2020 Lincoln Aviator vs 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator was positioned between the larger Navigator and the smaller MKC, which was later replaced by the Corsair. Lincoln's shift from alphanumeric names to real vehicle names signaled a move away from mimicking imports. The Aviator featured a cohesive design language across Lincoln's lineup, with striking headlights and a prominent chrome grille. Its 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. The shifter buttons had a piano-key design, hinting at luxury without overwhelming the overall aesthetic. The front seats were notably comfortable, with plush leather extending throughout the interior, underscoring 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 Aviator offered five trims, with the Standard trim providing ample features for its base price, while the Black Label trims offered extreme luxury and unique upholstery choices.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport, a smaller sibling to the anticipated Bronco, was designed as a versatile crossover with a modern retro aesthetic reminiscent of Land Rover. Its short front overhang and tall fender wells were tailored for trail driving, while bold "BRONCO" lettering on the grille and tailgate linked it to its larger counterpart. The Bronco Sport's interior was rugged yet uncluttered, featuring a unique shape for HVAC vents and an 8-inch infotainment screen. The model lineup offered a progression in interior trim, from cloth to leather-trimmed seats, with practical features like a rubberized cargo floor. The Bronco Sport was equipped with various wheel options, enhancing both its appearance and off-road capability. It was designed to appeal to active buyers, with cargo space accommodating two mountain bikes and a catalog of accessories for outdoor gear. The roof could support up to 150 pounds, and the vehicle could tow up to 2,200 pounds with the 2.0-liter engine.

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 elevated performance 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 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 smooth and confident, with a 0-60 mph time of about 4 seconds. The PHEV's electric power enhanced fuel efficiency and driving refinement. The Aviator's steering was light, and its brakes provided cushioned feedback. The vehicle featured an "Excite" drive mode for a more dynamic experience, though its 5,600-pound weight limited its agility. Fuel economy for the RWD Aviator was 18 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined, while the AWD version achieved 17, 24, and 20 mpg. The PHEV offered a combined 23 mpg, with a 21-mile electric-only range and a 56 MPGe rating.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport offered two engine options. The Base, Big Bend, and Outer Banks trims featured a 1.5-liter EcoBoost turbocharged three-cylinder engine, delivering 181 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque. The Badlands and First Edition trims were equipped with a 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 245 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque. All models came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, along with a terrain management system offering up to seven G.O.A.T. modes. The Bronco Sport excelled off-road, thanks to its short wheelbase, independent suspension, and generous ground clearance. On-road, it was a capable commuter and family vehicle, with the 2.0-liter engine better suited to its character. The 1.5-liter engine could feel strained under pressure.

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 highly praised, while the power-closing third row was best 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, such as the seat and door handle functions, were considered overly complex. The seats featured a 30-way adjustment with a massage function, accessible through a touchscreen menu. The door-release mechanism was unconventional, requiring a button press rather than a traditional handle, which could be confusing for passengers.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport catered to active buyers with features like cargo space designed to fit two mountain bikes and a range of accessories for outdoor activities. The roof could support up to 150 pounds, and the vehicle could tow up to 2,200 pounds with the 2.0-liter engine. The cargo area included a flip-up rear glass and an optional cargo management package with a slide-out work table and liftgate floodlamps. The front cabin offered ample storage compartments for gadgets and tools. However, taller drivers might have found visibility challenging due to the roof overhang and hood bulges, affecting both on-road and off-road driving positions.

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 Ford Bronco Sport was equipped with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen featuring SYNC 3, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also offered Ford+Alexa and SiriusXM capability, along with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Higher trims included a Bang & Olufsen sound system and a 360-degree camera. The terrain management system's G.O.A.T. modes provided tailored settings for various driving conditions, and trail control technology assisted with off-road navigation. Intelligent access with push-button start was available on all trims except the Base model.

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 offered 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 Ford Bronco Sport featured the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite, which included pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and a reversing camera. The optional Co-Pilot360 Assist+ added adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, and a voice-activated navigation system. All models had AWD and a terrain management system with G.O.A.T. modes, enhancing traction and stability. Trailer sway control was available with the tow package.