2021 Lincoln Aviator vs 2021 Hyundai Palisade

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy distinguished itself with a unique grille pattern, revised exterior lighting including puddle lamps, additional lower body trim, 20-inch wheels, upgraded interior detailing, and a simulated suede interior headliner. These features made the Calligraphy trim look fancier than other Palisades, drawing attention with its unconventional styling. Inside, the Calligraphy’s cabin, with its Beige over Navy Blue color scheme, quilted and stitched premium Nappa leather, and suede headliner, appeared far more expensive than its actual price, making it a genuine bargain in the midsize three-row class.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator, carrying over from its 2020 model, nailed the styling with crisp lines and heavy use of chrome, making it an incredibly sharp-looking car. Inside, the Aviator differentiated itself from its Ford counterpart with comfort and warmth, featuring plenty of soft-touch materials and a center console that rose elegantly to the 10.1-inch touchscreen. The piano button shifter and soothing chimes added to the air of class and luxury. The Aviator’s trims ranged from Standard to Black Label Grand Touring, each adding more luxurious features and advanced technology.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade came equipped with a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, with an optional all-wheel-drive system. Drivers could choose between Eco, Comfort, Smart, and Sport driving modes, with AWD models adding a Snow mode and a Lock function. The Palisade AWD had an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 21 mpg in combined driving, and our test vehicle averaged 21.1 mpg. The Palisade’s firmer suspension provided excellent body-motion control, making it enjoyable to drive, though not outright fun. It was undemanding to drive in typical scenarios, with plenty of power and easy maneuverability.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator’s Standard, Reserve, and Black Label trims featured a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine making 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, with available all-wheel drive. The Grand Touring and Grand Touring Black Label trims added a plug-in hybrid configuration, increasing output to 494 hp and 630 lb-ft of torque, with up to 21 miles of pure electric range. The hybrid powertrain provided brisk acceleration, though the Aviator’s heft resulted in noticeable body roll in corners. The Aviator’s drive mode selector included “Excite” and “Conserve” modes, making it well-suited for highways and cul-de-sacs but less composed in city driving.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade offered a spacious and accessible interior, with eight-way power-adjustable seats for the driver and passenger, heated and ventilated front seats and second-row captain’s chairs, and separate climate controls for third-row passengers. The Palisade’s third-row seat was more accommodating than most in its class, and the SUV provided plenty of in-cabin storage space. Cargo space measured 18 cubic feet behind the third-row seats, expanding to 45.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 86.4 cubic feet with the second row folded. The hands-free Smart Liftgate added convenience, though it could be turned off if desired.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator provided 18.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats, expanding to 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 77.7 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. 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. The Aviator’s power-button door releases were a unique feature, though their functionality in the event of a battery failure was a potential concern.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade offered two infotainment systems: an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen requiring a wired connection. The Calligraphy trim included SiriusXM satellite radio, a navigation system, Blue Link connected services, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system. Other features included wireless smartphone charging, a Driver Talk intercom system, Quiet Mode, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera system.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator came standard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running the Sync 3 infotainment system, which was easy to use with a sensible layout. The Aviator’s screen presented Apple CarPlay and Android Auto very well, with large icons taking up the whole screen. The Aviator also featured a fully digital instrument panel and an optional head-up display with large, crisp graphics.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in safety, with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping systems, and a rear occupant alert system. Limited and Calligraphy trims added a more sophisticated ultrasonic rear occupant alert system, active blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning systems, Safe Exit Assist, and a Blind View Monitor. The Palisade earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA and included three free years of Blue Link services.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator came well-equipped with the standard Lincoln Co-Pilot 360 package, including 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 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.