2021 Buick Encore GX vs 2021 Lincoln Aviator

Buick should have named this SUV the Enigma. It would fit with Buick family monikers including Encore, Envision, and Enclave, and it would describe the genuine confusion surrounding the small SUV, which debuted last year. Of course, the confusion is due in part to its actual name, which is Encore GX.

Larger, more powerful, and better looking than the standard Encore, the Encore GX sounds like it’s nothing more than a new trim level for an existing model. But it’s a totally different vehicle from the Encore. And, strangely, it has a lower base price than the smaller and older Encore.

See? Quite the enigma.

Only a few years ago, Lincoln was in a confusing space. Confusing because many of its cars overlapped with the nicest trims of vehicles from parent company Ford. It was also confusing because of the alphanumeric vehicle names. But Lincoln has ended both of those trends. First, Lincoln has returned to real names for its vehicles, such as the Corsair and Nautilus (Cadillac, are you listening?!).

But what’s in a name? This rebranding would be moot without a compelling product. In this respect, the American luxury brand has delivered, highlighted by the 2021 Lincoln Aviator. This three-row midsize SUV boasts modern technology, potent drivetrain options, and creature comforts that you might sooner find in a high-end German luxury sedan. But this newfound quality comes with a steeper price tag. So is it worth consideration against the likes of the Audi Q7 and RX 350L? Read on to find out.