2020 Kia Telluride vs 2020 Lincoln Aviator

The 2020 Kia Telluride was a standout in Kia's lineup, breaking away from the brand's reputation for budget-friendly adequacy. It presented a more upscale appearance than its price suggested, although the prominent Kia badge on its grille was seen as a detractor from its otherwise sophisticated style. The Telluride's design was a blend of boxy and fluid elements, reminiscent of high-end SUVs, with features like vertical headlights and a silver mesh grille. Its clean, minimal design was expected to age well, with special details like amber LED running lights and distinctive taillights adding to its appeal. Inside, the Telluride's cabin was likened to a Mercedes-Benz, with high-quality materials and a solid build, although some elements like the wood trim were not entirely genuine. The interior was spacious and luxurious, with features like Nappa leather seats and a soft headliner in higher trims, making it feel more expensive than its actual cost.

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator was positioned between the Navigator and the compact MKC in Lincoln's lineup, showcasing a unified design language across the brand's vehicles. Its exterior featured a tapering roofline and a low, wide beltline, giving it an elongated, boat-like appearance. Inside, the Aviator's cabin was designed with flowing lines, soft-touch materials, and elegant brightwork. The seats were both comfortable and stylish, with a piano-key design for the shifter buttons. The Aviator emphasized luxury with features like a panoramic moonroof and unique warning jingles recorded by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. The lineup included five trims, each offering a range of features from leather upholstery and advanced infotainment systems to driver-assistance technologies. The Grand Touring trim stood out with its plug-in hybrid drivetrain, offering a blend of electric and gas power for a smooth driving experience.

The 2020 Kia Telluride was equipped with a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It offered both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options, with the latter being a $2,000 upgrade. While the Telluride's power delivery was sufficient for its size, the transmission's response was sometimes delayed and inconsistent. The vehicle's steering was slow, and there was noticeable body lean, but it provided a comfortable ride with strong braking and firm pedal feel. The Telluride's towing capacity was 5,000 pounds with the optional Towing package, and its fuel economy was rated at 19 mpg city, 24 highway, and 21 combined for AWD models.

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator came standard with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. The Grand Touring trim added a 100-hp electric motor, resulting in a combined output of 494 hp and 630 lb-ft of torque. Both powertrains used a 10-speed automatic transmission, with the base V6 offering rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, while the plug-in hybrid was AWD only. The Aviator's acceleration was smooth and confident, with a 0-60 mph time of about 4 seconds. Its steering was light, and the brakes provided cushioned feedback. The Aviator's fuel economy was 18 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined for RWD models, with the PHEV offering a combined 23 mpg and a 21-mile electric-only range.

The 2020 Kia Telluride offered seating for seven or eight passengers, depending on the trim. The second-row seats were spacious and comfortable, with options for heating and cooling, manual side-window shades, and a separate climate zone. The third row was surprisingly accommodating for adults, and the cargo capacity was 21 cubic feet with all seats up, expanding to 87 cubic feet with the seats folded flat. The Telluride's interior featured analog controls and a user-friendly infotainment system, with higher trims offering larger screens and additional features like a head-up display.

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator also featured three rows of seating, with optional second-row captain's chairs providing excellent comfort. The third row was adequate for adults but better suited for children on longer trips. With the second and third rows folded, the Aviator offered 77 cubic feet of cargo space. The interior design included some unconventional controls, such as door handles and seat adjustments, which could be confusing for new users. However, the 30-way seats with massage functions were a luxurious touch. The Aviator's door-release function was notably complex, raising concerns about usability in emergency situations.

The 2020 Kia Telluride came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Kia's UVO link, which allowed remote access to the vehicle via an app. Upper trims featured navigation with voice inputs and live traffic updates, although the lack of onboard WiFi was a notable omission. The Telluride's SX trim offered advanced features like a blind-spot camera feed, Highway Driving Assist, and a Harman Kardon surround sound system. However, it lacked a rear-seat entertainment option.

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator featured the Sync 3 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, offering a user-friendly interface for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Aviator's digital instrument panel and head-up display provided a wealth of information in a minimalist format. The infotainment system's landscape layout was more conventional and practical compared to the Ford Explorer's portrait setup, enhancing the user experience.

The 2020 Kia Telluride was equipped with a comprehensive suite of active driver assists, including forward-collision alert, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. It also featured Safe Exit Assist, which prevented passengers from opening doors into oncoming traffic. While crash-test ratings were not available at the time, the Telluride was expected to receive top scores.

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