2020 Kia Telluride vs 2021 Lincoln Aviator

Usually, when I step out of an SUV and feel great, there's a luxury nameplate on the tailgate. Not this time. The Telluride grabbed me from the moment my white-over-grey test car arrived. And after 500 miles, the Telluride proved how impressive it is against every SUV in the $30,000 to $50,000 range.

Kia hasn't made a truly big SUV since the 2009 Borrego, which it quickly canceled after bad reviews while a nation reeled from record-high gas prices. The smaller Sorento took over as Kia's 3-row SUV, except it wasn't roomy enough for six or seven people (and still isn't). That's not to say we don't like the Sorento—it's one of our highest-rated cars—but for families who want the most space, technology, and amenities, the 2020 Telluride is Kia's new champ.

Only a few years ago, Lincoln was in a confusing space. Confusing because many of its cars overlapped with the nicest trims of vehicles from parent company Ford. It was also confusing because of the alphanumeric vehicle names. But Lincoln has ended both of those trends. First, Lincoln has returned to real names for its vehicles, such as the Corsair and Nautilus (Cadillac, are you listening?!).

But what’s in a name? This rebranding would be moot without a compelling product. In this respect, the American luxury brand has delivered, highlighted by the 2021 Lincoln Aviator. This three-row midsize SUV boasts modern technology, potent drivetrain options, and creature comforts that you might sooner find in a high-end German luxury sedan. But this newfound quality comes with a steeper price tag. So is it worth consideration against the likes of the Audi Q7 and RX 350L? Read on to find out.