2020 Lincoln Aviator vs 2020 GMC Acadia

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator was positioned between the larger Navigator and the compact MKC, later replaced by the Corsair. Lincoln's shift from alphanumeric names to real vehicle names signaled a departure from mimicking imports, showcasing a unified design across its lineup. The Aviator featured a sleek roofline and a low, wide beltline, giving it a boat-like appearance. Inside, the cabin boasted a flowing design with soft-touch materials and elegant seats, hinting at luxury without overdoing it. The Aviator's interior was plush, with leather extending to areas not typically covered, reflecting a commitment to luxury. Unique touches like a panoramic moonroof and orchestral warning jingles added to its appeal. The Aviator offered five trims, with the Standard trim providing ample features, while the Grand Touring and Black Label trims added luxury and hybrid options.

The 2020 GMC Acadia, positioned as a premium brand alongside Buick, aimed to be more upscale than Chevrolet but not as luxurious as Cadillac. Built on the same platform as the Cadillac XT5, the Acadia came in SL, SLE, SLT, AT4, and Denali trims. The Denali trim, with optional all-wheel drive and a Technology Package, showcased a boxier grille and squared-off headlights, emphasizing its upscale aspirations. Inside, changes were subtle, with new electronic transmission shift switches and open-pore wood trim for Denali models. The cabin mixed soft surfaces with hard plastics, and while controls were logically laid out, the Denali's premium feel was limited to leather upholstery and wood trim. Despite its aspirations, the Acadia's interior didn't fully establish it as a premium choice.

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator came standard with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, producing 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. The Grand Touring trim enhanced this setup with a 100-hp electric motor, resulting in a combined 494 hp and 630 lb-ft of torque. Both powertrains used a 10-speed automatic transmission, with the base V6 offering rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, while the plug-in hybrid was all-wheel drive. The Aviator's driving experience was smooth, with light steering and cushioned brakes, drawing comparisons to the Rolls-Royce Cullinan for its refined dynamics. The PHEV's electric power smoothed out the driving experience, and the Excite drive mode added a touch of dynamism. Fuel economy for the RWD Aviator was 18 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined, while the PHEV offered a combined 23 mpg with a 21-mile electric-only range.

The 2020 GMC Acadia offered three engine options: a 193-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder, a 230-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, and a 310-hp 3.6-liter V6. All engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel or all-wheel drive available, except for the AT4 trim, which had a dual-clutch AWD system. The V6 and nine-speed automatic provided smooth power and up to 4,000 pounds of towing capacity. The Acadia's ride and handling were finely tuned, offering a predictable driving experience, though it lacked memorable driving character. The test vehicle's powertrain included fuel-saving features like automatic engine stop/start and cylinder deactivation, with an EPA rating of 21 mpg combined. The Acadia's driving dynamics were competent but unremarkable.

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator, with its three-row seating, competed with models like the Audi Q7 and Cadillac XT6. The optional second-row captain's chairs were praised for comfort, while the power-closing third row was best for short trips with adults. Cargo space was 77 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded, comparable to the XT6. The Aviator's interior featured complex seat controls and unconventional door handles, which could be confusing. The 30-way seats with massage function were a highlight, but the door-release function was unnecessarily complicated, raising concerns about usability in emergencies.

The 2020 GMC Acadia offered seating for five, six, or seven passengers, with the Denali trim providing six-passenger seating with second-row captain's chairs. The front seats were wide and supportive, with heating and ventilation, ideal for long trips. The second-row captain's chairs were comfortable, with rear passengers having access to air conditioning vents, USB ports, and a power outlet. The third-row seat was roomier than expected, though cargo space was limited to 12.1 cubic feet behind it. Folding the third row expanded cargo space to 41.7 cubic feet, and with the second row folded, it offered 79 cubic feet, average for the segment. Interior storage improved with new electronic transmission controls and a reconfigured center console.

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator featured the Sync 3 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen in a landscape layout, offering seamless integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The fully digital instrument panel and head-up display provided a wealth of information in a minimalist manner, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2020 GMC Acadia came equipped with essential infotainment features, including Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The 8-inch touchscreen offered a higher resolution and improved user experience. The test vehicle included navigation and a Bose premium sound system, with voice recognition technology performing well. Additional tech upgrades included USB-C ports, a wireless charging pad, a high-definition surround-view camera, and a rear camera mirror, providing a wide-angle view for better visibility.

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including front and side-impact airbags, traction control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Lincoln Co-Pilot360 suite offered forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams, along with blind-spot monitoring and a head-up display.

The 2020 GMC Acadia's safety features included a rear-seat reminder system and Teen Driver technology. Standard GMC Connected Services offered automatic collision notification and SOS emergency calling. The base Acadia SL and up included blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning systems. However, advanced safety features like forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking required upgrading to higher trims. The NHTSA gave the Acadia 5-star ratings in most assessments, with a 4-star rollover resistance rating. The IIHS provided incomplete data, with high marks in some tests.