2021 Lexus RX vs 2020 Lincoln Aviator

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator was positioned between the larger Navigator and the smaller MKC, which was 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 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, emphasizing Lincoln's 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 stood out with its plug-in hybrid drivetrain.

The 2021 Lexus RX embodied the modern Lexus design with its large grille, angular headlamps, and floating roof. It was available in five variants, including the RX, RX F Sport, RXL, RX Hybrid, and RXL Hybrid. The RX's design changes from 2020, such as elongated headlights, remained for 2021. Standard features included 18-inch aluminum wheels and LED lighting, with options for 20-inch wheels and triple-beam LED headlights. The F Sport Appearance package added sporty elements like F Sport wheels and a unique fascia. Inside, the RX offered a well-appointed interior with standard features like NuLuxe-trimmed seats and power-adjustable front seats. Available upgrades included semi-aniline leather upholstery and heated seats. The center console design was functional but dated, with traditional buttons instead of modern touch controls.

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 model 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 RWD or AWD, while the PHEV was AWD only. Both versions accelerated from 0-60 mph in about 4 seconds. The PHEV provided a smooth driving experience, using electric power at low speeds. The Aviator's steering was light, and its brakes were effective but cushioned. It featured an "Excite" drive mode for a more dynamic experience. Fuel economy for the RWD Aviator was 18 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined, while the PHEV achieved 23 mpg combined with a 21-mile electric-only range.

The 2021 Lexus RX, RXL, and RX F-Sport were powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The FWD RX 350 was the most fuel-efficient, achieving 20 mpg city, 27 highway, and 23 combined. AWD or RXL models reduced combined fuel economy by 1 mpg. The RX Hybrid and RXL Hybrid combined a 3.5-liter V6 with three electric motors, producing 308 hp and using an e-CVT. These models offered 29-31 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. The RX's suspension and handling improvements made it more dynamic, with AWD providing stability in corners. The F Sport Handling package added adaptive suspension and sport seats. The RX accelerated from 0-60 mph in 7.7-7.9 seconds, with a top speed of 124 mph, while the RX Hybrid matched the acceleration but was limited to 112 mph.

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator, with its three rows, competed with models like the Audi Q7 and Mercedes-Benz GLE. The optional second-row captain's chairs were praised, while the third row was best for short trips with kids. Folding the second and third rows provided 77 cubic feet of cargo space. The Aviator's controls were somewhat confusing, with seat adjustments requiring interaction with the center touchscreen. The door-release function was unconventional, using a button instead of a handle, which could be problematic in emergencies.

The 2021 Lexus RX offered functional design with two-row models seating five and three-row RXL models seating six or seven. Front and second-row seating was spacious, but the third row was tight. The RX's cargo space was limited compared to traditional SUVs, with 18.4 cubic feet behind the second row and 56.3 cubic feet with seats folded. The three-row RX provided 7.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 23 cubic feet behind the second, and 58.5 cubic feet with all seats folded. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free option available.

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator featured the Sync 3 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen in a landscape layout, offering full-screen Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Aviator also had a fully digital instrument panel and a head-up display, providing essential information in a minimalist manner.

The 2021 Lexus RX came standard with dual-zone automatic climate control, an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, and connectivity features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. Upgrades included a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, and a 15-speaker Mark Levinson sound system. The infotainment system was functional but not the most user-friendly, with a Remote Touch controller for navigation. Steering-wheel controls were intuitive, but the RX lacked wireless smartphone integration.

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator included standard safety features like airbags, traction control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Lincoln Co-Pilot360 suite offered driver-assistance systems such as forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Additional safety tech included blind-spot monitoring and a head-up display.

The 2021 Lexus RX received the IIHS Top Safety Pick designation, with Good marks in crashworthiness tests. The NHTSA rated the RX 350, RX 350L, and RX 450h with four out of five stars overall and five stars for side-impact crashworthiness. Standard safety features included a rearview camera, 10 airbags, and Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which offered driver-assist technologies like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. The RX lacked advanced hands-off piloting features found in some competitors.