2020 Lincoln Aviator vs 2021 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator was positioned between the larger Navigator and the smaller MKC, which was later replaced by the Corsair. Lincoln's decision to revert to real vehicle names was a positive move, signaling a departure from mimicking import brands. The Aviator featured a cohesive design language across Lincoln's lineup, with striking headlights and a prominent chrome grille. Its slightly tapered roofline and low, wide beltline gave it an elongated, almost nautical appearance. Inside, the Aviator's cabin boasted a flowing design with soft-touch materials and elegant seats, hinting at a luxurious past without overcommitting to it. The front seats were notably comfortable, with plush leather extending to areas not typically upholstered, underscoring Lincoln's dedication to luxury. Unique touches like a panoramic moonroof and orchestral warning jingles added to its distinctiveness.

In contrast, the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse embraced a more traditional SUV aesthetic, relying on styling details to differentiate its trim levels. Its exterior was characterized by a tall roof, chunky wheel arches, and a large grille, appealing to buyers seeking a clean, handsome design. While it lacked the personality of some competitors, the Traverse's restrained styling allowed for distinct cosmetic elements across trims. The RS model featured blacked-out trim, while the High Country added chrome accents. The Traverse shared its platform with the Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia, and Cadillac XT6, but maintained a more utilitarian feel. Inside, the Traverse offered a Dual SkyScape sunroof and materials that, while decent, didn't quite justify its price tag. Despite this, it provided a comfortable ride with good body control and precise steering, though it lacked agility on twisty roads.

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator came standard with a robust twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, producing 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. This engine was part of the same family found in the Ford Explorer, Expedition, and F-150. The Grand Touring trim elevated performance by integrating a 100-hp electric motor, resulting in a combined output of 494 hp and 630 lb-ft of torque. Both powertrains utilized a 10-speed automatic transmission, with the base V6 offering rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, while the plug-in hybrid was exclusively AWD. The Aviator's acceleration was impressive, achieving 0-60 mph in about 4 seconds. The hybrid system provided smooth, confident acceleration and improved fuel efficiency, with a combined 23 mpg and a 21-mile electric-only range. The Aviator's driving dynamics prioritized soft refinement, with light steering and cushioned brakes, offering a luxurious ride.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse was equipped with a single engine option: a 3.6-liter V6 delivering 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. Although the V6 didn't feel particularly strong off the line, it provided ample power for highway merging and overtaking. The nine-speed automatic transmission generally performed well, though it occasionally exhibited rough shifts. The Traverse excelled in highway driving, combining a quiet cabin with a bump-absorbing suspension and precise steering. However, it lacked agility on twisty roads, partly due to its AWD system, which required manual activation and didn't fully utilize its torque vectoring capabilities. The Traverse offered off-road and tow/haul drive modes, with a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, which was average for the segment.

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator, with its three-row seating, competed with luxury SUVs like the Audi Q7 and Mercedes-Benz GLE. The optional second-row captain's chairs were highly praised, while the power-closing third row was suitable for short trips with adults or longer journeys with children. The Aviator offered 77 cubic feet of cargo space with the second and third rows folded, comparable to the Cadillac XT6. However, its interior featured some overly complex controls, such as the 30-way adjustable seats and unconventional door-release function, which could be confusing for passengers.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse provided seating for seven or eight, depending on the configuration. It offered above-average headroom and legroom across all three rows, with heated front seats standard on the RS trim. The Traverse excelled in cargo space, boasting 23.0 cubic feet with all seats up, 57.8 cubic feet with the third row stowed, and 98.2 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. Higher trims featured a gesture-activated liftgate and a power 60/40 split-folding third row. Despite its size, the Traverse was limited in interior storage options, a common trade-off for midsize three-row crossovers.

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 2021 Chevrolet Traverse came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen, with an 8-inch version available on higher trims. The infotainment system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth, with navigation and a Bose audio system as optional upgrades. The Traverse retained analog controls for audio and climate, which some users preferred. It also offered a rearview camera mirror and an HD surround-view camera system, improving visibility and maneuverability.

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 added 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 2021 Chevrolet Traverse received top "Good" scores from the IIHS in crash tests and a "Superior" rating for front-crash prevention. However, its headlight ratings varied, and it received an "Acceptable" rating for LATCH child-seat anchor ease of use. The NHTSA awarded the Traverse a five-star overall safety rating. Chevy offered fewer standard driver-assist features compared to competitors, with many systems available only as optional extras.