2020 Dodge Durango vs 2021 Lincoln Aviator

The 2020 Dodge Durango carried its styling over from a 2014 update, with its third generation dating back to a complete redesign in 2011. The connections to the Charger muscle sedan were evident, but the Durango was based on a decade-old platform. Its cabin design was straightforward yet simple, sharing a platform with the Jeep Grand Cherokee but with a longer wheelbase and overall length. While the Jeep received significant cabin updates, the Durango felt somewhat dated and in need of a refresh, which was expected for the 2021 model year.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator, which arrived as a 2020 model and carried over mostly unchanged, nailed its styling by avoiding the temptation to emulate its rivals. It adopted the design language of the big-dog Navigator, resulting in a sharp-looking car defined by crisp lines and heavy use of chrome. Inside, the Aviator differentiated itself from its Ford counterpart with a cabin defined by comfort and warmth, featuring plenty of soft-touch materials and a standard 10.1-inch touchscreen. The piano button shifter and soothing chimes added to the air of class and luxury.

The 2020 Dodge Durango offered a range of engines across its trims. The SXT, GT, and Citadel came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The R/T trim featured a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, which was also available on the Citadel. The range-topping SRT came with a 6.4-liter Hemi V8, branded the "392," delivering 475 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. All engines routed power through an 8-speed automatic transmission to rear-wheel drive (RWD) or available all-wheel drive (AWD) based on the trim selected. The SRT trim also featured a performance-tuned suspension and Brembo performance brakes, with the Dodge SRT performance pages providing detailed engine status updates and drive mode customization.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator's Standard, Reserve, and Black Label trims came equipped with a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6, making 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, routed through a 10-speed automatic transmission with RWD or available AWD. The Grand Touring and Grand Touring Black Label trims featured the same twin-turbo V6 in a plug-in hybrid configuration, increasing output to 494 hp and 630 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid powertrain provided brisk acceleration and a smooth swell of power, though the Aviator's heft resulted in noticeable body roll in corners. The drive mode selector offered modes like "Excite" and "Conserve," appropriate for the Aviator's highway and cul-de-sac suitability.

The 2020 Dodge Durango provided 17.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 47.7 cubic feet with the third row folded and 84.5 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. The Durango's towing capacity ranged from 6,200 pounds to 8,700 pounds, depending on the configuration. The cabin offered plenty of space for occupants, with comfortable front seats and a second row available with either a three-passenger bench or captain's chairs. The third row was more cramped and best suited for kids, but access was easy thanks to large second-row doors and easy-fold seats.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator provided 18.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats, increasing to 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded and 77.7 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free power liftgate available. The second row was particularly comfortable, especially in the Grand Touring model with captain's chairs, a center console, and a digital control panel for seat, climate, and audio controls. However, the use of power-button door releases raised concerns about functionality if the battery ever died.

The 2020 Dodge Durango's SXT and GT trims came with a 7-inch touchscreen, while an 8.4-inch touchscreen was optional on the GT and standard on higher trims. Both screen sizes utilized the Uconnect infotainment system, known for its straightforward menu layout and simple navigation. The Durango came standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with higher trims offering navigation, SiriusXM Travel Link, and premium audio systems, including a 19-speaker Harman Kardon system.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator featured a standard 10.1-inch touchscreen running the Sync 3 infotainment system, which was easy to use with a sensible menu layout and redundant controls. The Aviator also came standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, presented well on the screen. The fully digital instrument panel and optional head-up display provided clear and easy-to-read information.

The 2020 Dodge Durango came equipped with front- and side-impact airbags, electronic stability control, hill-start assist, and trailer sway control. Rear parking sensors were available on the SXT and standard on higher trims. Optional driver-assistance features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision avoidance, and lane-departure warning. The Durango earned a four-star rating from the NHTSA and a Moderate score in IIHS driver’s side small-front overlap testing.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator came well-equipped with standard driver assistance features as part of the Lincoln Co-Pilot 360 package, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, 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.