2022 Jeep Wrangler vs 2021 Lincoln Aviator

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator stood out with its distinctive styling, avoiding the temptation to mimic its rivals. Lincoln successfully carried over the sharp design language from the Navigator, resulting in a vehicle defined by crisp lines and tasteful chrome accents. Inside, the Aviator differentiated itself from its Ford counterpart with a luxurious cabin featuring soft-touch materials, a 10.1-inch touchscreen, and a piano button shifter. The soothing chimes and massaging seats added to the air of class and comfort.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler maintained its rugged, utilitarian design, with a focus on off-road capability. The High Tide special edition added unique features like a 1.5-inch suspension lift, 35-inch tires, and a body-color hardtop with a Sunrider Fliptop. Inside, the Wrangler's cabin was basic, with durable cloth upholstery and plastic materials. The driving experience was raw and immersive, with a close driving position and a noisy, bumpy ride that Jeep enthusiasts love.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator offered a powerful 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, producing 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. The Grand Touring and Grand Touring Black Label trims featured a plug-in hybrid configuration, boosting output to 494 hp and 630 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid powertrain provided brisk acceleration and a smooth driving experience, though the Aviator's heft made it less agile in tight spaces. The drive mode selector offered options like "Excite" and "Conserve," enhancing the driving experience.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide came with a 3.6-liter V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, producing 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission and Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system were optional but beneficial for off-road and foul weather conditions. The Wrangler's fuel economy was lower, averaging 16.8 mpg over a week of driving. The driving experience was unique, with a rough ride, loud cabin, and touchy brakes, but it provided an immersive and adventurous feel.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator offered 18.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats, expandable to 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 77.7 cubic feet with all rear seats down. The second-row captain's chairs and digital control panel added to the comfort and convenience. However, the power-button door releases could be problematic if the battery died.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide's raised suspension made entry and exit challenging, especially for shorter individuals. The interior was basic, with comfortable cloth seats and durable materials. Visibility was mixed, with some areas requiring adjustments. The cargo space was 31.7 cubic feet behind the rear seat, expandable to 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. The tailgate and rear window design required careful handling, especially on hills.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen with the intuitive Sync 3 infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The fully digital instrument panel and optional head-up display provided clear and easy-to-read information. The system's layout and functionality were user-friendly, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide, based on the Sport S trim, had a 7-inch touchscreen with basic infotainment features like Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Optional upgrades included a larger 8.4-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, and an Alpine premium sound system. The test vehicle also had remote engine starting, satellite radio, and heated front seats, adding some convenience and comfort.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator came well-equipped with standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and front-and-rear parking sensors. The Co-Pilot 360 Plus package added reverse automatic braking, self-parking functionality, and adaptive cruise control. The Aviator earned top marks from the NHTSA and IIHS, including a Top Safety Pick accolade.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide included the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group, adding features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. However, the Wrangler's crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a three-star rating for rollover resistance from the NHTSA and Marginal ratings from the IIHS. The Wrangler's safety features were optional, and its design required extra care while driving.