2020 Lincoln Aviator vs 2020 Toyota 4Runner

2020 Lincoln Aviator
2020 Lincoln Aviator
$51,100MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2020 Toyota 4Runner
2020 Toyota 4Runner
$36,120MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Lincoln Aviator
$51,100MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Toyota 4Runner
$36,120MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Lincoln Aviator is 8.2 out of 10, while the 2020 Toyota 4Runner scores 6.8 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the Lincoln Aviator is the clear winner, offering a more luxurious, technologically advanced, and powerful driving experience. If you prioritize comfort, technology, and performance, the Aviator is the better choice. However, if off-road capability and rugged reliability are your main concerns, the 4Runner remains a solid option.

Overview

MSRP

$51,100

MSRP

$36,120

Average price

$36,512

Average price

$37,137

Listings

585

Listings

664
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

8.2 out of 10

Expert reviews

6.8 out of 10
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Comfortable
  • Multiple powertrain options
Cons
  • Poor ergonomic design
  • Cramped third row
Pros
  • Standard advanced safety features
  • Powerful engine
  • Off-road capability
Cons
  • Poor value for money
  • Poor fuel economy
  • Interior materials feel cheap

2020 Lincoln Aviator Reviews Summary

The heyday for Lincoln was more than a half-century ago. Those postwar years of prosperity and optimism were the perfect time for cars like the Continental and others. They delivered comfort and luxury, wrapped in midcentury modern styling. Even as recently as the 1990s, Lincoln was still a popular brand, riding the SUV craze with its Navigator.

But after the turn of the century, Lincoln lost its ability to create new designs and looked inward and backward. Sure, retro-themed cars like the redesigned Mustang, PT Cruiser, and Chevy HHR had turned some heads, but none of those came from luxury brands. The BMWs and Mercedes of the world were all looking forward and pushing the envelope for contemporary automotive design. Meanwhile, Lincoln offered the MKX, which was based on the Ford Edge and featured ’66 Continental styling. Neat in a vacuum, but off-base compared to the modern luxury market.

This experimental phase with various retro looks coincided with the move to the MK-# alphabet-soup naming convention and big improvements in the Ford lineup, where top-end trims of the Fusion overlapped with an entry-level trim of the MKZ. The combination left Lincoln a confusing, anonymous afterthought in the modern luxury game.

But Lincoln is finally ready to change all that. It has a new cohesive design language, its focus is once again on luxury, and the three-letter naming convention that never meant anything to anyone other than Lincoln marketers is gone. The brand led with the 2017 Continental and 2018 Navigator, which are each impressive in their own right. But the company's lineup is growing and now includes the all-new 2020 Lincoln Aviator. Named after a luxury variant of the 2002-2005 Ford Explorer, this new Aviator is also based on the contemporary Explorer platform, but it's a luxury vehicle in its own right.

Much of the success of the Lincoln brand may hinge on this midsize, 3-row luxury SUV, so you need to consider its competition, such as the Audi Q7, Infiniti QX60, and all-new Cadillac XT6. Read on to learn if Lincoln’s take on luxury will stand out in a crowded competitive field.

2020 Toyota 4Runner Reviews Summary

Even in its expensive Limited trim, the Toyota 4Runner remains clearly purpose-built for tackling terrain. Whether on a dusty cow path or snowy mountain road, the 4Runner looks most in its element when its outside the typical car’s comfort zone. For 2020, Toyota keeps enough chrome and leather available to market the 4Runner as a rough-and-tumble luxury alternative, but shoppers considering one had better have a real need for 4-wheel drive.
No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

3.0L 400 hp V6

Engine

4.0L 270 hp V6

Drive Train

RWD

Drive Train

4X2

Seating Capacity

7

Seating Capacity

7

Horsepower

Horsepower

270 hp @ 5600 rpm

MPG City

18

MPG City

16

MPG Highway

26

MPG Highway

19
2020 Lincoln Aviator
2020 Lincoln Aviator
$51,100MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Toyota 4Runner
2020 Toyota 4Runner
$36,120MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Lincoln Aviator
$51,100MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Toyota 4Runner
$36,120MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Lincoln Aviator is 8.2 out of 10, while the 2020 Toyota 4Runner scores 6.8 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the Lincoln Aviator is the clear winner, offering a more luxurious, technologically advanced, and powerful driving experience. If you prioritize comfort, technology, and performance, the Aviator is the better choice. However, if off-road capability and rugged reliability are your main concerns, the 4Runner remains a solid option.

