2020 Lincoln Aviator vs 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser

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 was a positive shift, moving away from the previous alphabet-soup naming convention. The Aviator featured a unified design language across Lincoln's lineup, with elegant headlights and a prominent chrome grille. Its tapered roofline and low, wide beltline gave it a sleek, elongated appearance. Inside, the Aviator's cabin boasted a flowing design with soft-touch materials and selective brightwork. The seats were both elegant and sturdy, with a piano-key design for the shifter buttons, hinting at a luxurious experience reminiscent of the Golden Age. The Aviator's interior was plush, with leather extending to areas not typically covered, showcasing Lincoln's commitment 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 Toyota Land Cruiser, on the other hand, had a design that grew on you over time. Its subtle styling choices, like the dished hood, improved driver sight lines, emphasizing functionality over flashiness. The fenders bulged slightly, accommodating wheel travel and hinting at the vehicle's width. The Land Cruiser Heritage Edition added retro flair with blackened trim, bronze BBS wheels, and a heritage badge. Inside, the Land Cruiser approached luxury without crossing into Lexus territory. The Heritage Edition offered a two-row, five-passenger setup with black perforated leather seats, while the standard model included a third row. The dash was functional, with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a mix of buttons and knobs for various controls. The interior was comfortable and functional, though somewhat plain, with a focus on practicality over opulence.

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator came standard with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, producing 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. This engine was part of the same family used in the Ford Explorer, Expedition, and F-150. The Grand Touring model took performance further by combining the V6 with a 100-hp electric motor, resulting in a total output of 494 hp and 630 lb-ft of torque. Both powertrains used a 10-speed automatic transmission, with the base V6 offering rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, while the plug-in hybrid was all-wheel drive only. Both versions could accelerate from 0-60 mph in about 4 seconds. The Grand Touring's hybrid setup provided smooth, confident acceleration and improved fuel efficiency, with a combined 23 mpg and a 21-mile electric-only range. The Aviator's driving experience was characterized by light steering and cushioned brakes, offering a refined ride reminiscent of luxury SUVs like the Rolls-Royce Cullinan. The Aviator's fuel economy varied, with the RWD model achieving 18 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined, while the AWD version had slightly lower figures.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was powered by a robust 5.7-liter V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This naturally-aspirated engine used an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive. The Land Cruiser's fuel economy was estimated at 13 mpg city, 17 mpg highway, and 14 mpg combined. Designed for both on-road and off-road performance, the Land Cruiser featured a Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System with independent double-wishbone design in the front and a four-link suspension in the rear. Its off-road capabilities were enhanced by a Multi-Terrain Select control knob, Active Traction Control, and a Torsen limited-slip center differential. The Land Cruiser's approach, departure, and breakover angles, along with its ground clearance and fording depth, made it a formidable off-road vehicle. Despite its size, the Land Cruiser offered a serene and relaxing driving experience, with controlled body roll and a commanding driving position.

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator, with its three-row configuration, competed with models like the Audi Q7 and Mercedes-Benz GLE. The optional second-row captain's chairs were praised for their 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, some controls, like the seat adjustments and door handles, were overly complicated, requiring a learning curve for users. The 30-way seats with massage function were a highlight, but the door-release mechanism was unnecessarily complex, raising concerns about usability in emergencies.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser's dual-purpose design was evident in its exterior and interior features. Standard skid plates, tow hooks, and mudguards made it ready for off-road adventures, while the roof rack and windshield wiper de-icer added practicality. The standard model's three-row configuration included heated second-row seats and a split-folding third row, offering flexibility for passengers and cargo. The Land Cruiser's interior featured four-zone climate control, numerous cup holders, and a cooling box in the center console. The split tailgate design was both functional and charming, ideal for picnics and easy loading. With a towing capacity of 8,100 pounds, the Land Cruiser was equipped for heavy-duty tasks, making it a versatile choice for families and adventurers alike.

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 a wealth of information in a minimalist format, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser, despite its older platform, incorporated modern technology like a Qi-compatible charging station. The Toyota Premium Audio system included 14 JBL speakers, integrated navigation, and various audio options, though it lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 9-inch touchscreen was functional but felt small compared to competitors, and the Enhanced Multi-Terrain Monitor camera system provided valuable assistance in challenging driving conditions.

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 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 Toyota Land Cruiser had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but its substantial curb weight and rigid body structure provided inherent safety. The Toyota Safety Sense P suite included features like a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Star Safety System added stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes. With 10 airbags, active headrests, and a range of safety technologies, the Land Cruiser was well-equipped to protect occupants.