2021 Nissan Rogue vs 2020 Lincoln Aviator

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator had a distinct place in Lincoln’s lineup, positioned below the giant Navigator but above the compact MKC, which was replaced by the Lincoln Corsair. Lincoln's return to using real names over alphabet-soup nomenclature marked a positive shift from copying imports to embracing their brand identity. The Aviator displayed a unified design language consistent across Lincoln sedans, crossovers, and SUVs, characterized by elegant headlights and an upright chrome grille. Its slightly tapered roofline offered an elongated look, complemented by a low, wide beltline that gave it a somewhat boat-like appearance.

Inside, the Aviator's cabin was a feast for the senses, boasting a flowing design with soft-touch materials and selective brightwork. The seats were elegant but sturdy, and the shifter buttons were designed to resemble piano keys. Soft-touch materials covered nearly every surface, from the dash to the door panels, and even the sides of the center console, indicating a deep commitment to luxury. The massive panoramic moonroof and unique warning jingles recorded by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra were standout touches, showing Lincoln's holistic approach to luxury.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Rogue sported a handsome new technical appearance, crafted to look more like an SUV than a car. Dark gray plastic cladding emphasized its rugged aesthetics, and bold simulated skid plates adorned the lower perimeter. Clean LED lighting elements and a prominent V-Motion grille contributed to its modern look, with aluminum wheels up to 19 inches in diameter as standard. A striking optional two-tone paint with a black roof added a custom flair.

The Rogue offered four trims: S, SV, SL, and Platinum, with each trim upgrading in features and luxury. Our test vehicle, the Rogue SL, showcased an Almond color leather interior and a panoramic glass sunroof. The interior was bright and roomy, highlighted by abundant soft-touch surfaces and simulated wood trim. While resembling a family-friendly SUV, the Platinum trim stood out with quilted semi-aniline leather and ambient lighting, offering a genuinely upscale feel.

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator came standard with a robust twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, producing 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, shared with powerhouses like the Explorer and Expedition. The Grand Touring trim took it further, combining the turbo V6 with a 100-hp electric motor, resulting in a hefty 494 hp and 630 lb-ft of torque. Both powertrains utilized a 10-speed automatic transmission, with RWD or AWD options. The Aviator's acceleration was impressive, with both setups reaching 0-60 mph in roughly 4 seconds.

The Grand Touring's plug-in hybrid system excelled in conserving fuel and providing smooth acceleration by using electric power at low speeds. The Aviator offered an "Excite" drive mode for more dynamic driving, though it remained a 5,600-pound SUV. Fuel economy for the standard RWD Aviator was 18 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined, while the AWD version fell slightly. The PHEV achieved a combined 23 mpg, with a 21-mile electric-only range and 56 MPGe combined.

On the other hand, the 2021 Nissan Rogue was powered by a direct-injected 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. Weighing nearly 3,500 pounds, this output was adequate for daily driving. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) performed well, mimicking traditional automatic behavior with programmed ratios and paddle shifters.

Despite adequate power for daily use, the Rogue bossed some adventure DNA. With AWD, 8.2 inches of ground clearance, and new drive modes like Snow and Off-Road, it handled light off-road scenarios competently. During our test drive, the front-wheel-drive Rogue SL achieved 27.5 mpg, slightly below its EPA rating. Nissan hinted at a more powerful turbo variant likely in the future, potentially using the Altima's VC-Turbo engine.

The Rogue's new architecture, using 35% high-strength steel, made for a robust ride. New systems like Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control enhanced handling, and the improved steering, thanks to electric assist relocation and a quicker ratio, resulted in predictable and smooth driving dynamics.

Lincoln’s Aviator, with its three rows, put it in competition with luxury SUVs like the Audi Q7 and Mercedes-Benz GLE. We didn't test the base second-row bench, but the optional captain’s chairs were fantastic. The power-closing third row was adequate for adults on short trips and better suited for kids. With the second and third rows down, the Aviator offered 77 cubic feet of cargo space, comparable to the Cadillac XT6. However, the Aviator's design features, like the door handles and seat controls, were overly complicated at times.

Nissan’s Rogue impressed with its Zero Gravity seat designs, aimed at reducing fatigue and strain, which varied in effectiveness but were quite comfortable. Upgraded trim levels improved seat materials from cloth in S trim to premium leather in Platinum trim. Features like Quick Comfort heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats were available, although ventilated seats were not.

The Rogue’s rear seats provided ample headroom and legroom, and the back doors opened to nearly 90 degrees for easier access. With LATCH anchors and a rear-seat reminder system, it was geared towards families. Nissan also enhanced the Rogue's interior noise insulation for a quieter drive. Practical storage solutions included a space-saving electronic shifter and generously sized panel pockets.

Comparing cargo capacities, the Aviator's 77 cubic feet slightly overshadowed the Rogue's maximum of 74.1 cubic feet, though the Rogue’s storage remained generous for its segment. Additionally, with a power rear liftgate and Divide-N-Hide system, the Rogue offered versatile cargo management.

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator came equipped with the Sync 3 infotainment system and a 10.1-inch touchscreen, favoring a landscape layout. This design ensured that Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were displayed across the entire screen for an optimal user experience. The fully digital instrument panel and a massive head-up display provided comprehensive yet unobtrusive information.

In comparison, Nissan's 2021 Rogue featured competitive infotainment, with the entry-level S trim including an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Moving up to SV or SL trims added NissanConnect Services, a WiFi hotspot, and voice assistant integrations. The SL Premium Package and Platinum trim introduced a larger 9-inch display, real-time traffic navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, and a Bose premium audio system.

In the Platinum trim, the Rogue also featured wireless smartphone charging, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a head-up display. Despite the usability of the system, the small knobs and buttons presented minor challenges.

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including front and side airbags, traction control, and tire pressure monitoring. Its Lincoln Co-Pilot360 suite included advanced driver-assistance systems like forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring and a head-up display were among the additional safety features.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue also prioritized safety. Nissan equipped all trims with their Safety Shield 360, offering advanced safety features such as automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert. It also featured ten airbags, a driver monitoring system, and a rear-seat reminder system. The SV trim added adaptive cruise control, an improved ProPilot Assist system, and a surround-view camera. SL Premium and Platinum trims further enhanced these systems with Navi-link technology for adaptive driving.