2021 INFINITI QX80 vs 2020 Lincoln Aviator

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator was positioned between the larger Navigator and the smaller MKC, which was later replaced by the Corsair. This model marked a return to real vehicle names for Lincoln, moving away from the previous alphabet-soup naming convention. The Aviator featured a unified design language across Lincoln's lineup, with elegant headlights and a prominent chrome grille. Its slightly tapered roofline and low, wide beltline gave it a sleek, elongated appearance, reminiscent of a luxury yacht. Inside, the Aviator boasted a flowing cabin design with soft-touch materials and elegant seats, hinting at a Golden Age of luxury without overwhelming the overall design. The front seats were notably comfortable, with plush leather extending throughout the cabin, showcasing Lincoln's commitment to luxury. Unique touches like a panoramic moonroof and orchestral warning jingles added to the Aviator's luxurious feel.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80, on the other hand, combined elements from the Nissan Armada and Infiniti's own styling. While it shared its body shell with the Armada, the QX80's front end was distinctly Infiniti, featuring a bold grille and headlight design that set it apart from its Nissan sibling. The QX80's design was assertive yet not overly flashy, with standard LED lighting and available dark chrome trim. The interior, while luxurious, closely resembled the Armada's, with wood trim and contrast stitching adding a touch of elegance. Despite its luxury aspirations, some elements like the foot-operated parking brake felt less premium. The QX80 offered a comfortable ride, thanks to its independent suspension and Hydraulic Body Motion Control, but its body-on-frame construction meant it wasn't as composed in corners as some unibody competitors.

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 paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, offering both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) options. The Grand Touring trim took performance a step 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. This plug-in hybrid setup provided AWD and delivered a smooth, confident driving experience, with a 0-60 mph time of about 4 seconds. The Aviator's steering was light, and its brakes were effective, though feedback was cushioned. The vehicle offered an "Excite" drive mode for a more dynamic experience, but its 5,600-pound weight limited its agility. Fuel economy for the RWD Aviator was 18 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined, while the PHEV achieved a combined 23 mpg with a 21-mile electric-only range.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 was powered by a 5.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque through a seven-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with 4WD available as an option. While the V8 provided ample power for highway overtaking, the transmission shifts were less smooth. The QX80's body-on-frame construction contributed to a truck-like ride, but its independent suspension and Hydraulic Body Motion Control helped maintain comfort. Despite this, the QX80 felt less composed in corners, with noticeable body roll. The vehicle's 4WD system included a low range and a forward skid plate, enhancing its off-road capabilities. The QX80 could tow up to 8,500 pounds, slightly less than the Lincoln Navigator's maximum capacity.

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator offered three rows of seating, placing it in competition 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 children on longer trips. With the second and third rows folded, the Aviator provided 77 cubic feet of cargo space. However, some controls, like the 30-way seat adjustments and door-release function, were overly complicated, potentially causing confusion for passengers.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 also featured three rows, with a standard seven-seat configuration and an optional eight-seat setup. The front seats offered power adjustments and lumbar support, but lacked thigh support for longer journeys. Passenger space was competitive, though not class-leading, with the third row accommodating adults comfortably. Cargo space was 16.6 cubic feet with all seats in place, expanding to 95.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The QX80's power liftgate and folding third row facilitated easy transitions between passenger and cargo configurations, though storage space in the center console was limited.

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator was equipped with the Sync 3 infotainment system, featuring a 10.1-inch touchscreen in a landscape layout. This setup allowed for seamless integration of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with large icons and readouts. The Aviator also included a fully digital instrument panel and a head-up display, providing essential information in a minimalist manner.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 came with the Infiniti InTouch dual-screen infotainment system, comprising 8.0-inch and 7.0-inch touchscreens. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a WiFi hotspot, and a 13-speaker Bose audio system. However, the user interface was not intuitive, with small screens and controls that were difficult to navigate. The QX80 did offer helpful tech like the Smart Rearview Mirror, which could switch to a streaming-video display, and the Around View Monitor 360-degree camera system.

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 added 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 INFINITI QX80 received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars for side crash tests and three stars for rollover. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. These features were standard, unlike many other luxury brands.