2021 Hyundai Tucson vs 2020 Lincoln Aviator

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator, positioned between the Navigator and the compact MKC (later replaced by the Corsair), showcased Lincoln's return to real vehicle names, moving away from the old alphabet-soup naming convention. This shift signaled a departure from merely imitating imports. The Aviator featured a unified design language across Lincoln's lineup, 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's cabin boasted a flowing design with soft-touch materials and selective brightwork. The seats were both elegant and sturdy, with shifter buttons resembling piano keys. The front seats were incredibly comfortable, using plush leather throughout, even in areas where it wasn't necessary, 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 Tucson, while not as futuristic as its successor, offered a more conventional styling that appealed to those preferring a traditional small crossover. Its upright layout provided a commanding view of the road. Inside, the Tucson featured a modern, attractive dash design with tech features seamlessly integrated into the overall aesthetic. Every button and dial was easy to find, enhancing the user experience. The Tucson's trim levels ranged from SE to Ultimate, with each level adding more features and amenities. The base SE included 17-inch alloy wheels and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims added features like LED headlight accents, heated side mirrors, roof rails, and more advanced tech and comfort options.

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's combination of electric and gas power provided smooth, confident acceleration and improved fuel efficiency. The Aviator's steering was light, and its brakes were cushioned yet effective. The vehicle's driving dynamics aimed for soft refinement, similar to the Rolls-Royce Cullinan SUV. 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 Hyundai Tucson offered two engine options: a base 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 161 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque, and a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 181 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque available on the SEL, Sport, Limited, and Ultimate trims. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and came with standard front-wheel drive (FWD) or optional all-wheel drive (AWD). The base engine felt underwhelming, especially at higher speeds, while the 2.4-liter engine provided a livelier performance around town. The Tucson's ride was comfortable and refined, striking a balance between softness and athleticism. The base 2.0-liter engine allowed for a towing capacity of up to 1,500 pounds, while the 2.4-liter engine could tow up to 2,000 pounds.

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator, with its three-row seating, competed with models like 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 better 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 controls were somewhat confusing, with seat controls split between a door-mounted panel and a touchscreen menu. The door-release function also required some getting used to, with a button replacing the conventional handle.

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson provided 31 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 61.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. While this was on the lower side for the compact SUV segment, it still offered adequate space for weekend bags or larger items. The Tucson's front seats provided solid headroom and legroom, with comfortable and supportive seating even on long trips. The rear seats, though less spacious, were still accommodating for adults on road trips. The Tucson featured plenty of cubbies and compartments, with helpful trays for the driver’s essentials.

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator came standard with the Sync 3 infotainment system, operated via a 10.1-inch touchscreen. Unlike the Ford Explorer's portrait layout, the Aviator's screen used a conventional landscape layout, making Apple CarPlay and Android Auto more user-friendly. The Aviator also featured a fully digital instrument panel and a massive head-up display, providing a lot of information in a minimalist and unobtrusive manner.

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Ultimate trim featured an upgraded 8-inch touchscreen, which was optional on other trims. The touchscreen was user-friendly, with logical menu layouts and helpful hard buttons. Additional available features included navigation, satellite radio, and wireless device charging.

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

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson offered a solid list of standard driver-assistance features, such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and driver drowsiness monitoring. Upper-tier trims added features like adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, automatic high-beams, a 360-degree parking monitor, and blind-spot monitoring. The Tucson earned five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).