2020 Jeep Renegade vs 2020 Lincoln Aviator

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator was positioned between the larger Navigator and the smaller MKC, which was later replaced by the Corsair. Lincoln's shift from alphanumeric names to real vehicle names signaled 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. The shifter buttons resembled piano keys, hinting at a luxurious past without overwhelming the design. The front seats were notably comfortable, with plush leather extending to areas not typically upholstered, showcasing Lincoln's commitment to luxury. Unique touches like a panoramic moonroof and orchestral warning jingles added to its appeal.

In contrast, the 2020 Jeep Renegade was easily recognizable with its classic Jeep design elements, including round headlights, a 7-slot grille, and trapezoidal wheel arches. The Renegade's design was both purposeful and expressive, appealing to those seeking a youthful, adventurous look. The High Altitude trim, which we tested, featured extras like dark gray 19-inch wheels and a dual-pane panoramic roof, giving it a more mature appearance. Despite these upscale touches, the Renegade's interior was dominated by hard plastics, which, combined with its all-black color scheme, made it feel less luxurious. The Renegade's design was a mix of rugged charm and budget-conscious materials, reflecting its origins as an affordable subcompact SUV.

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator came standard with a robust twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, producing 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. This engine was part of the same family found in the Ford Explorer, Expedition, and F-150. The Grand Touring trim elevated performance by integrating a 100-hp electric motor, resulting in a combined 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. Both versions achieved 0-60 mph in approximately 4 seconds. The hybrid system provided smooth acceleration and improved fuel efficiency, with a combined 23 mpg and a 21-mile electric-only range. The Aviator's driving dynamics emphasized comfort, with light steering and cushioned brakes, reminiscent of luxury SUVs like the Rolls-Royce Cullinan.

The 2020 Jeep Renegade offered two engine options: a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 180 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque, and a turbocharged 1.3-liter four-cylinder producing 177 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque. We tested the latter, which delivered peak torque at 1,750 rpm, providing a lively feel. However, turbo lag and a nine-speed automatic transmission focused on fuel economy led to inconsistent power delivery. The Renegade's Active Drive AWD system engaged when needed, but torque steer was noticeable under hard acceleration. The turbo engine required premium fuel and averaged 23.6 mpg, below the EPA estimate of 26 mpg. The Renegade's small 12.7-gallon fuel tank limited its range to about 250 miles. While the Trailhawk trim offered enhanced off-road capabilities, the Renegade's overall driving experience was marred by a flinty ride and noisy cabin.

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator, with its three-row seating, competed with models like the Audi Q7 and Mercedes-Benz GLE. The optional second-row captain's chairs were praised for comfort, while the power-closing third row was best for children on longer trips. With the second and third rows folded, the Aviator offered 77 cubic feet of cargo space, comparable to the Cadillac XT6. However, some controls, like the 30-way adjustable seats and door handles, were overly complex, potentially confusing users. The door-release mechanism, in particular, was unconventional, raising concerns about accessibility in emergencies.

The 2020 Jeep Renegade's boxy design resulted in a spacious-feeling interior, enhanced by the panoramic glass roof. The windshield's distance and thick pillars contributed to this perception of space. The driver's seat offered eight-way power adjustment, but front passengers lacked height adjustment, affecting comfort. Rear seat space was limited, though padded front seatbacks and decent foot room made short trips manageable. The Renegade's interior storage was sparse, and cargo capacity was modest, with 18.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 50.8 cubic feet with them folded.

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 comprehensive information in a minimalist format, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2020 Jeep Renegade impressed with its Uconnect infotainment system, featuring an 8.4-inch touchscreen. Despite its age, Uconnect remained intuitive, with easy-to-use volume and tuning knobs and well-organized menus. The system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Kenwood premium audio system delivered good sound quality, and the Renegade offered a comprehensive driver information center and parking assist system.

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator came equipped with a full suite of safety features, including front and side-impact airbags, traction control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Lincoln Co-Pilot360 suite added advanced driver-assistance systems like forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Additional safety tech included blind-spot monitoring and a head-up display.

The 2020 Jeep Renegade offered a range of safety features through the Advanced Tech Group, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Safety and Security Group added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning. While these features were impressive for the segment, they lacked refinement compared to competitors. The Renegade received a 4-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with a 3-star rating for rear-seat side-impact protection. The IIHS awarded it commendable scores but did not maintain its Top Safety Pick rating from 2019.