2020 Lincoln Aviator vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator was positioned between the Navigator and the compact MKC (later replaced by the Lincoln Corsair) in Lincoln's lineup. It marked a return to real vehicle names, moving away from the old alphabet-soup naming convention. The Aviator featured a unified design language across Lincoln's sedans, crossovers, and SUVs, with handsome headlights and an upright chrome grille. Its tapering roofline and low, wide beltline gave it an elongated, almost boat-like appearance.

Inside, the Aviator boasted a flowing design with soft-touch materials and selective use of brightwork. The seats were both elegant and sturdy, with shifter buttons designed like piano keys. The front seats were incredibly comfortable, using plush leather throughout the cabin, even in areas where it wasn't necessary. The Aviator also featured a massive panoramic moonroof and unique warning jingles recorded by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, showcasing Lincoln's commitment to a holistic luxury experience. The lineup included five trims, with the Standard trim offering a well-equipped base model and the Black Label Grand Touring trim featuring a plug-in hybrid drivetrain.

The 2021 Honda CR-V, on the other hand, had a design that blended in with other compact crossovers. Its styling was nearly identical to its competitors, with only a few details like the grille opening and some chromed plastic features setting it apart. The CR-V was available in eight colors, but most were shades of gray, black, or white, with only a few vibrant options limited to higher trims. The interior offered black, gray, and ivory cloth or leather, with wood panels and more chrome available on higher trims. The seats had a modern, angular design, but the overall styling was less distinctive compared to competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson.

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 combined this engine with a 100-hp electric motor, resulting in a net 494 hp and 630 lb-ft of torque. Both powertrains used a 10-speed automatic transmission, with the base V6 offering rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), while the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) was AWD only. Both versions could accelerate from 0-60 mph in about 4 seconds. The PHEV provided a smooth driving experience with its electric power at low speeds, and the Aviator's steering and brakes offered a refined, cushioned feel. Fuel economy for the RWD Aviator was 18 mpg city, 26 highway, 21 combined, while the AWD version achieved 17, 24, 20. The PHEV had a combined 23 mpg, with a 21-mile electric-only range and a 56 miles-per-gallon equivalent combined rating.

The 2021 Honda CR-V featured a 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine across all nine trims (excluding the CR-V Hybrid). It accelerated from 0-60 mph in about 7.8 seconds, which was competitive within its class. The CR-V used a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which provided smooth but less engaging acceleration compared to competitors with conventional automatic transmissions. The CR-V came standard with front-wheel drive (FWD), with AWD available as an option. Its suspension setup included a MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear, offering decent handling and ride quality. The CR-V's performance was adequate for everyday driving, but it lacked the excitement of some rivals.

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator, with its three-row seating, competed with vehicles like the Audi Q7, Infiniti QX60, and Mercedes-Benz GLE. The optional second-row captain's chairs were fantastic, while the power-closing third row was best suited for kids 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 controls, including the seats and door handles, were overly complicated. The 30-way seats had a massage function, but their controls were split between a door-mounted panel and the center touchscreen. The door-release function was also confusing, with a button instead of a conventional handle, raising concerns about usability in emergencies.

The 2021 Honda CR-V prioritized function, aiming to fit five people comfortably and carry their gear. It offered 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume, more than the Toyota RAV4, and 75.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. The tailgate options varied by trim, with the base models requiring manual operation, while higher trims offered power and hands-free tailgate options. Roof rails were standard only on the top Touring trim, limiting roof storage options for lower trims. Overall, the CR-V provided ample space and practicality for everyday use.

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator featured the Sync 3 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, offering a user-friendly interface with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The fully digital instrument panel and head-up display provided clear and concise information. The Aviator's tech setup was well-executed, with a landscape layout for the touchscreen that made it easy to use.

The 2021 Honda CR-V's base LX trim had a basic 5-inch color screen with Bluetooth connectivity. Higher trims featured a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The audio system varied by trim, with the Touring trim offering a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. Charging ports were plentiful in all but the base trim, with USB ports in the front and second rows. The Touring trim also included a wireless phone charger. The CR-V's tech offerings were adequate, but not as advanced as the Aviator's.

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator came standard with a full array of front and side-impact airbags, traction control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Lincoln Co-Pilot360 suite included forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, and a head-up display.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA overall crash test rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. However, it missed the Top Safety Pick+ rating due to lower scores in headlight evaluation and the updated side crash test. The CR-V's Honda Sensing system included forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, road departure mitigation, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and auto high-beam headlamps. Blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was standard from the EX trim upwards.