2020 Lincoln Aviator vs 2020 Audi Q7

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator was positioned between the larger Navigator and the smaller MKC, which was later replaced by the Corsair. Lincoln's return to using real vehicle names signaled a departure from its previous naming conventions, suggesting a move away from mimicking imports. The Aviator featured a cohesive design language across Lincoln's lineup, with striking headlights and a prominent chrome grille. Its slightly tapered roofline and low, wide beltline gave it an elongated, almost nautical appearance. Inside, the Aviator's cabin boasted a flowing design with soft-touch materials and elegant seats, hinting at a luxurious past without overcommitting to it. The plush leather extended throughout the interior, underscoring Lincoln's dedication to luxury. Unique touches like a panoramic moonroof and orchestral warning jingles added to its distinctiveness. The Aviator offered five trims, with the Standard trim providing ample features for its price, while the Grand Touring and Black Label trims catered to those seeking more luxury and performance.

The 2020 Audi Q7, available in multiple variations, featured a new 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine in the 55 TFSI model, producing 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. The Q7's design updates aligned it with the flagship Q8, enhancing its visual appeal. Inside, the Q7 adopted the high-tech dashboard and instrumentation from the Q8, replacing physical controls with digital displays. The cabin, adorned in Okapi Brown leather and natural wood inlays, exuded a high-tech and upscale vibe. The Prestige trim's multi-color ambient lighting added a soothing ambiance. The Q7's third-row seat was best suited for children, with limited cargo space when in use. However, folding the seats expanded cargo capacity significantly. The Q7's interior was comfortable for long journeys, with heated and ventilated front seats and ample legroom in the second row. Despite limited interior storage, the Q7's panoramic sunroof and four-zone climate control enhanced the overall experience.

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator came standard with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. The Grand Touring model combined this engine with a 100-hp electric motor, resulting in a total output of 494 hp and 630 lb-ft of torque. Both powertrains utilized a 10-speed automatic transmission, with the base V6 offering rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, while the plug-in hybrid was exclusively all-wheel drive. The Aviator's acceleration was impressive, reaching 0-60 mph in about 4 seconds. The PHEV model offered a combined fuel economy of 23 mpg, with a 21-mile electric-only range. The Aviator's driving experience was characterized by light steering and cushioned brakes, emphasizing comfort over sportiness. The Excite drive mode provided a more dynamic feel, but the Aviator's weight limited its agility. Fuel economy for the conventional V6 was 18 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined for RWD, and slightly lower for AWD.

The 2020 Audi Q7 55 TFSI featured a new 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine with 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, enhanced by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. This system improved fuel efficiency by reducing the engine's load and enabling coasting with the engine off. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive, the Q7 offered several driving modes, including Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, Individual, and Allroad. The Q7 accelerated from 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds and had a maximum tow rating of 7,700 pounds. The EPA estimated its fuel economy at 18 mpg combined, though it averaged 21 mpg during testing. The Prestige trim included an adaptive air suspension, adjustable for different driving conditions. The Q7 excelled on winding roads and maintained composure at high speeds. The mild-hybrid system operated seamlessly, and the cabin remained quiet, even at highway speeds.

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator, with its three-row seating, competed with models like the Audi Q7 and Cadillac XT6. The optional second-row captain's chairs were comfortable, while the power-closing third row was best for short trips or children. Folding the second and third rows provided 77 cubic feet of cargo space. The Aviator's interior featured some unconventional controls, such as door handles and seat adjustments, which could be confusing. The 30-way seats with massage functions were a highlight, despite the learning curve. The door-release mechanism was unconventional, raising concerns about usability in emergencies.

The 2020 Audi Q7, though equipped with three rows, was most comfortable as a five-passenger vehicle. The third-row seat was suitable for children, with limited cargo space when in use. Folding the seats expanded cargo capacity to 69.6 cubic feet. The Q7's interior was comfortable for long trips, with heated and ventilated front seats and ample legroom in the second row. The panoramic sunroof and four-zone climate control enhanced the experience. However, interior storage was limited, with the center console and dashboard screen occupying most available space. Second-row occupants had access to netted storage and cupholders.

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator featured the Sync 3 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen in a landscape layout, providing a user-friendly interface for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The fully digital instrument panel and head-up display offered clear and concise information. The Aviator's technology package was intuitive and easy to use, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2020 Audi Q7 introduced the MMI Touch Response system, combining a 10.1-inch upper touchscreen with an 8.6-inch lower touchscreen. The system included natural voice recognition, handwriting recognition, and wireless smartphone integration. While the interface was generally intuitive, dry fingertips occasionally caused unresponsiveness. The Prestige trim featured a head-up display and a Bose premium sound system, though the latter was replaced by a Bang & Olufsen system in 2021. The Q7's technology package was comprehensive, supporting remote learning and virtual work with its 4G LTE WiFi hotspot.

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator came equipped with a full array of airbags, traction control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The 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.

The 2020 Audi Q7 featured HD Matrix LED headlights, which provided excellent illumination but were rated "poor" by the IIHS due to glare. The Q7's advanced driving-assistance systems included Emergency Assist, Turn Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Assist. However, the traffic-sign recognition system occasionally misread signs, leading to unexpected braking. The Q7 received the highest IIHS ratings for collision protection, except for the headlight assessment.