2020 Lexus GX vs 2021 Lincoln Aviator

The 2020 Lexus GX had a design that was starting to show its age. Introduced in 2002 and redesigned for the 2010 model year, the GX continued into 2020 with some new design tweaks, including the hourglass grille that had become a signature of the Lexus lineup. While this grille was polarizing on other models, it fit the GX reasonably well. Despite the updated front end and headlights, the GX's decade-old design was evident, especially in the cabin, which retained the large, chunky center console and big buttons typical of early 2010s Lexus styling. The GX was available in three trims: 460, 460 Premium, and 460 Luxury, each offering a range of features from leather upholstery to advanced navigation systems.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator, on the other hand, was praised for its sharp, modern design. It carried over the successful styling of the larger Navigator, featuring crisp lines and chrome accents that added to its luxurious appearance. Inside, the Aviator differentiated itself from its Ford counterpart with a cabin defined by comfort and warmth, featuring soft-touch materials and a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The Aviator's trims included Standard, Reserve, Grand Touring, Black Label, and Black Label Grand Touring, each offering a range of features from synthetic leather upholstery to a 28-speaker Revel Ultima sound system.

The 2020 Lexus GX 460 was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and standard 4-wheel drive. While these figures might not impress compared to modern V6 or turbocharged engines, the V8 provided a satisfying swell of power in real-world driving. The GX featured light yet direct steering and a self-leveling air suspension that offered a smooth ride. Its off-road capabilities were impressive, with various 4WD modes and a towing capacity of up to 6,500 pounds. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, with an estimated 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator offered 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, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and available all-wheel drive. 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, with an electric-only range of up to 21 miles. The Aviator provided brisk acceleration and a smooth ride, though its long wheelbase made it less maneuverable in tight spaces. The drive mode selector offered various settings, including "Excite" and "Conserve," to suit different driving conditions.

The 2020 Lexus GX offered second-row captain's chairs on the Premium and Luxury trims, with power-folding third-row seats standard on the Luxury trim. However, accessing the third row was challenging for adults. The GX provided 64.7 cubic feet of cargo space with all rear seats folded, which was less than some competitors. The side-opening rear hatch was unique but not particularly advantageous, though the separately opening rear window/hatch was a useful feature.

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 77.7 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. The second row, especially with captain's chairs, was the most comfortable, featuring a center console and digital control panel for seat, climate, and audio controls. The Aviator's power-button door releases were a potential functional issue, but the overall interior space and features were impressive.

The 2020 Lexus GX's infotainment system showed its age, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, its true touchscreen interface with large buttons for audio, navigation, and climate controls was simpler and more user-friendly than modern Lexus systems.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen running the intuitive Sync 3 infotainment system, with a landscape layout that was more natural than the tall screen in the Ford Explorer. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, presented with large icons that made them easy to use. The Aviator also offered a fully digital instrument panel and an optional head-up display with crisp graphics.

The 2020 Lexus GX came standard with the Lexus Safety System+, including forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. It also featured blind-spot monitoring and an available surround-view camera. The GX's great visibility, with large windows and mirrors, added to its safety.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator was well-equipped with standard safety features as part of the Lincoln Co-Pilot 360 package, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Co-Pilot 360 Plus package added features like reverse automatic braking and adaptive cruise control. The Aviator earned top marks from the NHTSA and IIHS, including a Top Safety Pick accolade.