Overview
MSRP
$51,100
$36,120
Average price
$36,512
$37,137
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.5
4.7
Expert reviews

8.2 out of 10

Read full review

6.8 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Comfortable
  • Multiple powertrain options
Cons
  • Poor ergonomic design
  • Cramped third row
Pros
  • Standard advanced safety features
  • Powerful engine
  • Off-road capability
Cons
  • Poor value for money
  • Poor fuel economy
  • Interior materials feel cheap
Summary

The heyday for Lincoln was more than a half-century ago. Those postwar years of prosperity and optimism were the perfect time for cars like the Continental and others. They delivered comfort and luxury, wrapped in midcentury modern styling. Even as recently as the 1990s, Lincoln was still a popular brand, riding the SUV craze with its Navigator.

But after the turn of the century, Lincoln lost its ability to create new designs and looked inward and backward. Sure, retro-themed cars like the redesigned Mustang, PT Cruiser, and Chevy HHR had turned some heads, but none of those came from luxury brands. The BMWs and Mercedes of the world were all looking forward and pushing the envelope for contemporary automotive design. Meanwhile, Lincoln offered the MKX, which was based on the Ford Edge and featured ’66 Continental styling. Neat in a vacuum, but off-base compared to the modern luxury market.

This experimental phase with various retro looks coincided with the move to the MK-# alphabet-soup naming convention and big improvements in the Ford lineup, where top-end trims of the Fusion overlapped with an entry-level trim of the MKZ. The combination left Lincoln a confusing, anonymous afterthought in the modern luxury game.

But Lincoln is finally ready to change all that. It has a new cohesive design language, its focus is once again on luxury, and the three-letter naming convention that never meant anything to anyone other than Lincoln marketers is gone. The brand led with the 2017 Continental and 2018 Navigator, which are each impressive in their own right. But the company's lineup is growing and now includes the all-new 2020 Lincoln Aviator. Named after a luxury variant of the 2002-2005 Ford Explorer, this new Aviator is also based on the contemporary Explorer platform, but it's a luxury vehicle in its own right.

Much of the success of the Lincoln brand may hinge on this midsize, 3-row luxury SUV, so you need to consider its competition, such as the Audi Q7, Infiniti QX60, and all-new Cadillac XT6. Read on to learn if Lincoln’s take on luxury will stand out in a crowded competitive field.

Even in its expensive Limited trim, the Toyota 4Runner remains clearly purpose-built for tackling terrain. Whether on a dusty cow path or snowy mountain road, the 4Runner looks most in its element when its outside the typical car’s comfort zone. For 2020, Toyota keeps enough chrome and leather available to market the 4Runner as a rough-and-tumble luxury alternative, but shoppers considering one had better have a real need for 4-wheel drive.
Video
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
3.0L 400 hp V6
4.0L 270 hp V6
Drive Train
RWD
4X2
Seating Capacity
7
7
Horsepower
270 hp @ 5600 rpm
MPG City
18
16
MPG Highway
26
19
Look and feel
2020 Lincoln Aviator
9/10
2020 Toyota 4Runner
6/10

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator was positioned between the Navigator and the compact MKC (later replaced by the Corsair) in Lincoln's lineup. It marked a return to real vehicle names, moving away from the old alphabet-soup naming convention. The Aviator featured a unified design language across Lincoln's sedans, crossovers, and SUVs, with handsome headlights and an upright chrome grille. Its roofline tapered slightly, giving it an elongated look, while the low, wide beltline added a boat-like appearance. Inside, the Aviator boasted a flowing design with soft-touch materials and selective use of brightwork. The seats were both elegant and sturdy, with shifter buttons resembling piano keys. The cabin was filled with plush leather, even in areas where it wasn't necessary, indicating a deep commitment to luxury. Unique touches like a massive panoramic moonroof and warning jingles recorded by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra showcased Lincoln's holistic approach to luxury.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner maintained a timeless design with tall slab sides, a high beltline, short overhangs, and a near-vertical front fascia. Its utilitarian attitude was evident in the flared wheel wells designed to accommodate bulky off-road tires and short overhangs for tackling steep pitches and sharp declines. The hood scoop, a visual cue for the off-road-focused TRD trim, was one of the few non-functional elements. The 4Runner's trim lineup included SR5, SR5 Premium, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, TRD Pro, and Limited, with the Nightshade Special Edition and Venture Special Edition trims adding unique aesthetics and off-road capabilities. The Limited trim, aimed at comfort, featured leather upholstery and an 8-inch touchscreen. Despite the chrome and leather, the 4Runner's utilitarian DNA was evident, with plenty of plastic and a seating position designed for tackling trails rather than highways.

