2020 Lincoln Aviator vs 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator was positioned between the Navigator and the compact MKC, later replaced by the Corsair, in Lincoln's lineup. It marked a return to real vehicle names, moving away from the previous alphabet-soup naming convention. The Aviator featured a unified design language across Lincoln's range, with elegant headlights and a prominent chrome grille. Its tapered roofline and low, wide beltline gave it a sleek, elongated appearance. Inside, the Aviator boasted a flowing cabin design with soft-touch materials and elegant seats, hinting at a luxurious experience without overdoing it. The front seats were notably comfortable, with plush leather throughout the interior, showcasing Lincoln's commitment to luxury. Unique touches like a panoramic moonroof and orchestral warning jingles added to its appeal. The Aviator offered five trims, with the Standard trim providing a well-equipped base, while the Grand Touring and Black Label trims offered more luxury and a plug-in hybrid option.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe, on the other hand, surprised many with its value for money. Despite its affordable price, it offered a premium feel with a choice of two new gasoline engines and a hybrid powertrain. The Santa Fe's exterior featured a redesigned front end with new running lights, grille, and bumper, giving each trim a unique character. Inside, the Santa Fe moved upmarket with new colors, patterns, and a bridge-style center console. The Calligraphy trim, in particular, exuded quality with premium leather and a panoramic sunroof. The Santa Fe's interior was spacious and comfortable, with features like heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and ample storage. The rear seat offered generous legroom and comfort, while the cargo space was practical for family trips. The Santa Fe's smart hands-free power liftgate was convenient, though it could be triggered unintentionally. Overall, the Santa Fe provided a luxurious experience at a competitive 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. This engine was part of the same family used in the Ford Explorer, Expedition, and F-150. The Grand Touring trim took performance further 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 used a 10-speed automatic transmission, with the base V6 offering rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, while the plug-in hybrid was all-wheel drive only. The Aviator's driving experience was characterized by light steering and cushioned brakes, offering a refined ride. The plug-in hybrid's electric power smoothed out acceleration, making it a standout option. Fuel economy for the conventional Aviator was 18 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined with RWD, while the PHEV achieved a combined 23 mpg with a 21-mile electric-only range.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe offered three new powertrains. The SE and SEL trims featured a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid models combined a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing a total of 226 hp. The Limited and Calligraphy trims boasted a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The Santa Fe offered Normal, Sport, and Smart driving modes, with the latter prioritizing fuel efficiency. The Calligraphy trim's turbo engine provided impressive performance, with improved braking and handling. Both powertrains achieved a combined fuel economy rating of 24 mpg with AWD. The Santa Fe's driving experience was refined, with quick acceleration and solid body control, making it a well-rounded choice for 2021.

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 praised for their comfort, 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, some controls, like the seat adjustments and door handles, were overly complicated, requiring a learning curve. The 30-way seats with massage functions were a highlight, but the door-release mechanism was less intuitive, raising concerns about usability in emergencies.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe, lacking a third row, focused on providing ample passenger space for a midsize SUV. All trims featured dual-zone automatic climate control, with stain-resistant fabric for cloth seats and leather available on higher trims. The Calligraphy trim elevated the interior with premium Nappa leather and a suede-like headliner. The Santa Fe's seats were comfortable, with power adjustments and heating/ventilation options. The rear seat offered generous legroom and amenities like air-conditioning vents and USB ports. The smart hands-free power liftgate was convenient but could be triggered unintentionally. The Santa Fe provided 36.4 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 72.1 cubic feet with the rear seat folded, making it practical for family trips.

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator featured the Sync 3 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen in a landscape layout, offering a user-friendly interface for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The fully digital instrument panel and head-up display provided essential information in a minimalist manner, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy was packed with technology, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, surround-view camera system, and an 8.5-inch head-up display. The basic 8-inch touchscreen offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the 10.25-inch screen required wired connections but included upgraded voice recognition and Blue Link services. The Harman Kardon sound system and Blue Link's connected services added to the tech appeal. However, the Santa Fe lacked a WiFi hotspot, though it offered Digital Key and Remote Smart Parking Assist for added convenience.

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator came equipped with standard safety features like airbags, traction control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Lincoln Co-Pilot360 suite included 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 Hyundai Santa Fe impressed with its safety features, especially in the Calligraphy trim. It offered advanced systems like forward-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, Safe Exit Assist, and a rear-occupant alert system. The Blind-Spot View Monitor and Highway Driving Assist added to its safety credentials. The Santa Fe earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS with LED projector headlights, making it a strong choice for safety-conscious buyers.