2020 Lincoln Aviator vs 2021 BMW X5

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator was positioned between the larger Navigator and the smaller MKC and 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 roofline tapered slightly, giving it an elongated appearance, while the low, wide beltline added a boat-like aesthetic. Inside, the Aviator's cabin boasted a flowing design with soft-touch materials and selective brightwork. The seats were both elegant and sturdy, with shifter buttons resembling piano keys. Lincoln aimed to evoke a sense of Golden Age luxury without overcommitting to the theme, a departure from its 2010s design language. The Aviator's interior was plush, with leather extending to areas where it wasn't strictly necessary, showcasing a commitment to luxury. Notable features included a panoramic moonroof and unique warning jingles recorded by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, highlighting Lincoln's holistic approach to luxury.

The 2021 BMW X5 was a testament to BMW's high-quality craftsmanship, fitting seamlessly into the brand's SUV lineup. Its design was unmistakably BMW, from the kidney grille to the body shape, ensuring brand recognition. The X5 featured full adaptive LED headlights and a choice of matte aluminum or high-gloss black finishes, depending on the trim. M Sport models had sportier styling with body-color trim and unique design elements. The interior, while consistent with BMW's design language, was not without its drawbacks. The abundance of black plastic collected dust easily, but there was ample leather and soft-touch material. M Sport models offered more aggressive styling, including an M sports steering wheel and exclusive interior trim. The X5's interior was spacious, with comfortable seating, though the front seats could feel hard on long trips. The split liftgate and adjustable vehicle height made loading cargo easier, while the available third row added versatility.

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 used a 10-speed automatic transmission, with the base V6 offering rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, while the plug-in hybrid was exclusively all-wheel drive. Both versions could accelerate from 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 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 model had slightly lower figures.

The 2021 BMW X5 offered a range of powertrain options, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base X5 sDrive40i/xDrive40i featured a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, delivering 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. The X5 M50i boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 with 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, while the X5 M offered 600 hp, increasing to 617 hp with the Competition Package. The X5 xDrive45e plug-in hybrid combined a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with a 24-kilowatt-hour battery, achieving 389 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, with a 30-mile all-electric range. The hybrid system provided seamless transitions between power sources, though the steering dynamics were less engaging than expected from a BMW. The X5's fuel economy varied, with the X5 M achieving 15 mpg combined, the X5 M50i at 18 mpg combined, and the X5 xDrive45e rated at 50 MPGe when using both electricity and gas.

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 suitable 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, particularly the seat and door handle functions, were criticized for being overly complicated. The 30-way seats with massage functions required navigating a touchscreen menu, and the door-release mechanism was unconventional, raising concerns about usability in emergencies.

The 2021 BMW X5 made efficient use of space, with well-placed cupholders and a wireless phone charging pad. The seating was comfortable for short trips, though the front seats could feel hard over time. The rear seats accommodated two adults comfortably, and an optional third row was available. The X5's climate controls were easy to manage, and the split liftgate with power functionality facilitated cargo loading. The air suspension allowed for vehicle height adjustment, aiding in loading awkward-sized items. Without the third row, the X5's cargo area was spacious, though the xDrive45e offered slightly less space. The rear doors did not open very wide, making access to the second row more challenging.

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.

The 2021 BMW X5 came with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. However, Apple CarPlay had connectivity issues, often taking over music operations unexpectedly. The standard features included a digital gauge cluster, a 10-speaker sound system, and a panoramic moonroof. Optional upgrades included a head-up display, massaging seats, and premium audio systems. The iDrive system required some acclimation but was intuitive once familiar.

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator was 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 forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams, along with blind-spot monitoring and a head-up display.

The 2021 BMW X5 included a robust list of standard safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. However, the Driving Assistance Professional Package had issues with adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping, particularly in bright sunlight or rain. The X5 received nearly all Good ratings from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, despite being subject to seven recalls.