2021 Lincoln Aviator vs 2021 Lexus NX

The 2021 Lexus NX was available in three versions: the NX 300, NX 300 F Sport, and the NX 300h hybrid. This comparison focused on the gasoline models, specifically the performance-oriented F Sport version. The NX carried over Lexus's signature design elements, featuring sharp lines and a sculpted exterior similar to the smaller UX and larger RX models. Standard features included power-folding outside mirrors and 17-inch wheels. The F Sport variant added a sportier touch with a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels.

Inside, the F Sport model boasted exclusive quilted NuLuxe sport seats, with options for a Circuit Red interior color scheme. The interior materials were of high quality, consistent with Lexus's reputation. The gauge cluster featured a familiar four-dial setup with a 4.2-inch multi-information display, though it appeared dated compared to newer models. The center stack, with its elevated climate-control buttons and rare CD player, also showed its age. Despite these quirks, the NX's interior remained functional and comfortable.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator, which carried over from its 2020 debut, showcased Lincoln's distinct design language, avoiding the temptation to mimic its rivals. The Aviator's exterior featured crisp lines and chrome accents, giving it a sharp and luxurious appearance. Inside, the Aviator differentiated itself from its Ford Explorer 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 interior also included a piano button shifter and soothing chimes for alerts, adding to its luxurious feel. Trims ranged from Standard to Black Label Grand Touring, each offering progressively more features. The Grand Touring trim, tested here, included a plug-in hybrid powertrain, adaptive headlights, and Multi-Contour Seats with a massaging function. The rear seat area featured multiple USB ports, power outlets, and a digital control panel for rear settings, enhancing passenger comfort and convenience.

The 2021 Lexus NX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The six-speed automatic transmission was adequate but lagged behind newer multi-speed transmissions. The NX accelerated from zero to 60 mph in around seven seconds, a standard performance for its segment. While the powertrain could get noisy under hard acceleration, the ride was generally quiet. The F Sport model included Active Sound Control to enhance the engine note electronically, though some purists found this feature unnecessary.

Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trims. The AWD system could transfer up to 50% of torque to the rear axle but lacked individual-wheel torque vectoring. Fuel economy was decent, with the FWD model achieving 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined. AWD models had similar figures, with a slight drop in combined efficiency. The NX also featured an adaptive-suspension system for a smoother ride. Despite its agility, the steering was numb, providing little feedback. The NX offered three drive modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport, each affecting throttle response and power-steering assist. The NX had a 2,000-pound towing capacity and a top speed of 124 mph.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator came with a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, producing 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive were available. The Grand Touring and Grand Touring Black Label trims featured a plug-in hybrid powertrain, boosting output to 494 hp and 630 lb-ft of torque, with a 21-mile electric-only 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 offered modes like "Excite" and "Conserve," reflecting its non-performance SUV nature. The Aviator excelled on highways and in suburban settings but struggled in tight city driving due to its long wheelbase. Overall, the Aviator's performance was robust, with the hybrid model offering a smooth yet powerful driving experience.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an upscale interior with comfortable front seats and adequate legroom in the second row. Heated and ventilated seats were available, and the rear seats offered a 60/40 split-folding configuration. While engine noise could intrude, road and wind noise were minimal. However, the NX's cargo space was limited, with 17.7 cubic feet behind the second row and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. A power liftgate with kick sensor technology and power-folding rear seats were available options.

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. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free option available. The Aviator's second row, especially in the Grand Touring trim, offered captain's chairs, a center console, and a digital control panel for seat, climate, and audio controls. The use of power-button door releases was a unique feature, though it raised concerns about functionality if the battery died.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an 8-inch touchscreen, with a 10.3-inch option available in the Navigation package. The infotainment system included HomeLink, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Navigation package added Lexus Enform Destination Assist, a personal concierge service. Standard features included keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, a USB port, HD Radio, and a WiFi hotspot. The Lexus Premium Audio system was standard, with an optional Mark Levinson 14-speaker system. The Lexus Enform Remote mobile app allowed remote control of various vehicle functions, and Lexus Enform Services Connect provided maintenance alerts.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator came standard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running the Sync 3 infotainment system. The landscape layout of the screen was user-friendly, and the system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Aviator also featured a fully digital instrument panel and an optional head-up display. The Sync 3 system was intuitive, with redundant controls in the center stack for ease of use.

The 2021 Lexus NX came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included a rearview camera, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, automatic high beams, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. Optional features included park assist, a surround-view camera system, and adaptive headlights. The NX received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with no recalls reported. Lexus provided a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator came with the standard Lincoln Co-Pilot 360 package, which included 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 received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, earning a Top Safety Pick accolade.