on the configuration. The adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview technology and a new electronic brake booster improved ride quality and braking response. During testing, the Navigator handled various road conditions effortlessly, averaging 18.6 mpg in combined driving.

The 2023 Honda HR-V featured a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine, delivering 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) included a Step-Shift function to mimic traditional automatic transmission sounds. Drivers could choose from Normal, Snow, or ECON drive modes, with Sport mode available by pulling the shifter back. The HR-V offered front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) options. The new front and independent rear suspensions, along with widened tracks, made the HR-V fun to drive on mountain roads, though it lacked power compared to some competitors.

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 options, making long trips enjoyable. The third-row seats provided ample space and comfort, 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 cargo space.

The 2023 Honda HR-V, a subcompact SUV, featured a well-thought-out interior with a center console shelf for drive mode controls, parking brake, and hill-descent control. Rear-seat headroom measured 39.4 inches in the front (38.4 with the moonroof) and 38.0 inches in the rear. Cargo space was 24.4 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 55.1 cubic feet with them folded. The second-generation HR-V had a thoughtfully engineered hinge for the 60/40 split rear seats, creating a nearly flat floor when folded down. Passenger volume was 98.7 cubic feet for LX and Sport trims and 97.3 for EX-L.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator upgraded to a Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display, offering a user-friendly interface and voice recognition system. 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 an exceptional audio experience. Physical controls for volume, stereo tuning, and climate functions were easy to use, with clear markings and a matte finish.

The 2023 Honda HR-V's infotainment system now featured a tablet-style touchscreen above the dash. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard across the lineup, with wireless versions available on EX-L. The EX-L trim also included a 9-inch infotainment display, a Qi-compatible wireless charging pad, and an eight-speaker audio system. All HR-Vs had a 7-inch digital gauge cluster and a 7-inch color touchscreen display. The EX-L trim added WiFi capability, SiriusXM, and HD Radio, enhancing the overall tech experience.

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 was also newly standard. ActiveGlide, Lincoln's semi-autonomous, hands-free driving technology, performed well on approved highways but required the driver to remain attentive. The Navigator's safety features aimed to enhance driving confidence and convenience.

The 2023 Honda HR-V now included the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) as standard on all trims. This suite featured adaptive cruise control, collision-mitigation braking, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, road-departure mitigation, lane-departure warning, and forward-collision warning. Additional standard features included traffic-sign recognition, traffic jam assist, and automatic high-beams. The EX-L trim added front and rear parking sensors and low-speed braking control. The 2023 HR-V had not yet been crash-tested, but the 2022 model received high safety ratings.