2020 Lincoln Aviator vs 2021 Honda HR-V

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 slightly tapered roofline and low, wide beltline gave it an elongated, almost nautical appearance. Inside, the Aviator boasted a flowing cabin 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 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, while the Grand Touring and Black Label trims added more luxury and a plug-in hybrid option.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda HR-V presented a softer, friendlier appearance compared to Honda's larger SUVs. Its design was distinctive, with converging window lines near the taillights and hidden rear door handles. Most trims featured 17-inch alloy wheels, with the Sport model sporting 18-inch matte-black wheels and blacked-out trim. The interior was plain but functional, with good material quality and fit. The EX and EX-L trims offered push-button start, automatic climate control, a moonroof, and heated front seats, with the EX-L adding leather upholstery. While not luxurious, the HR-V's interior was solid and practical, with straightforward controls and a focus on functionality.

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator came standard with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, producing 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. This engine was part of the same family used in the Ford Explorer, Expedition, and F-150. 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 all-wheel drive. Both versions achieved 0-60 mph in approximately 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, with an "Excite" drive mode for a more dynamic feel. Fuel economy for the conventional V6 was 18 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined for RWD, and slightly lower for AWD.

The 2021 Honda HR-V was powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 141 horsepower and 127 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While front-wheel drive was standard, all-wheel drive was available across all trims. The HR-V's powertrain remained unchanged from previous models, resulting in underwhelming highway performance and an ineffective CVT. Competitors offered more powerful engine options, such as the Kia Seltos and Subaru Crosstrek. However, the HR-V's chassis compensated for its engine, providing an enjoyable driving experience on twisty roads and decent ride quality. Despite its limitations, the HR-V maintained Honda's reputation for fun-to-drive vehicles. Its AWD system was suitable for slippery roads but not off-road conditions, and it lacked towing capability.

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 suited 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 featured some confusing controls, such as the door handles and seat adjustments, which required navigating a touchscreen menu. The unconventional door-release function also posed challenges, raising concerns about usability in emergencies.

The 2021 Honda HR-V excelled in cargo space for its size, thanks to the "Magic Seat" 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat. Folding the seat down provided 58.8 cubic feet of cargo space (57.6 for AWD models), while leaving it up retained 24.3 cubic feet (23.2 with AWD). These figures surpassed competitors like the Chevrolet Trax and Hyundai Kona. The HR-V also offered generous rear-seat legroom, leading its segment, though front-seat legroom and headroom were average. While lacking clever storage solutions, the HR-V featured sensibly-designed controls, including large climate control knobs and an audio volume knob. The narrow center console was dominated by a large shift lever, prioritizing simplicity and ease of use.

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 comprehensive information in a minimalist manner.

The 2021 Honda HR-V's base LX trim included Bluetooth, a 5-inch display screen, and a four-speaker audio system. The Sport trim and higher offered a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while EX and EX-L trims added SiriusXM satellite radio. The infotainment system was straightforward, with two USB ports conveniently located ahead of the shifter. However, the 7-inch touchscreen was smaller than competitors', and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were not standard across all trims.

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator came equipped 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 Honda HR-V received top "Good" scores in all IIHS crash tests and a "Superior" rating for its optional front-crash prevention tech. However, it received "Marginal" and "Poor" headlight ratings and an "Acceptable" rating for LATCH child-seat anchor ease of use. The NHTSA awarded the HR-V a five-star overall safety rating, with five stars in side crash testing and four stars in frontal and rollover crash testing. Honda Sensing safety features were available on EX and EX-L trims, including forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The LaneWatch system provided a camera view when the turn signal was activated.