2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2020 Lincoln Aviator

2020 Lincoln Aviator
2020 Lincoln Aviator
$51,100MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB
$38,050MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2020 Lincoln Aviator
$51,100MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB
$38,050MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP
$51,100
$38,050
Average price
$34,805
$28,691
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews
4.5
4.8
Expert reviews

8.2 out of 10

Read full review

8.0 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Comfortable
  • Multiple powertrain options
Cons
  • Poor ergonomic design
  • Cramped third row
Pros
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Impressive technology
  • Spacious
Cons
  • Cramped third row
  • Irritating transmission
  • Uncomfortable seats
Summary

The heyday for Lincoln was more than a half-century ago. Those postwar years of prosperity and optimism were the perfect time for cars like the Continental and others. They delivered comfort and luxury, wrapped in midcentury modern styling. Even as recently as the 1990s, Lincoln was still a popular brand, riding the SUV craze with its Navigator.

But after the turn of the century, Lincoln lost its ability to create new designs and looked inward and backward. Sure, retro-themed cars like the redesigned Mustang, PT Cruiser, and Chevy HHR had turned some heads, but none of those came from luxury brands. The BMWs and Mercedes of the world were all looking forward and pushing the envelope for contemporary automotive design. Meanwhile, Lincoln offered the MKX, which was based on the Ford Edge and featured ’66 Continental styling. Neat in a vacuum, but off-base compared to the modern luxury market.

This experimental phase with various retro looks coincided with the move to the MK-# alphabet-soup naming convention and big improvements in the Ford lineup, where top-end trims of the Fusion overlapped with an entry-level trim of the MKZ. The combination left Lincoln a confusing, anonymous afterthought in the modern luxury game.

But Lincoln is finally ready to change all that. It has a new cohesive design language, its focus is once again on luxury, and the three-letter naming convention that never meant anything to anyone other than Lincoln marketers is gone. The brand led with the 2017 Continental and 2018 Navigator, which are each impressive in their own right. But the company's lineup is growing and now includes the all-new 2020 Lincoln Aviator. Named after a luxury variant of the 2002-2005 Ford Explorer, this new Aviator is also based on the contemporary Explorer platform, but it's a luxury vehicle in its own right.

Much of the success of the Lincoln brand may hinge on this midsize, 3-row luxury SUV, so you need to consider its competition, such as the Audi Q7, Infiniti QX60, and all-new Cadillac XT6. Read on to learn if Lincoln’s take on luxury will stand out in a crowded competitive field.

With an approachable starting price and a flexible interior layout, the compact 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class makes its mark by offering an optional ($850) third row of seating, bringing its passenger capacity from five to seven. Add that to an already capable and attractive crossover SUV, and you’ve got a reason to join the Mercedes-Benz family with your family.
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Popular Features & Specs

Engine
3.0L 400 hp V6
2.0L 221 hp I4
Drive Train
RWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
7
7
Horsepower
221 hp @ 5500 rpm
MPG City
18
23
MPG Highway
26
31
Look and feel
2020 Lincoln Aviator
9/10
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB
8/10

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator was positioned between the Navigator and the compact MKC (later replaced by the Corsair) in Lincoln's lineup. It marked a return to real vehicle names, moving away from the previous alphabet-soup naming convention. The Aviator featured a unified design language across Lincoln's sedans, crossovers, and SUVs, with handsome headlights and an upright chrome grille. Its roofline tapered slightly, giving it an elongated look, while the low, wide beltline added a boat-like appearance.

Inside, the Aviator's cabin boasted a flowing design with soft-touch materials and selective use of brightwork. The seats were both elegant and sturdy, with shifter buttons resembling piano keys. The front seats were incredibly comfortable, using plush leather throughout, even in areas where it wasn't necessary, indicating a deep commitment to luxury. The Aviator also had unique touches like a massive panoramic moonroof and warning jingles recorded by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, showcasing Lincoln's holistic approach to luxury.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB, introduced in 2020, joined an extensive lineup of Mercedes-Benz SUVs. It slotted between the smaller GLA and the larger GLC, with distinct measurements that made it hard to distinguish from its lineup-mates. The GLB had an attractive, athletic stance, partly due to its 7.9 inches of ground clearance, which was more forgiving for soft roads and speed humps.

Inside, the GLB was a modern stunner with a conscious repetition of round shapes across the dash. The HVAC vents evoked an aerospace vibe with polished metal details, and the single panel housing the virtual instrument cluster and infotainment screen was elegant. The cabin had excellent fit and finish, typical of Mercedes-Benz, and the beefy steering wheel with perforated leather grips added to the overall appeal.

Performance
2020 Lincoln Aviator
8/10
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB
7/10

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 combined this engine with a 100-hp electric motor, resulting in a net 494 hp and 630 lb-ft of torque. Both powertrains used a 10-speed automatic transmission, with the base V6 offering rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), while the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) was AWD. Both versions could accelerate from 0-60 mph in about 4 seconds.

