2021 Lincoln Aviator vs 2021 Audi Q5

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator stood out with its distinctive design, avoiding the common trend of emulating competitors' styles. It carried forward the successful design language of the Navigator, resulting in a sharp-looking vehicle with crisp lines and tasteful chrome accents. Inside, the Aviator offered a warm and comfortable cabin, distinct from its Ford counterpart, with soft-touch materials and a well-integrated 10.1-inch touchscreen. The piano button shifter and soothing chimes added to the luxurious feel, while various trims provided a range of features, from synthetic leather upholstery in the Standard trim to massaging front seats in the Grand Touring trim.

In contrast, the 2021 Audi Q5 maintained its individual character within the Audi lineup, featuring a modern and classy appearance with LED headlights and a prominent Singleframe grille. The interior was equally impressive, with a clean and uncluttered design, high-quality materials, and a 10.1-inch touchscreen positioned for optimal driver visibility. The Q5's cabin was marked by real wood and metal accents, providing an authentic feel. The second row offered ample space, and the overall fit and finish were exceptional, making the Q5 a standout in its class.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator offered a robust performance with its 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque across the Standard, Reserve, and Black Label trims. The Grand Touring and Grand Touring Black Label trims enhanced this with a plug-in hybrid configuration, boosting output to 494 hp and 630 lb-ft of torque. This hybrid setup allowed for up to 21 miles of electric-only driving. The Aviator's drive mode selector offered unique options like "Excite" and "Conserve," though it was more suited for highway cruising than city driving due to its size and body roll in corners.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV combined a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing a total of 362 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque. This setup provided brisk acceleration, reaching 0-60 mph in 5.0 seconds, and offered impressive fuel economy with 65 MPGe combined. The Q5 PHEV's battery could be recharged overnight or in 2.4 hours with a Level 2 charger. It featured a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with Quattro all-wheel drive, offering various driving modes for efficient use of battery power. The Q5's handling was sporty yet comfortable, with minimal body roll and powerful braking.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator provided 18.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a total of 77.7 cubic feet with all rear seats down. The second row, especially in the Grand Touring trim, offered captain's chairs and a digital control panel for added convenience. However, the power-button door releases raised concerns about functionality if the battery failed.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV cleverly housed its battery pack under the luggage compartment floor, preserving cargo space. It offered 25.1 cubic feet behind the second row and 53.1 cubic feet with the second row folded. The second row provided ample legroom and headroom, accommodating two adults comfortably. The front seats were highly adjustable and supportive, with heating and ventilation options. The interior design was smartly laid out, with practical storage solutions and an uncluttered appearance.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen with the Sync 3 infotainment system, offering a user-friendly interface and seamless integration of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The digital instrument panel and optional head-up display provided clear and easy-to-read information, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV boasted Audi's MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by the Virtual Cockpit Plus 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster. The system offered three customizable views and was paired with ambient interior lighting for a futuristic feel. The Prestige Package included navigation, and the Integrated Toll Module was a convenient addition. The Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system provided excellent sound quality, and wireless Apple CarPlay was a seamless feature.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator came equipped with the Lincoln Co-Pilot 360 package, offering features like 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 received top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, earning a Top Safety Pick accolade.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV shared many safety features with its gasoline counterpart, which received high ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS. Standard safety features included six airbags, Audi Pre Sense, and electronic stability control. Available driver-assistance features included adaptive cruise control, park steering assist, and a top-view camera system, enhancing safety and convenience.