2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2021 Lincoln Aviator

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV maintained a subtle exterior, with only a small “P400e” badge on the tailgate distinguishing it from other models. The charging port was cleverly integrated into the grille, making it nearly invisible unless pointed out. This approach was appreciated by those who valued design consistency, as it avoided unnecessary styling changes that could detract from the vehicle's appeal. The test vehicle, priced at $93,200 with options, featured striking Firenze Red paint, a black roof, and 21-inch aluminum wheels, enhancing its already impressive looks. Inside, the cabin was filled with high-quality materials, reflecting the vehicle's premium price tag.

In contrast, the 2021 Lincoln Aviator embraced a distinct design, avoiding the temptation to mimic its competitors. The Aviator, carrying over from its 2020 debut, featured sharp lines and chrome accents, creating a sophisticated and modern appearance. Inside, the Aviator differentiated itself from its Ford counterpart with a luxurious and comfortable cabin. Soft-touch materials, a rising center console, and a standard 10.1-inch touchscreen dominated the dash. The piano button shifter and soothing chimes added to the Aviator's air of class and luxury. The Grand Touring trim, tested, included second-row captain's chairs, a digital control panel, and a panoramic sunroof, enhancing the overall experience.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine with a 141-hp electric motor and a 13-kWh battery, producing a total of 398 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque. Despite Land Rover's claim of a 31-mile all-electric range, the test vehicle struggled to stay in EV mode, often switching to the gasoline engine. The SUV averaged 41.9 mpg in EV mode and 25.5 mpg over a 60-mile loop, a notable improvement over previous models. The Range Rover Sport PHEV offered quick acceleration, adaptive air suspension, and various driving modes, making it both athletic and comfortable. However, the regenerative brakes were grabby, and the SUV's off-roading capabilities remained intact, with the ability to ford 33.4 inches of water. Recharging the battery proved frustrating, with inconsistent results from a standard household outlet.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator featured a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine in its Standard, Reserve, and Black Label trims, producing 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. The Grand Touring and Grand Touring Black Label trims added an electric motor, increasing output to 494 hp and 630 lb-ft of torque, with a 21-mile all-electric range. The hybrid powertrain provided brisk acceleration, though the SUV's heft resulted in noticeable body roll in corners. The Aviator's long wheelbase made it awkward to maneuver in tight spaces. The drive mode selector offered options like "Excite" and "Conserve," aligning with the Aviator's character. The SUV excelled on highways and in suburban settings but struggled in city driving.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV's higher price tag came with a compromise in cargo space. The battery's placement under the raised cargo floor reduced the already tight 27.5-cubic-foot space behind the back seat. The SUV comfortably seated five people, with excellent front-seat comfort and a tall riding position for rear-seat passengers. The test vehicle included 4-zone automatic climate control and a panoramic glass roof, enhancing the interior experience. However, practical storage was limited, especially with the optional refrigerated center console bin.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator offered 18.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats, expanding to 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 77.7 cubic feet with all rear seats down. The power liftgate and available hands-free power liftgate added convenience. The second row, particularly in the Grand Touring trim, featured captain's chairs, a center console, and a digital control panel for seat, climate, and audio controls. The use of power-button door releases raised concerns about functionality if the battery died.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport's InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system required a steep learning curve, even for tech-savvy users. The system occasionally behaved unpredictably, showing information not requested or reacting slowly to input. The lack of haptic feedback from the touchscreen added to the frustration. While the technology managed the vehicle's complexity, it could be bewildering and frustrating for drivers.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen running the intuitive Sync 3 infotainment system. The landscape format of the screen provided a natural layout, and the system's menus were easy to navigate. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were well-integrated, with large icons taking up the entire screen. The Aviator also included a fully digital instrument panel and an optional head-up display with crisp graphics and muted colors, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport came equipped with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), including a new steering-assist system in the optional Driver Assist Package. However, the SUV's head-toss effect and abrupt lane-keeping assist system could be distracting. The Range Rover Sport's nearly 5,500-pound weight provided a sense of security, though crash-test ratings were unavailable.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator came standard with 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 Grand Touring test model included the Co-Pilot 360 Plus package, adding 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.