2021 Lincoln Aviator vs 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, introduced as part of a mid-cycle refresh, closely mirrored its gasoline-powered counterpart in terms of dimensions and design. Measuring 182.1 inches in length, 73.0 inches in width, and 66.5 inches in height, the hybrid model maintained the same visual appeal, including the 19-inch alloy wheels on the Touring trim. Inside, the cabin was nearly identical to the gasoline version, featuring the same dashboard, multi-function center console, and 7-inch infotainment screen. The primary visual differences were subtle, such as blue-outlined Honda emblems and "Hybrid" badges, along with a hidden exhaust in the rear bumper and LED fog lights on EX models and above.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator, carrying over its design from the 2020 model, showcased a distinct and sharp look with crisp lines and chrome accents. The Aviator's design language, inspired by the larger Navigator, set it apart from its competitors. Inside, the Aviator's cabin exuded comfort and warmth, with soft-touch materials and a 10.1-inch touchscreen dominating the dash. The piano button shifter and soothing chimes added to the luxurious feel. The Aviator's trims ranged from Standard to Black Label Grand Touring, each offering progressively more luxurious features, such as upgraded leather upholstery, panoramic sunroof, and a 28-speaker Revel Ultima sound system.

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a two-motor hybrid system with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine, producing a combined 212 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque. This setup eliminated the need for a conventional transmission, using four fixed-ratio gear sets and a lock-up clutch instead. The hybrid's fuel economy was impressive, with an EPA rating of 40 mpg city, 35 highway, and 38 combined. In real-world testing, the CR-V Hybrid achieved nearly 41 mpg during city driving. The hybrid system's EV mode allowed for short bursts of electric-only driving, though it was limited to about a mile under specific conditions. The CR-V Hybrid's ride comfort and handling were commendable, with good steering feel and on-demand torque making it more enjoyable to drive than the gasoline model.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator offered a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine in its Standard, Reserve, and Black Label trims, delivering 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 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque. The plug-in hybrid could travel up to 21 miles on electric power alone. The Aviator's drive mode selector included options like "Excite" and "Conserve," enhancing its driving experience. While the Aviator excelled on highways and in suburban settings, its large size and long wheelbase made city driving and tight maneuvers more challenging.

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, while maintaining the same exterior dimensions as its gasoline counterpart, sacrificed some cargo space to accommodate the battery pack. It offered 33.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 68.7 cubic feet with the seats folded flat. Despite this reduction, the CR-V Hybrid still provided more cargo volume than the Ford Escape Hybrid. The CR-V Hybrid also boasted a low cargo floor for easy loading and unloading, along with class-competitive ground clearance. Passenger comfort was a highlight, with more overall space than its direct competitors, including superior front headroom and rear legroom.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator provided 18.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats, expanding to 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a total of 77.7 cubic feet with all rear seats down. The power-lift-and-lower third-row seats and a power liftgate added convenience. The second row, especially in the Grand Touring trim, offered 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 in the event of a battery failure.

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid came standard with Bluetooth connectivity, Pandora compatibility, and a single USB connector. Higher trims added a 7-inch touchscreen display, Honda Link, smartphone integration, SiriusXM, HD radio, and additional USB ports. The top-tier Touring trim included navigation, wireless device charging, and a 330-watt premium audio system. However, the infotainment system's lack of haptic feedback and complicated menu navigation were points of frustration.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen running the Sync 3 infotainment system, which was praised for its intuitive layout and ease of use. The Aviator's screen, in a landscape format, provided a more natural layout compared to the Explorer's tall screen. Standard features included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with large icons for easy navigation. The Aviator also offered a fully digital instrument panel and an optional head-up display with crisp graphics.

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid earned top safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS and a 5-Star Safety Rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included Honda Sensing, which offered automatic braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and a multi-angle rearview camera. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available starting with the EX trim.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator came equipped with the Lincoln Co-Pilot 360 package, which included automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, and front-and-rear parking sensors. The Co-Pilot 360 Plus package, available on higher trims, added reverse automatic braking, self-parking functionality, and adaptive cruise control. The Aviator received top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, earning a Top Safety Pick accolade.