2021 Lincoln Aviator vs 2021 Acura RDX

The 2021 Acura RDX, especially with the optional A-Spec Package, was a stylish SUV. Its subtle yet effective design changes conveyed sportiness without overpromising on performance. Acura avoided making the RDX look like an off-roader, focusing instead on daily driving and road-tripping capabilities. The A-Spec trim, priced at $44,100, added sporty interior features like front sport seats with simulated suede inserts, a sport steering wheel, and unique gauges. However, the red markings on the gauge cluster were hard to read, except at night.

In contrast, the 2021 Lincoln Aviator, which carried over from its 2020 model, nailed its styling with crisp lines and chrome accents. The Aviator's interior was defined by comfort and warmth, featuring soft-touch materials and a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The piano button shifter and soothing chimes added to the luxury feel. The Aviator's trims ranged from Standard to Black Label Grand Touring, with each trim adding more luxurious features. The Grand Touring trim, for instance, included adaptive headlights, heated and ventilated front seats, and massaging Multi-Contour Seats.

The 2021 Acura RDX featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It came with a 10-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, with the option for the SH-AWD system. The SH-AWD system improved handling by delivering up to 70% of engine output to the rear wheels. The RDX offered driving modes like Snow, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+, which adjusted powertrain response, steering effort, and suspension firmness. The A-Spec trim had exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels and performance tires, but it lacked adaptive dampers, which would have improved handling on uneven roads.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator's Standard, Reserve, and Black Label trims came with a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, producing 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. The Grand Touring trims featured a plug-in hybrid powertrain, increasing output to 494 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid could travel up to 21 miles on electric power alone. The Aviator's drive mode selector included modes like "Excite" and "Conserve," suitable for highway and suburban driving. However, the Aviator's long wheelbase made it less maneuverable in tight spaces.

The 2021 Acura RDX, though a compact SUV, offered remarkable passenger and cargo space. The front seats were comfortable and offered 12-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. However, the rear seats lacked leg support and had too much recline angle, making them less comfortable. The RDX had 29.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 58.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. Acura also quoted a maximum cargo volume of 79.8 cubic feet, but this measurement was based on moving the front seats all the way forward.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator provided 18.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats, which increased to 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded. With all rear seats folded, the Aviator offered 77.7 cubic feet of cargo space. The second row, especially in the Grand Touring trim, featured captain's chairs, a center console, and a digital control panel for seat, climate, and audio controls. However, the use of power-button door releases raised concerns about functionality if the battery died.

The 2021 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, which used a touch-sensing pad instead of a touchscreen. The TTI mirrored the screen, making it easier to use than Lexus's touchpad system, but it still required a learning curve and could be distracting. The RDX included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. The A-Spec trim came with a 16-speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D premium audio system, which sounded terrific.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator came standard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running the Sync 3 infotainment system. The screen's landscape format made for a natural layout, and the system was easy to use with a sensible menu layout. The Aviator also included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which were well-presented on the screen. The Aviator featured a fully digital instrument panel and an optional head-up display with crisp graphics.

The 2021 Acura RDX came with AcuraWatch, a suite of safety features including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. However, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert were only available with the Technology Package. The RDX earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received four-star ratings for frontal-impact and rollover resistance.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator came with the standard Lincoln Co-Pilot 360 package, which included automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, and front-and-rear parking sensors. The Co-Pilot 360 Plus package added features like reverse automatic braking, self-parking functionality, and adaptive cruise control. The Aviator earned top marks from the NHTSA and IIHS, including a Top Safety Pick accolade.