2021 Lincoln Aviator vs 2021 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse was a nod to the past, with its design relying heavily on styling details to distinguish between trim levels. Its exterior was a classic SUV look, featuring a tall roof, chunky wheel arches, and a prominent grille, which appealed to buyers seeking a clean and handsome design. While it didn't quite match the personality of the Ford Explorer or the streamlined appearance of the Mazda CX-9, the Traverse's restrained styling allowed for cosmetic elements to shine across different trims. The RS model sported blacked-out trim, while the High Country model featured chrome accents. The interior mirrored the exterior's simplicity, with an optional Dual SkyScape sunroof as a standout feature. Materials in the RS model were decent, though not entirely justifying its $50,000 price tag.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator, on the other hand, embraced a distinct style, drawing inspiration from the successful Navigator. Its sharp design was characterized by crisp lines and chrome accents, making it a standout in the luxury SUV segment. Inside, the Aviator offered a warm and comfortable cabin, with soft-touch materials and a 10.1-inch touchscreen dominating the dash. The piano button shifter added a unique touch, and the soothing chimes for alerts contributed to the Aviator's luxurious feel. The Aviator's trims ranged from Standard to Black Label Grand Touring, each offering a range of features, from synthetic leather upholstery to a 28-speaker Revel Ultima sound system. The Grand Touring trim, in particular, impressed with its plug-in hybrid powertrain and massaging Multi-Contour Seats.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. While the powertrain didn't feel particularly strong off the line, it provided sufficient power for highway merging and overtaking. The Traverse excelled in highway road manners, offering a quiet cabin and comfortable ride, though it lacked agility on twisty roads. Its AWD system, which required manual activation, could send torque to individual wheels but didn't noticeably enhance handling. The Traverse offered off-road and tow/haul drive modes, with a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, which was average for the segment.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator came with a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Grand Touring trims featured a plug-in hybrid configuration, boosting output to 494 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque, with a 21-mile electric range. The hybrid powertrain provided brisk acceleration, though the Aviator's heft was noticeable in corners. The drive mode selector offered options like "Excite" and "Conserve," enhancing the driving experience. The Aviator was well-suited for highways but less composed in city driving.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse offered seating for seven or eight, with above-average headroom and legroom in all three rows. It excelled in cargo space, providing 23.0 cubic feet with all seats up, 57.8 cubic feet with the third row stowed, and 98.2 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. A power liftgate was available, with higher trims featuring a gesture-activated liftgate. Despite its size, the Traverse was limited in interior storage options, typical of midsize crossovers.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator provided 18.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 77.7 cubic feet with all rear seats down. The second row was particularly comfortable, with captain's chairs and a digital control panel for seat, climate, and audio controls. The Aviator's power-button door releases were a unique feature, though they raised concerns about functionality if the battery died.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse featured a standard 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an 8-inch screen, navigation, and a Bose audio system available on higher trims. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with analog controls for audio and climate. The Traverse also offered a rearview camera mirror and an optional HD surround-view camera system, enhancing visibility and maneuverability. USB ports were standard across all rows, with wireless phone charging available on higher trims.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running the Sync 3 infotainment system, offering a user-friendly interface with redundant controls. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with large icons for easy access. The Aviator also featured a fully digital instrument panel and an optional head-up display, providing clear and easy-to-read information.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse received top "Good" scores from the IIHS in crash tests and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. However, it had "Acceptable" and "Poor" headlight ratings and limited standard driver-assist tech. Features like adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking were optional, unlike many competitors.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator was well-equipped with safety features, including the standard Lincoln Co-Pilot 360 package, which offered automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and more. 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.