2020 Lincoln Aviator vs 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

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 unified design language across Lincoln's lineup, with striking headlights and a prominent chrome grille. Its tapered roofline and low, wide beltline gave it an elongated, almost nautical appearance. Inside, the Aviator boasted a flowing cabin design with soft-touch materials and elegant seats, hinting at a luxurious past without overcommitting to a retro aesthetic. The plush leather extended throughout the interior, underscoring Lincoln's dedication to luxury. Unique touches like a panoramic moonroof and orchestral warning jingles recorded by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra highlighted Lincoln's holistic approach to luxury.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar occupied a middle ground in the Range Rover family, balancing size and price without extreme styling. Its low roof and steeply-raked windshield gave it a distinct profile, while the broad front end maintained the intimidating presence typical of Land Rovers. The Velar's short overhangs improved off-road capabilities, and the optional air suspension offered significant ground clearance. The SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition introduced sportier styling with larger air intakes and quad exhaust tips. Inside, the Velar's high-quality leather and metal trim created a sophisticated environment, though the avant-garde styling limited headroom and visibility. The cockpit-like front seating area added to the cramped feeling, but the Velar's towing capacity remained respectable.

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 model enhanced this setup with a 100-hp electric motor, resulting in a combined 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 about 4 seconds. The Grand Touring's 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 focused on soft refinement, with light steering and cushioned brakes, offering a unique driving experience.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar introduced a V8 engine in the SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition, delivering 550 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, the Dynamic Edition accelerated from 0-60 mph in 4.3 seconds, with a top speed of 177 mph. Despite its power, the Velar's performance was not class-leading, with competitors like the BMW X3 M Competition and Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S offering quicker acceleration. The Dynamic Edition featured enhanced brakes, retuned four-wheel drive, and an active exhaust system, but it didn't fully transform the Velar into a performance vehicle. The Velar's aluminum platform provided a solid and refined feel, though it felt large on tight roads. The rest of the Velar's powertrain lineup remained unchanged, with a base 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four and a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 available.

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 suited 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, the Aviator's interior controls were somewhat confusing, with seat adjustments requiring navigation through a touchscreen menu. The door-release function also posed challenges, with a button replacing the conventional handle, raising concerns about accessibility in emergencies.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar occupied a unique size category, larger than compact luxury SUVs but smaller than midsize counterparts. Despite its size, the Velar didn't offer more interior space, with competitors like the GLC and X3 providing more legroom and headroom. Cargo space was competitive, with 15.7 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 48.9 cubic feet with them folded. The Velar's avant-garde styling contributed to a claustrophobic interior, with limited visibility and a cramped cockpit-like front seating area. The Velar's towing capacity was respectable, with the SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition and V6 models capable of towing 5,511 pounds.

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator featured the Sync 3 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, offering a user-friendly interface with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The landscape layout provided large icons and readouts, enhancing usability. The Aviator also included a fully digital instrument panel and a head-up display, offering a wealth of information in a minimalist format.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar utilized the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, featuring dual 10.0-inch touchscreens, a WiFi hotspot, and smartphone compatibility. The upper screen handled navigation and media functions, while the lower screen managed vehicle settings and climate control. Despite high-quality graphics, the system was criticized for slow responses. Additional tech included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a head-up display, and capacitive steering-wheel controls, though they were prone to glare.

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

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar lacked safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, as low-volume luxury vehicles were not prioritized for crash testing. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and parking aids. Adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring were available as part of an option package. Land Rover's offerings were less sophisticated than competitors, with only lane-keep assist available.