2021 Lincoln Aviator vs 2021 Honda Pilot

The 2021 Honda Pilot aimed to balance styling with reliability, safety, comfort, and performance. Despite efforts to enhance its rugged appearance with a 2019 refresh and a 2020 Black Edition, the exterior design remained polarizing. The Pilot was available in seven trims, ranging from the base LX to the upscale Black Edition, with prices between $32,250 and $49,920. The Black Edition, which we tested, featured exclusive black leather upholstery with red accents and ambient lighting, but its minivan-like front seat design and drab exterior did not enhance its appeal.

In contrast, the 2021 Lincoln Aviator embraced a distinct design language, avoiding the temptation to mimic competitors. Its sharp lines and chrome accents gave it a sophisticated look, reminiscent of the larger Navigator. Inside, the Aviator offered a luxurious cabin with soft-touch materials and a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The piano button shifter and soothing chimes added to the Aviator's air of class. The Aviator was available in trims like Standard, Reserve, and Grand Touring, each offering a range of premium features, including the impressive Multi-Contour Seats with a massaging function in the Grand Touring trim.

The 2021 Honda Pilot was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided smooth and refined power, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Pilot offered a torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system, enhancing traction and handling. Fuel-saving features included variable-cylinder management and automatic engine stop/start, with an EPA rating of 22 mpg combined for AWD models. The Pilot's suspension provided a comfortable ride and surprisingly athletic handling, though its off-road capability was limited by modest ground clearance and all-season tires.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator featured a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, producing 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. This power was managed by a 10-speed automatic transmission, with options for rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. The Grand Touring trims added a plug-in hybrid configuration, boosting output to 494 hp and 630 lb-ft of torque, with a 21-mile electric range. The Aviator's drive mode selector offered unique modes like "Excite" and "Conserve," enhancing its highway performance. However, its long wheelbase and body roll made city driving less composed.

The 2021 Honda Pilot offered ample space for families, seating up to eight with a second-row bench seat. The front seats were comfortable, with 10-way power adjustment for the driver. Second-row captain's chairs were available, providing comfort and sliding forward for third-row access. The Pilot featured numerous storage solutions and a power tailgate, revealing 16.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. Folding the seats expanded cargo capacity to 83.9 cubic feet, making it suitable for family trips.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator provided 18.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, with power-folding seats increasing capacity to 77.7 cubic feet. The second row, especially in the Grand Touring model, offered captain's chairs and a digital control panel for comfort and convenience. The Aviator's power-button door releases were a unique feature, though they raised concerns about battery failure.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims added navigation, a WiFi hotspot, and a premium audio system. The system was functional but lacked a tuning knob and had limited voice-recognition capabilities. The Touring trim included a rear-seat entertainment system and Cabin Talk feature for communication with rear passengers.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running the Sync 3 infotainment system. The landscape layout and intuitive interface made it user-friendly, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The Aviator also featured a digital instrument panel and an optional head-up display, enhancing the driving experience with clear graphics and easy-to-use controls.

The 2021 Honda Pilot included the Honda Sensing suite, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. While effective, the system lacked refinement. The Pilot received favorable crash-test ratings, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "good" ratings from the IIHS, except for an "acceptable" score in small overlap frontal-impact protection.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator was equipped with the Lincoln Co-Pilot 360 package, featuring automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, 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 the NHTSA and IIHS, including a Top Safety Pick accolade.