2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2020 Lincoln Aviator

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator was positioned between the larger Navigator and the smaller MKC, later replaced by the Corsair, in Lincoln's lineup. It marked a return to real vehicle names, moving away from the previous alphabet-soup naming convention. The Aviator featured a unified design language across Lincoln's range, with elegant headlights and a prominent chrome grille. Its slightly tapered roofline and low, wide beltline gave it a sleek, elongated appearance. Inside, the Aviator boasted a flowing cabin design with soft-touch materials and elegant seats, hinting at a luxurious experience without overdoing it. The front seats were notably comfortable, with plush leather used generously throughout the interior. Unique touches like a panoramic moonroof and orchestral warning jingles added to its luxury appeal. The Aviator offered five trims, with the Standard trim providing a well-equipped base, while the Grand Touring and Black Label trims added more luxury and performance features.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB, in contrast, was a boxy and tall SUV, emphasizing function over form. It sat on a front-wheel-drive platform with optional 4Matic all-wheel-drive. The GLB's design included a long, flat hood, upright windshield, and nearly vertical rear liftgate, maximizing interior space. Despite its utilitarian design, the GLB could be styled with the AMG Line package and 20-inch AMG wheels for added flair. The interior featured dual 10.25-inch screens, ambient lighting, and a blend of MB-Tex leatherette and Dinamica suede seats. The GLB's interior was both stylish and simple, though some controls required acclimation. While some metallic trim pieces revealed its more affordable status, the GLB's interior remained a pleasant place to spend time.

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator came standard with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, producing 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. The Grand Touring trim added 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 rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, while the plug-in hybrid was AWD only. The Aviator's driving experience was characterized by light steering and cushioned brakes, with a focus on soft refinement. The PHEV drivetrain offered a smooth driving experience, using electric power at low speeds. Fuel economy for the RWD Aviator was 18 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined, while the PHEV achieved 23 mpg combined with a 21-mile electric-only range.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. It accelerated to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds, aided by an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The GLB offered front-wheel drive, with optional 4Matic AWD for improved grip. The test vehicle featured an adaptive damping suspension and 20-inch AMG wheels, providing a soft ride in Comfort mode and a more dynamic experience in Sport mode. The GLB's driving position and large windows contributed to a fun driving experience, though the brakes faded during spirited driving. Fuel economy was 21.4 mpg, below the EPA's 26-mpg estimate.

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator offered three rows of seating, competing with models like the Audi Q7 and Mercedes-Benz GLE. The optional second-row captain's chairs were praised, while the third row was best for children on longer trips. With the second and third rows folded, the Aviator provided 77 cubic feet of cargo space. However, some controls, like the seat adjustments and door handles, were overly complicated, potentially causing confusion for passengers.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB, despite its compact size, offered generous interior space, even accommodating an optional third row. The GLB comfortably seated four adults, with ample headroom and visibility. The second-row seat could slide for additional space, and the front seats offered power adjustment. Cargo space was 22 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 62 cubic feet with the seats folded. The GLB's traditional SUV roofline maximized interior space, making it a practical choice.

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 digital instrument panel and head-up display provided essential information in a minimalist manner.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB's Premium Package upgraded the standard 7-inch screens to dual 10.25-inch displays, enhancing the infotainment experience. The MBUX system included natural voice recognition, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. The Multimedia Package added navigation with augmented video, while the Parking Assistance Package offered a surround-view camera and semi-autonomous parking. The Burmester premium sound system was a standout feature, delivering excellent audio quality.

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator came with standard safety features, including airbags, traction control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Lincoln Co-Pilot360 suite added 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 Mercedes-Benz GLB offered standard safety features such as a driver monitoring system, backup camera, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. The optional Driver Assistance Package added advanced features like adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, and evasive steering assistance. The GLB's safety systems operated with accuracy and refinement, though crash-test ratings were not available at the time of publication.