2020 Lincoln Aviator vs 2021 Land Rover Defender

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator was positioned between the larger Navigator and the smaller MKC, which was later replaced by the Corsair. Lincoln's return to using real vehicle names signaled a departure from its previous naming conventions, suggesting a move away from mimicking imports. The Aviator featured a cohesive design language across Lincoln's lineup, with striking headlights and a prominent chrome grille. Its slightly tapered roofline and low, wide beltline gave it an elongated, almost nautical appearance. Inside, the Aviator's cabin boasted a flowing design with soft-touch materials and elegant seats, hinting at a luxurious past without being overly nostalgic. The front seats were notably comfortable, with plush leather extending to areas not typically upholstered, showcasing Lincoln's commitment to luxury. Unique touches like a panoramic moonroof and orchestral warning jingles recorded by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra highlighted Lincoln's holistic approach to luxury.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender aimed to capture the essence of its predecessors while embracing modernity. It replaced the traditional round headlamps with half-round LED lights, giving it a serious demeanor. The grille appeared structural, and the flat-topped fenders and floating roof paid homage to its heritage. The Defender's short overhangs and robust stance suggested off-road prowess. Inside, the exposed structure theme continued, with a dash seemingly held by horizontal beams and exposed bolts on the door panels. The controls were substantial, and the leather seating combined toughness with luxury. The digital instrument panel and securely mounted center touchscreen added to the modern feel. The Defender's interior exuded authenticity and quality, with real metal and leather surfaces enhancing the tactile experience.

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 model elevated this with a plug-in hybrid setup, 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 utilized a 10-speed automatic transmission, with the base V6 offering rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, while the hybrid was exclusively AWD. Both versions accelerated from 0-60 mph in about 4 seconds. The hybrid's electric power smoothed out the driving experience, especially at low speeds. The Aviator's steering was light, and its brakes were effective yet cushioned. The driving dynamics leaned towards soft refinement, akin to the Rolls-Royce Cullinan SUV. The Aviator's fuel economy was 18 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined for RWD, with AWD slightly lower. The PHEV achieved a combined 23 mpg, with a 21-mile electric-only range and a 56 MPGe rating.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender offered two powertrains in the U.S. The base was a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four, delivering 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The alternative was a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six mild-hybrid, producing 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. A supercharged 5.0-liter V8 with 518 hp was announced for 2022. All Defenders featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD with low range and Terrain Response. The Defender's off-road specs included a 30.1-degree approach angle, 37.6-degree departure angle, and a 45-degree ascent/descent gradient. On-road, the Defender was quick, with the 2.0-liter model reaching 0-60 mph in 7.7 seconds and the 3.0-liter in 5.8 seconds. It had a towing capacity of 8,200 pounds and a payload capacity of over 1,700 pounds. The Defender excelled in both highway comfort and city maneuverability, with its off-road capabilities remaining largely untested in this review.

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, while the third row was suitable 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 adjustments requiring interaction with the center touchscreen. The door-release mechanism was unconventional, involving a button rather than a handle, which could be problematic in certain situations.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender utilized a unibody platform shared with other Land Rover models, incorporating aluminum for weight reduction and strength. Its independent multi-link air suspension enhanced both on-road comfort and off-road capability. The Defender's interior offered flexible seating configurations, including an optional jump seat in the front and a third-row seat in the long-wheelbase 110 model. Cargo space in the 110 was 34-34.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 78.8 cubic feet behind the first row. The three-door model provided 58.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seats.

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 Land Rover Defender introduced Land Rover's Pivi Pro system, with a 10-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. It supported Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with multiple USB and 12-volt outlets. The Defender's 3D surround-camera system offered various views, including a "transparent hood" view for off-roading. Audio options ranged from a standard six-speaker system to a Meridian system with up to 700 watts. A ClearSight rear-view mirror and a full-color head-up display were also available.

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including front and side-impact airbags, traction control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Lincoln Co-Pilot360 suite added forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, and a head-up display.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender had not been rated by NHTSA or IIHS, but it boasted an extensive list of safety features. These included a perimeter alarm, front airbags with a passenger seat occupant monitor, tire pressure monitoring, electronic traction control, dynamic stability control, roll stability control, emergency braking, anti-lock braking, emergency brake assist, cruise control speed limiter, blind spot assist, lane-keep assist, driver condition monitor, traffic sign recognition, rear traffic monitor, clear exit monitor, and a 360-degree parking aid. The Defender underwent rigorous durability testing, ensuring its capability in challenging conditions.