2020 Lincoln Aviator vs 2021 Hyundai Palisade

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator, positioned between the Navigator and the compact MKC (and its replacement, the Corsair), showcased Lincoln's return to real vehicle names, moving away from the old alphabet-soup naming convention. This shift was a positive sign, indicating Lincoln's effort to establish a unique identity rather than mimicking imports. The Aviator featured a unified design language across Lincoln's lineup, with handsome headlights, an upright chrome grille, and a tapered roofline that gave it an elongated, boat-like appearance. Inside, the Aviator's cabin boasted a flowing design, soft-touch materials, and elegant yet sturdy seats. The shifter buttons had a piano-key design, hinting at a Golden Age luxury without overdoing it. The front seats were incredibly comfortable, with plush leather used generously throughout the cabin, indicating a deep commitment to luxury. Unique touches like a massive panoramic moonroof and warning jingles recorded by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra highlighted Lincoln's holistic approach to luxury.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy trim distinguished itself with a different grille pattern, revised exterior lighting, additional lower body trim, unique 20-inch wheels, upgraded interior detailing, and a simulated suede interior headliner. These features made the Calligraphy trim look fancier and drew attention, though opinions on its unconventional styling varied. Inside, the Calligraphy trim's Beige over Navy Blue color scheme, quilted and stitched premium Nappa leather, and suede headliner made it feel luxurious. The cabin's quality and design put it on par with other high-end SUVs in the midsize three-row class, making it a genuine bargain at its sticker price.

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 Grand Touring's hybrid setup provided smooth, confident acceleration and improved fuel efficiency, with a combined 23 mpg and a 21-mile electric-only range. The Aviator's steering was light, and its brakes were cushioned yet effective. The Excite drive mode offered a more dynamic experience, but the Aviator's 5,600-pound weight limited its sportiness. Fuel economy for the conventional Aviator was 18 mpg city, 26 highway, 21 combined for RWD, and 17, 24, 20 for AWD.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade featured a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive (FWD), with an optional all-wheel-drive system. Drivers could choose between Eco, Comfort, Smart, and Sport driving modes, with AWD models adding a Snow mode and a Lock function for improved low-speed traction. The EPA estimated a Palisade AWD would achieve 21 mpg in combined driving, and our test vehicle averaged 21.1 mpg. The Palisade's firmer suspension provided excellent body-motion control, making it enjoyable to drive without sacrificing comfort. It remained predictable and confidence-inspiring on twisty roads, though it didn't encourage aggressive driving. The Palisade's 5,000-pound towing capacity was supported by a new seven-pin trailer pre-wiring connector for 2021.

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator, with its three rows, competed with the Audi Q7, Infiniti QX60, Mercedes-Benz GLE, Land Rover Discovery, and Cadillac XT6. The optional second-row captain's chairs were fantastic, while the power-closing third row was adequate for adults but 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 were somewhat confusing, with overly complicated seat controls and an unconventional door-release function. The 30-way seats with a massage function were worth the effort to learn, but the door-release mechanism could be problematic in certain situations.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in interior space, seating, and accessibility. The Calligraphy trim offered eight-way power-adjustable front seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated and ventilated front and second-row seats. Third-row passengers had separate climate controls and rear side-window sunshades. The second-row captain's chairs provided ample legroom and support, with easy access to the third row. The Palisade's third-row seat was more accommodating than most in its class. In-cabin storage was plentiful, with a storage tray under the center console. Cargo space measured 18 cubic feet behind the third-row seats, expanding to 45.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 86.4 cubic feet with the second row folded. The hands-free Smart Liftgate was convenient but could be turned off if not needed.

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator came standard with the Sync 3 infotainment system, featuring a 10.1-inch touchscreen in a landscape layout. This setup provided a better interface for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compared to the Ford Explorer's portrait layout. The Aviator also had a fully digital instrument panel and a massive head-up display, offering a minimalist yet informative readout.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade offered two infotainment systems: an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen requiring a wired connection. The Calligraphy trim included SiriusXM satellite radio, a navigation system, Blue Link connected services, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system. Other features included wireless smartphone charging, a Driver Talk intercom system, Quiet Mode, and a head-up display with blind-spot warnings. A surround-view camera system aided in parking and maneuvering.

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

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in safety, with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping systems, and a rear occupant alert system. Higher trims featured a more sophisticated rear occupant alert system, active blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning systems, Safe Exit Assist, and a Blind View Monitor. Highway Drive Assist provided smooth and sophisticated adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance. The Palisade earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA and included three free years of Blue Link services for automatic collision warning and emergency assistance.