2020 Ford Expedition vs 2021 Lincoln Aviator

The 2020 Ford Expedition, last redesigned in 2018, presented a clean and somewhat understated design that some might have considered boring. However, this simplicity was likely to age well, making it a practical choice for those planning to keep their SUV for many years. The King Ranch edition stood out with its 22-inch aluminum wheels, mesh grille insert, LED headlights, and unique gray-painted lower exterior trim. The Star White metallic paint added a touch of elegance, although the taillight shape and roof C-pillar design were points of contention. Inside, the King Ranch featured Del Rio leather in Mesa over Ebony, adorned with King Ranch logos, which sparked mixed reactions from passengers. Despite the luxurious feel, the presence of hard plastic, especially in lower trims, was disappointing given the vehicle's price range.

In contrast, the 2021 Lincoln Aviator embraced a distinct design language that set it apart from its competitors. The Aviator's sharp lines and chrome accents contributed to its striking appearance, reminiscent of the successful Navigator styling. Inside, the Aviator offered a warm and comfortable cabin with soft-touch materials and a 10.1-inch touchscreen that dominated the dash. The piano button shifter and soothing chimes added to the luxury feel. The Aviator's trims ranged from Standard to Black Label Grand Touring, each offering a variety of features, from synthetic leather upholstery and tri-zone climate control to a 28-speaker Revel Ultima sound system. The Grand Touring trim, with its plug-in hybrid powertrain and massaging Multi-Contour Seats, provided a particularly luxurious experience.

The 2020 Ford Expedition was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, delivering 375 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 470 pound-feet of torque at 2,250 rpm. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided robust acceleration and a pleasant exhaust note. The Expedition offered a choice between rear-wheel drive and an optional four-wheel-drive system, with a towing capacity of up to 9,300 pounds. Its independent rear suspension contributed to a comfortable ride and improved handling, although the oversized wheels sometimes resulted in a busy ride on imperfect surfaces. The Expedition's fuel economy averaged 17.7 mpg, slightly below the EPA rating.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator featured a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, producing 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. The Grand Touring trims added a plug-in hybrid configuration, boosting output to 494 hp and 630 lb-ft of torque, with an electric-only range of 21 miles. The Aviator's 10-speed automatic transmission and drive mode selector offered a smooth driving experience, although its long wheelbase made tight maneuvers challenging. The hybrid powertrain provided brisk acceleration, but the Aviator's weight resulted in noticeable body roll in corners. The Aviator excelled on highways but struggled in city driving.

The 2020 Ford Expedition excelled in towing, cargo capacity, and passenger comfort. The King Ranch's power running boards facilitated easy entry, and the heated and ventilated front seats, along with a heated steering wheel, enhanced comfort. The second-row captain's chairs and spacious third-row seat provided ample room for passengers. The Expedition offered 19.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 104.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. The long-wheelbase MAX version increased cargo capacity further.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator provided 18.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 77.7 cubic feet with all seats folded. The Grand Touring model featured second-row captain's chairs and a digital control panel for seat, climate, and audio controls. The Aviator's power-button door releases were a unique feature, though they raised concerns about functionality if the battery died.

The 2020 Ford Expedition's 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, running Sync 3, was user-friendly but felt outdated compared to newer systems. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, FordPass Connect, and a Bang & Olufsen sound system. The Pro Trailer Backup Assist was a standout feature for towing enthusiasts.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator's 10.1-inch touchscreen, running Sync 3, offered a more intuitive experience with a landscape layout. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a fully digital instrument panel. The optional head-up display provided clear graphics, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2020 Ford Expedition came standard with Ford Co-Pilot360, offering adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. It earned 5-star ratings from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not tested it.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator featured Lincoln Co-Pilot 360, with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and more. The Co-Pilot 360 Plus package added reverse automatic braking and adaptive cruise control. The Aviator received top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, earning a Top Safety Pick accolade.