2023 Lincoln Navigator vs 2023 Honda HR-V

The 2023 Honda HR-V underwent a significant styling transformation, shedding some of its previous quirky charm for a more sophisticated and modern appearance. The lowered beltline and simplified detailing contributed to a sleeker look, with cleaner lines and fewer interruptions. The windshield wipers were discreetly tucked under the hood's lip, and the black molding strips on the roof were removed. The EX-L model we tested featured perforated leather seats, dual-zone climate control, and a power moonroof, creating a comfortable and upscale cabin environment. The interior design followed the refinement trend set by the 2022 Civic, with premium touches like a metal honeycomb grille and touch-sensitive lights.

In contrast, the 2023 Lincoln Navigator maintained its luxurious and imposing presence, with no significant updates since its 2022 refresh. Our test vehicle, a triple-black Navigator Reserve model, featured a Monochromatic Package with black 22-inch wheels and body-color trim. The interior was upscale, with real wood trim panels and chrome accents, although some chrome plastic switchgear detracted from the luxury feel. The cabin was spacious, with ambient lighting adding character at night. Despite its size, the Navigator's interior was designed for comfort and utility, with power-deploying running boards and 30-way adjustable front seats.

The 2023 Honda HR-V was powered by a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine, producing 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque. This was an improvement over the previous model, and the updated continuously variable transmission (CVT) featured a Step-Shift function to mimic traditional automatic transmission sounds. The HR-V offered Normal, Snow, ECON, and Sport drive modes, with each mode adjusting the vehicle's performance to suit different driving conditions. The HR-V's new suspension and widened tracks made it surprisingly fun to drive, although it was not overpowered compared to competitors with multiple powertrain options.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator, on the other hand, was equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and 4WD drivetrain, the Navigator offered five drive modes, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, and Deep Conditions. The adaptive damping suspension with Road Preview aimed to enhance ride quality, but the Navigator's ride was inconsistent, feeling truck-like over smaller bumps and floating over larger ones. Excite mode improved handling on mountain roads but negatively impacted fuel efficiency. The Navigator's size was a challenge in urban environments, making parking and maneuvering difficult.

The 2023 Honda HR-V, a subcompact SUV, offered a well-thought-out interior with a center console featuring a shelf for storage. The HR-V's fastback design slightly reduced rear-seat headroom, but cargo space remained competitive in its class, with 24.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 55.1 cubic feet with them folded. The 60/40 split rear seats provided a higher seating position and a nearly flat floor when folded. Passenger volume varied slightly between trims, with the EX-L offering more space than the LX and Sport trims.

In contrast, the 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, with roomy seats in all three rows and an available extended body style for increased cargo capacity. The Navigator's interior featured power-deploying running boards, 30-way adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage, and spacious second-row captain's chairs. Storage space was generous, with various trays and compartments throughout the cabin. The Navigator L model offered significantly more cargo space, making it ideal for carrying both passengers and luggage.

The 2023 Honda HR-V featured a tablet-style infotainment display, with the EX-L trim offering a 9-inch screen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The HR-V's infotainment system included a 7-inch digital gauge cluster, three USB-A ports, Bluetooth connectivity, and an eight-speaker audio system on the EX-L trim. The system was user-friendly, with physical knobs and buttons for essential functions.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator boasted a 12-inch digital instrumentation display, a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a dual-screen Lincoln Play infotainment system for rear passengers. The Sync 4 system included wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a navigation system with enhanced voice recognition. The Navigator's digital assistant performed well, and the 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System provided excellent sound quality. However, the wireless smartphone charger caused overheating issues, and the rear-seat entertainment system was underutilized by passengers.

The 2023 Honda HR-V came standard with the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control, collision-mitigation braking, lane-keeping assist, and more. New features for 2023 included traffic-sign recognition, traffic jam assist, and automatic high-beams. The HR-V had not yet been crash-tested for 2023, but the 2022 model received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator was equipped with Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 and available Co-Pilot360 2.0 Drive packages, offering features like Evasive Steering Assist, Intersection Assist, and BlueCruise hands-free driving. BlueCruise worked on designated highways but struggled with curves and construction zones. The Navigator received a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA.