2020 Lexus RX vs 2021 Lincoln Aviator

The 2020 Lexus RX received a significant refresh, enhancing its appeal both inside and out. The exterior updates included standard 18-inch wheels, slimmer headlights, and L-shaped taillights, with optional triple-beam LED headlights. The grille was redesigned to align with the Lexus car lineup, and new paint colors like Moonbeam Beige Metallic and Nori Green Pearl were introduced. The rear of the vehicle was revamped with a new shape, dual exhaust, rear diffuser, and updated reflectors, along with an available hands-free tailgate. Inside, the RX maintained its reputation for a well-appointed cabin, offering various interior color and material combinations, including wood and satin-brushed aluminum trim. The F Sport appearance package added unique features like a distinctive steering wheel, shift knob, aluminum pedals, and 20-inch wheels, enhancing the sporty feel. Despite its stylish design, the center stack's dated look was a drawback, as it lagged behind the industry's move towards more modern and button-free interiors.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator carried forward the successful design language of its predecessor, the Navigator, with crisp lines and chrome accents that set it apart from its Ford counterpart. The Aviator's interior was defined by comfort and warmth, featuring soft-touch materials and a center console that elegantly rose to a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The piano button shifter on the dash was a unique touch, contributing to the Aviator's luxurious feel. The Aviator offered various trims, each with distinct features, from the Standard trim with synthetic leather upholstery and tri-zone climate control to the Grand Touring trim with a plug-in hybrid powertrain and massaging Multi-Contour Seats. The Black Label trims added even more luxury with features like a 28-speaker Revel Ultima sound system and a Dynamic Handling Package. The Aviator's rear seat area was well-equipped with USB ports, power outlets, and a digital panel for rear seat controls, enhancing passenger comfort and convenience.

The 2020 Lexus RX 350 was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The RX 350L models had slightly reduced power at 290 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid RX 450h combined the V6 with an electric motor, achieving 308 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque, while the RX 450hL offered 259 horsepower from the gasoline engine and 165 horsepower from an electric motor. The RX's performance was smooth, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.9 seconds for most models. Fuel economy was a highlight for the hybrid models, with the RX 450h achieving 30 mpg combined. The RX offered various drive modes, including Normal, Eco, and Sport, with hybrid models adding an EV mode for short emissions-free drives. The F Sport package provided additional performance features like adaptive variable suspension and sport electric power steering.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator featured a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, producing 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Grand Touring trims added a plug-in hybrid configuration, boosting output to 494 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque, with a 21-mile electric-only range. The Aviator's performance was robust, with brisk acceleration and a smooth power delivery. However, its size and weight resulted in noticeable body roll in corners and awkward maneuverability in tight spaces. The Aviator's drive mode selector offered options like "Excite" and "Conserve," reflecting its focus on comfort rather than performance. The Aviator excelled on highways and in suburban settings but struggled in city driving.

The 2020 Lexus RX's interior was functional, accommodating four adults comfortably in the two-row model. The three-row RX-L's third row was best suited for small children or pets due to limited space. The cabin was wide and tall, with comfortable front seats and decent visibility, though the A-pillar could obstruct views of curbs and corners. The RX's cargo area was smaller than competitors, with a high load floor that limited space. The RX 350L and 450hL models had even less cargo space compared to rivals like the Lincoln Aviator, which offered about 20 cubic feet more rear storage. A hands-free liftgate was available on RX 350 and 450h models and standard on RX-L versions.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator provided 18.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a total of 77.7 cubic feet with all rear seats down. The Aviator's second row was particularly spacious, especially in the Grand Touring model with captain's chairs and a center console with digital controls. The Aviator's power-button door releases were a unique feature, though they raised concerns about functionality if the battery died. The Aviator's power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free option available.

The 2020 Lexus RX featured an 8.0-inch display and an available 12.3-inch touchscreen, moved closer to the driver for easier access. Despite improvements, the infotainment system remained challenging to navigate, with a cumbersome interface. However, standard Apple CarPlay and compatibility with Amazon Alexa, Android Auto, and other apps provided workarounds. The RX included six USB ports and a standard 12-speaker audio system, with an optional 15-speaker Mark Levinson system.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running the Sync 3 infotainment system, offering a user-friendly interface and sensible menu layout. The Aviator supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with large icons for easy access. The Aviator also featured a fully digital instrument panel and an optional head-up display with clear graphics. The infotainment system's landscape format provided a natural layout, enhancing usability.

The 2020 Lexus RX came with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, including adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitoring. Additional features like daytime bicyclist detection and lane-tracing assist were standard. The RX received good safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, though not as high as newer models. Lexus Enform Safety Connect and Service Connect were included, though connectivity issues were noted during testing.

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