2021 Jeep Renegade 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. Lincoln's shift from alphanumeric names to real vehicle names signaled a departure from mimicking import brands. The Aviator's design was consistent with Lincoln's new aesthetic, featuring elegant headlights and a prominent chrome grille. Its slightly tapered roofline and low, wide beltline gave it a sleek, elongated appearance. Inside, the Aviator's cabin was a blend of luxury and functionality, with soft-touch materials and a flowing design. The seats were both elegant and robust, with shifter buttons resembling piano keys. Lincoln's commitment to luxury was evident in the plush leather used throughout the interior, even in less visible areas. Unique touches like a panoramic moonroof and orchestral warning jingles added to its luxurious feel. The Aviator offered five trims, each with a range of features, from the well-equipped Standard to the opulent Black Label Grand Touring, which included a plug-in hybrid drivetrain.

The 2021 Jeep Renegade, introduced in 2015, shared its platform with the Jeep Compass but drew design inspiration from the iconic Wrangler. Its boxy profile, circular headlights, and seven-slat grille were reminiscent of the Wrangler. The Renegade's 2019 refresh carried over into 2021, with some previously optional features becoming standard. Inside, the Renegade's cabin was modern and functional, with an upright center stack for easy access to controls. It offered various trims and special editions, each with distinct features. The Sport trim included essentials like push-button start and a 7-inch touchscreen, while the Jeepster added keyless entry and unique badging. The adventure-focused Upland trim featured skid plates and 4WD, while the luxury-oriented Limited offered leather upholstery and heated seats. The Trailhawk trim, designed for off-road capability, included skid plates, tow hooks, and an upgraded 4WD system.

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 enhanced this setup with a 100-hp electric motor, resulting in a combined 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 drive or all-wheel drive, while the plug-in hybrid was exclusively all-wheel drive. Both versions could accelerate from 0-60 mph in about 4 seconds. The Grand Touring's hybrid system provided smooth, confident acceleration and improved fuel efficiency, with an electric-only range of 21 miles and a combined rating of 56 miles-per-gallon equivalent. 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 with RWD was 18 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined, while the AWD version achieved 17, 24, and 20 mpg, respectively.

The 2021 Jeep Renegade offered two engine options: a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 180 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged 1.3-liter four-cylinder with 177 hp and 210 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, available in front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. While neither engine was particularly spirited, the turbocharged option provided better torque and refinement. The Renegade's ride quality was solid, with a composed suspension and impressive maneuverability, making it well-suited for city driving. The Trailhawk trim, with its off-road suspension and 8.7 inches of ground clearance, excelled in off-road conditions. The Renegade's terrain management system offered various drive modes, enhancing its versatility.

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, some interior controls, like the seat adjustments and door handles, were overly complex, potentially causing confusion for passengers.

The 2021 Jeep Renegade provided 50.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 18.5 cubic feet with them in use, making it competitive in the subcompact SUV segment. Its tall, boxy design allowed for ample headroom in both rows, with sufficient legroom for adults in the front seats. The Renegade featured numerous storage solutions, including cubbies and trays, and the front passenger seat could fold forward for additional space.

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 a wealth of information in a minimalist format.

The 2021 Jeep Renegade came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen, with an optional 8.4-inch screen on higher trims. Both screens ran the intuitive Uconnect system, featuring a logical menu layout and easy-to-read graphics. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with a Kenwood premium audio system available.

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as front and side-impact airbags, traction control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Lincoln Co-Pilot360 suite offered advanced driver-assistance systems, including forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams.

For 2021, the Jeep Renegade made several safety features standard, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-path detection. However, the Trailhawk trim lacked standard emergency braking. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and parking sensors. Despite these enhancements, the Renegade received a four-star crash test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.