2020 Lincoln Aviator vs 2021 Cadillac Escalade

In terms of placement, the 2020 Lincoln Aviator slotted below the Navigator and above the compact MKC, which was being replaced by the Lincoln Corsair. The shift from Lincoln's old alphabet-soup naming convention to real vehicle names signaled a move towards establishing its unique identity rather than copying imports. The Aviator exhibited a unified look like other Lincolns, featuring handsome headlights and an upright chrome grille. The design’s roofline tapered to provide an elongated look, and a low, wide beltline gave it a boat-like appearance that spoke to its distinctiveness.

Inside, the Aviator’s cabin showcased a flowing design with soft-touch materials and selective use of brightwork. Seats appeared elegant yet sturdy, with shifter buttons mimicking a piano-key design, bringing in a hint of Golden Age luxury without overcommitting to nostalgia. The front seats impressed with their comfort and plush leather, which extended beyond necessary areas, showing Lincoln’s deep commitment to luxury. Furthermore, unique elements like a panoramic moonroof and warning jingles recorded by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra highlighted Lincoln’s holistic luxury approach.

The new Aviator came in five trims—Standard, Reserve, Grand Touring, Black Label, and Black Label Grand Touring—each providing a generous set of features. The Standard trim included essentials like three-zone climate control, front and rear parking sensors, leather upholstery, and the Sync 3 infotainment system. Optional packages offered additional comfort touches like heated seats and a heated steering wheel.

Meanwhile, the 2021 Cadillac Escalade drew inspiration from previous concept vehicles like the Escala, particularly in its front-end design. It sat on standard 22-inch wheels, featured crisp flank creases, and maintained a familiar rear look with tall, vertical OLED taillights fading into the roof. Prices started at $76,195, with a black-on-black base model featuring leatherette upholstery.

The higher-end Premium Luxury and Sport trims, priced around $82,995 and $85,995 respectively, offered shiny upgrades and a blacked-out look. The $99,995 Platinum trim further increased luxury with semi-aniline premium leather, leather-wrapped interior panels, and a simulated suede headliner. Numerous wood trims also allowed for interior customization. Our test vehicle, a Premium Luxury trim with various add-ons, carried a $102,310 sticker price.

Inside, the overall quality and design changes were palpable. Standard leather and customized perforation patterns enhanced the cabin's luxurious feel. However, despite the luxury, the test vehicle’s plastic lower dashboard and door panels felt subpar given the six-figure price.

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator came with a standard twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, producing 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. The Grand Touring model added a 100-hp electric motor for a combined 494 hp and 630 lb-ft of torque, both paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The PHEV option provided a smooth driving experience utilizing electric power at low speeds, making the driving experience seamless even when the stop-start system was engaged. The fuel economy ranged from 18 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined for RWD to a combined 23 mpg for the PHEV drivetrain, with a 21-mile electric-only range.

On the other hand, the 2021 Cadillac Escalade offered a choice between a standard 6.2-liter V8 engine and a no-cost 3.0-liter turbo-diesel inline six-cylinder. The V8, with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, delivered robust acceleration and an engaging sound. The V8 also included advanced tech like Dynamic Fuel Management and automatic engine stop/start to boost fuel efficiency, achieving 15.9 mpg on a test loop. The diesel engine provided 277 horsepower with the same torque as the V8, offering attractive fuel economy figures.

The new independent rear suspension dramatically improved the Escalade's ride quality, coupled with next-generation Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) 4.0 adaptive dampers and a 4-Corner Air Ride suspension. These enhancements contributed to refined ride comfort and reduced body motions. Although very capable on various terrains, the brake pedal could have offered better modulation. The Escalade excelled on freeways, proving more isolated from engine, road, and wind noise compared to the GMC Yukon Denali and Chevrolet Tahoe High Country.

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator, with its three-row setup, competed with vehicles like the Audi Q7 and Cadillac XT6. While the optional second-row captain’s chairs were excellent, the third row was better suited for children on longer trips. Lowering both second and third rows provided 77 cubic feet of cargo space, comparable to the XT6. However, some controls, like the door handles and the complex seat adjustments, tended to confuse passengers. The unconventional door-release mechanism was another critique, raising concerns about functionality in case of electrical failure.

By contrast, the 2021 Cadillac Escalade offered a significantly improved and more functional interior. The independent rear suspension enabled a lower floor, contributing to more passenger room and comfort. The front seats, though similar to the previous model, now included a range of adjustments, with ventilated and massaging options available in higher trims. The standout improvement lay in the third-row seating, which now comfortably accommodated adults. Cargo capacity was a considerable advantage: the standard Escalade offered 25.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 63 cubic feet with the third row down, and 109.1 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. The extended-length ESV model provided even more substantial cargo volumes, making the Escalade a superior functional choice for families and long trips.

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator featured the Sync 3 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, favoring a landscape layout that enhanced usability. The fully digital instrument panel and an optional head-up display moved to a minimalist design, improving user experience. This setup offered a seamless integration of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making for an intuitive tech interface.

Cadillac, however, pushed the envelope for high-tech features in the 2021 Escalade. It boasted OLED instrumentation and infotainment screens spread across a 38-inch curved-glass display, offering unparalleled pixel density and color clarity. While the tech was visually stunning, navigating through the menu system required some getting used to. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were seamlessly integrated, despite occasional hiccups. The Escalade’s standout AR navigation system transformed driving directions with real-time, augmented visuals, while the available 36-speaker AKG Reference sound system delivered an immersive audio experience. Additional features, like microphones to amplify conversation and separate volume controls for front and rear passengers, showcased Cadillac’s tech-forward approach.

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including front and side-impact airbags, traction control, tire pressure monitoring, and Lincoln Co-Pilot360 driver-assistance systems. This suite included forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitoring, offering an extensive shield of safety for its occupants.

For the 2021 Cadillac Escalade, safety started with its substantial size, offering an inherent advantage in collisions. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, front and rear pedestrian detection, and a Safety Alert Seat. The Escalade also featured Teen Driver technology, front and rear parking sensors, a surround-view camera system, and a rear-seat reminder. Higher trims introduced advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) like blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assistance, and a rear camera mirror. However, occasional false alarms during tests raised concerns. Later models promised next-gen Super Cruise technology for hands-free, autonomous driving on 200,000 miles of highways across the U.S., combining cutting-edge tech with safety.