The Grand Touring's hybrid setup provided hushed, confident acceleration and smoothed out the driving experience with its electric power at low speeds. The Aviator's steering was light, and its brakes were cushioned but effective. The driving dynamics aimed for soft refinement, similar to the Rolls-Royce Cullinan SUV. The Aviator had an "Excite" drive mode for a more dynamic experience, but its 5,600-pound weight limited its agility. Fuel economy for the RWD Aviator was 18 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined, while the AWD version achieved 17 mpg city, 24 highway, and 20 combined. The PHEV had a combined 23 mpg, with a 21-mile electric-only range and a 56 miles-per-gallon equivalent combined rating.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB had a single engine choice: a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline unit producing 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) with wheel-mounted shift paddles. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, with 4MATIC all-wheel drive (AWD) available for an additional $2,000. The GLB's fuel economy was 23 mpg city, 30 highway, and 26 combined for the FWD version, and 23 mpg city, 31 highway, and 26 combined for the AWD version.

The GLB's curb weight ranged from 3,638 to 3,891 pounds, depending on the configuration. It could accelerate from 0-60 mph in 6.9 seconds, with an electronically limited top speed of 130 mph. The AWD version offered better handling and agility, especially on dry roads and during cornering maneuvers. The 4MATIC version also came with the Off-Road Engineering Package, which included hill-start assist, downhill speed regulation, and an animation program for off-road maneuvers.

Form and function
2020 Lincoln Aviator
7/10
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB
8/10

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator's three-row configuration placed it in the same category as the Audi Q7, Infiniti QX60, Mercedes-Benz GLE, Land Rover Discovery, and Cadillac XT6. The optional second-row captain's chairs were fantastic, while the power-closing third row was adequate for adults but best suited for kids on longer trips. With the second and third rows folded, the Aviator offered 77 cubic feet of cargo space, comparable to the Cadillac XT6.

The Aviator had some confusing controls, such as the door handles and seat adjustments. The 30-way seats with a massage function required navigating a seat-control menu on the center touchscreen. The door-release function was also unconventional, with a button on the back of the handle instead of a traditional handle. This could be confusing for passengers, especially in emergency situations.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB offered an optional third-row seat, which affected the second row and cargo compartments. The second row's seatback was divided 40:20:40, with each passenger able to adjust their own angle of recline. The seat bottom was divided 40:60, with each section sliding six inches. In three-row GLB SUVs, the second row had an "Easy-Entry" function for easier access to the third row, which folded flat when not needed.

Cargo space in the five-passenger GLB was 27.0 cubic feet behind the second row and 62.0 cubic feet with the second row folded. In the seven-passenger GLB, cargo space was 5.1 cubic feet behind the third row, 24.0 cubic feet behind the second row, and 56.7 cubic feet with the second row folded. The third row was best suited for children or brief trips for smaller adults. The rest of the GLB cabin was well-sorted, with comfortable front seats, highly adjustable and supportive, and modern amenities like door pockets, map pockets, and cupholders.

Technology
2020 Lincoln Aviator
9/10
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB
8/10

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator came standard with the Sync 3 infotainment system, operated via a 10.1-inch touchscreen. Unlike the Ford Explorer's portrait layout, the Aviator's screen used a conventional landscape layout, providing a better interface for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Aviator also had a fully digital instrument panel and a massive head-up display, offering a lot of information in a minimalist and unobtrusive manner.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB, despite being an entry-level model, was packed with technology. It featured the latest Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with voice control, natural language understanding, and keyword activation. The GLB had a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and a 7-inch touchscreen multimedia display, with a new-generation touchpad in the center console. Standard features included a rearview camera, smartphone integration with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, keyless start, cruise control, and a power liftgate.

The Premium Package upgraded the digital instrument cluster and touchscreen media display to 10.25 inches each, and keyless start to keyless go. The audio system could be upgraded to a Burmester Surround Sound System. The optional Multimedia Package included navigation with augmented reality (AR) and traffic-sign assist. AR navigation used a camera in the windshield to superimpose graphical navigation instructions and traffic information over live images. Other advanced options included adaptive damping, 64-color ambient interior lighting, wireless device charging, NFC pairing, parking assistance with surround view, active parking assist, and a head-up display (HUD).

Safety
2020 Lincoln Aviator
9/10
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB
8/10

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

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB benefited from Mercedes-Benz's reputation for safety technology. Standard features included active brake assist, adaptive braking technology with hill-start assist and brake hold, crosswind assist, attention assist, and emergency call service. Available features included active LED headlamps, adaptive high-beam assist, and blind-spot assist. The Driver Assistance Package added advanced features like active distance assist Distronic adaptive cruise control, active steering assist, active brake assist with cross-traffic function, active speed limit assist, active blind-spot assist, active lane-keeping assist, and Pre-Safe Plus with Pre-Safe Sound. Pre-Safe Sound emitted a brief interference signal to trigger the stapedius reflex in the human ear, reducing hearing loss from a car accident. The 2021 GLB had not yet been rated for safety by the NHTSA or IIHS.

Cost Effectiveness
2020 Lincoln Aviator
7/10
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB
9/10

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Lincoln Aviator is 8.2 out of 10, while the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB scores 8.0 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2020 Lincoln Aviator is the recommended choice, offering a more powerful engine, luxurious interior, and spacious three-row configuration.

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At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.

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