Performance
2020 Lincoln Aviator
8/10
2020 Toyota 4Runner
8/10

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 combined this engine with a 100-hp electric motor, resulting in a net 494 hp and 630 lb-ft of torque. Both powertrains used a 10-speed automatic transmission, with the base V6 offering rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), while the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) was AWD. Both versions could accelerate from 0-60 mph in about 4 seconds. The Grand Touring's hybrid setup provided hushed, confident acceleration and smoothed out the driving experience with its electric power at low speeds. The Aviator's steering was light, and its brakes were cushioned in feedback, aiming for soft refinement in driving dynamics. Fuel economy for the RWD Aviator was 18 mpg city, 26 highway, 21 combined, while the AWD version achieved 17, 24, 20. The PHEV drivetrain offered a combined 23 mpg, with a 21-mile electric-only range and a rating of 56 miles-per-gallon equivalent combined.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner featured a 4-liter V6 engine with a 5-speed automatic transmission, producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. This engine was designed for durability and off-road capability rather than smooth and efficient performance. It allowed for up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity but had poor fuel economy, with EPA estimates of 16 mpg city, 19 highway, 17 combined. Over 400-plus miles, the 4Runner managed 17.7 mpg. The 4Runner excelled off-road, with its body-on-frame construction and advanced traction systems like Toyota's CRAWL control and Multi-Terrain Select. The 4Runner's steering was heavy and vague, with significant body roll in corners, making it feel like a blast from the past. While RWD was available, the 4WD system was better suited for off-road adventures.

Form and function
2020 Lincoln Aviator
7/10
2020 Toyota 4Runner
8/10

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator, with its three rows, competed with the Audi Q7, Infiniti QX60, Mercedes-Benz GLE, Land Rover Discovery, and Cadillac XT6. The optional second-row captain's chairs were fantastic, while the power-closing third row was adequate for adults but best suited for kids on longer trips. Dropping the second and third rows provided 77 cubic feet of cargo space, comparable to the Cadillac XT6. The Aviator's seats and door handles were somewhat confusing, with seat controls split between a door-mounted panel and a center touchscreen menu. The 30-way seats with a massage function were worth the effort to learn. The door-release function was also unconventional, with a button instead of a handle, which could be confusing for passengers. A manual door release was available but only for the driver's door.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner offered excellent outward visibility, a tidy turning radius of 18 feet, 7 inches, and a tall seating position due to its body-on-frame construction and impressive ground clearance. The dashboard featured large, chunky knobs for HVAC controls and slightly smaller knobs for the stereo. The physical buttons around the 8-inch touchscreen were easy to use, but the steering-wheel controls were not illuminated and difficult to comprehend in the dark. The 4Runner's tall seating position provided a commanding view of the road, and power-retractable running boards made entry and exit easier. The optional third row of seats in non-TRD and non-Venture trims was best for short and occasional use, with narrow and thin jump seats that folded toward the floor when not in use.

Technology
2020 Lincoln Aviator
9/10
2020 Toyota 4Runner
7/10

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator came standard with the Sync 3 infotainment system, operated via a 10.1-inch touchscreen in a landscape layout. This setup provided a better interface for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compared to the Ford Explorer's portrait layout. The Aviator also featured a fully digital instrument panel and a massive head-up display, offering a lot of information in a minimalist and unobtrusive manner.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner was updated with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Toyota's proprietary system was not difficult to understand, but the onboard navigation system was less efficient than Google Maps via Android Auto. The 4Runner also featured Amazon Alexa compatibility, Bluetooth connectivity, a single USB media port in SR5 and TRD Off-Road trims, and various subscription services like Sirius XM Radio, Safety Connect, and WiFi Connect. Higher trims offered a JBL stereo and navigation system. While the 4Runner's technology had improved, it still lagged behind competitors in total features and usability. The real technological advancements were in the powertrain, with features like CRAWL control and Multi-Terrain Select for off-road performance.

Safety
2020 Lincoln Aviator
9/10
2020 Toyota 4Runner
7/10

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator came with standard safety features, including front and side-impact airbags, traction control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Lincoln Co-Pilot360 suite included forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, and a head-up display.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner benefited from Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), which included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, and automatic high beams. The 4Runner also had eight standard airbags. The NHTSA awarded it four out of five stars overall, but only three out of five in the rollover test. The IIHS gave it a Good rating in most crash tests, except for a Marginal rating in the small overlap front: driver-side test. The adaptive cruise control worked well on the highway, but the high center of gravity and imprecise steering made a more active lane-keeping assist system desirable.

Cost Effectiveness
2020 Lincoln Aviator
7/10
2020 Toyota 4Runner
5/10
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