2020 Lincoln Aviator vs 2020 Jeep Wrangler

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 departure from mimicking imports, showcasing a unified design across its lineup. The Aviator featured a sleek, elongated look with a tapering roofline and a wide beltline, giving it a boat-like appearance. Inside, the Aviator boasted a luxurious cabin with soft-touch materials and elegant seats, complemented by unique touches like a panoramic moonroof and orchestral warning jingles. The Aviator's lineup included five trims, with the Standard trim offering a well-equipped base and the Grand Touring trim featuring a plug-in hybrid drivetrain.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler was instantly recognizable with its circular headlights, seven-slat grille, and boxy styling. Its industrial look was enhanced by exposed hinges and bolts, and the removable top and doors added to its rugged persona. Inside, the Wrangler embraced a retro design with circular vents and gauges, focusing on utility over luxury. The Wrangler Unlimited, a four-door variant, was a sales success, offering features like a removable roof and doors. The Wrangler's trims ranged from the basic Sport to the off-road-ready Rubicon, with special editions like the Willys and Black and Tan adding unique touches. Despite its rugged nature, the Wrangler offered some creature comforts, especially in the Sahara trim.

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator came standard with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, producing 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. The Grand Touring trim enhanced this setup with a 100-hp electric motor, resulting in a combined 494 hp and 630 lb-ft of torque. Both powertrains used a 10-speed automatic transmission, with the base V6 offering RWD or AWD, while the PHEV was AWD only. The Aviator's driving experience was characterized by light steering and cushioned brakes, with an "Excite" drive mode for a more dynamic feel. Fuel economy for the RWD Aviator was 18 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined, while the PHEV offered a combined 23 mpg with a 21-mile electric-only range.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited offered a base 3.6-liter V6 engine with 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic. A turbocharged 4-cylinder engine was also available, producing 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The new 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel delivered 260 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque, providing strong low-speed performance. The Wrangler's on-road experience was marked by road noise and a truck-like ride, but it excelled off-road with features like locking differentials and a disconnecting sway bar. The diesel engine offered fuel economy of 22 mpg city, 29 highway, and 25 combined, while the 4-cylinder turbo returned 21 mpg city, 22 highway, and 21 combined.

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 praised for comfort, while the third row was best for short trips. The Aviator offered 77 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. However, some controls, like the seat adjustments and door releases, were overly complicated, potentially causing confusion for passengers.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, a four-door variant, was popular for its versatility. The Wrangler's doors and windshield could be removed, and the roof was available in soft or hardtop options. The soft top allowed for easy retraction, while the hardtop provided more protection. The Wrangler Unlimited offered 72 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear bench folded, less than some less-capable SUVs. Despite sacrificing comfort and cargo space, the Wrangler excelled in off-road capabilities.

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator featured the Sync 3 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, offering a user-friendly interface for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The fully digital instrument panel and head-up display provided essential information in a minimalist manner.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler's Sport and Sport S trims came with a basic 5-inch touchscreen, while the Rubicon and Sahara offered a 7-inch screen with Uconnect, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. An 8.4-inch Uconnect system was available on higher trims, adding navigation, HD Radio, and a premium audio system. The Alpine audio system delivered impressive sound even at highway speeds.

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator included standard safety features like airbags, traction control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Lincoln Co-Pilot360 suite offered driver-assistance systems such as forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler came with standard safety equipment, including airbags and electronic roll mitigation. Optional safety packages added features like rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and forward-collision warning, addressing the Wrangler's sightline challenges.