2021 Buick Envision vs 2021 Lincoln Aviator

The 2021 Buick Envision underwent a significant redesign, presenting a lower and wider stance compared to its predecessor. This two-row compact crossover, positioned between the smaller Encore GX and the larger Enclave, showcased a more sculpted appearance, though it wasn't as sleek as some of its rivals like the Acura RDX. The Envision offered three trim levels: Preferred, Essence, and the premium Avenir, which debuted this year. The Avenir trim featured upgraded exterior elements, including a Black Ice Chrome mesh grille and 20-inch Avenir-specific wheels, while the interior boasted leather-appointed seating and a head-up display. Despite its stylish design, the Envision's use of piano black plastic on the dashboard and center console attracted dust, detracting from its premium feel.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator, carrying over from its 2020 debut, embraced a distinct design language that set it apart from its competitors. With crisp lines and chrome accents, the Aviator exuded a sharp and luxurious appearance. Inside, the Aviator differentiated itself from its Ford counterpart with a cabin defined by comfort and warmth, featuring soft-touch materials and a 10.1-inch touchscreen dominating the dash. The Aviator's trims ranged from Standard to Black Label Grand Touring, each offering a range of features, including synthetic leather upholstery, power-adjustable seats, and a panoramic sunroof. The Grand Touring trim, which we tested, added a plug-in hybrid powertrain and luxurious features like massaging front seats, enhancing the Aviator's appeal as a premium SUV.

The 2021 Buick Envision featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. While this engine was less powerful than its predecessor, Buick managed to reduce the vehicle's weight by 200 to 300 pounds, depending on the trim. This weight reduction contributed to improved fuel efficiency, with the FWD model achieving an EPA-estimated 24 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. However, the Envision's acceleration and deceleration were accompanied by noticeable engine and road noise, detracting from its premium appeal. The SUV's drivability leaned more towards comfort than sportiness, with a typical GM drive mode selector offering a Sport mode that altered revs but did not significantly enhance performance.

In contrast, the 2021 Lincoln Aviator offered a more powerful performance with its 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, available in RWD or AWD configurations. The Grand Touring and Grand Touring Black Label trims featured a plug-in hybrid setup, boosting output to 494 hp and 630 lb-ft of torque, with an electric-only range of up to 21 miles. The Aviator's hybrid powertrain provided brisk acceleration, though its size and weight resulted in noticeable body roll in corners. The Aviator's drive mode selector included unique modes like "Excite" and "Conserve," enhancing its suitability for highway cruising and suburban driving.

The 2021 Buick Envision, despite its aesthetic improvements, did not enhance cabin functionality. The redesigned model offered less headroom, legroom, and shoulder room in the front row, with rear-seat passengers losing two inches of legroom and nearly six inches of hip room. Cargo capacity also decreased, with 25.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 53.7 cubic feet with the seats folded. The driver-centric cockpit limited passenger access to controls, and forward visibility was challenging for shorter drivers. However, the Envision maintained good small-item storage and standard features like heated seats and a heated steering wheel.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator excelled in interior space and functionality, providing 18.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats, expandable to 77.7 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. The second row, especially in the Grand Touring model, offered captain's chairs and a digital control panel for seat, climate, and audio settings. The Aviator's power-button door releases raised concerns about functionality in case of a battery failure, but overall, the Aviator provided a spacious and comfortable cabin experience.

The 2021 Buick Envision featured a standard 10.2-inch infotainment touchscreen, offering a clean and responsive interface. The driver could access station and song information faster on the available 8.0-inch driver information display. Standard tech features included USB ports, dual-zone automatic climate control, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Available options included navigation, a surround-view camera, and wireless device charging, though the tech offerings were not particularly groundbreaking.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator came equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running the intuitive Sync 3 infotainment system. The landscape format of the screen provided a natural layout, and the system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with large icons. The Aviator also featured a fully digital instrument panel and an optional head-up display with crisp graphics. The infotainment system's ease of use and thoughtful design contributed to the Aviator's tech appeal.

The 2021 Buick Envision had not yet been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS due to its new generation. Standard safety features included a following distance indicator, forward-collision alert, and lane-keep assist. The Avenir trim offered adaptive cruise control and enhanced automatic park assist, though the Envision lacked advanced systems like GM's Super Cruise.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator boasted a comprehensive suite of safety features, including the standard Lincoln Co-Pilot 360 package with automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. The Co-Pilot 360 Plus package added reverse automatic braking and adaptive cruise control. The Aviator earned top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, including a Top Safety Pick accolade.