2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2021 Lincoln Aviator

2021 Lincoln Aviator
2021 Lincoln Aviator
$50,660MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
$37,580MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Lincoln Aviator
$50,660MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
$37,580MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Lincoln Aviator is 7.8 out of 10, while the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L scores 7.8 out of 10. Given the identical ratings, selecting between these models boils down to personal preference and specific needs. The Lincoln Aviator stands out for its luxurious feel and extensive safety features, making it an excellent choice for those who value comfort and style. The Jeep Grand Cherokee L, however, caters better to family needs and those seeking versatile utility paired with off-road proficiency. Ultimately, choose the vehicle that aligns best with your lifestyle and priorities.

Overview

MSRP

$50,660

MSRP

$37,580

Average price

$41,954

Average price

$33,592

Listings

559

Listings

3051
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10
Pros
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Great ride quality
  • Premium interior materials
Cons
  • Cramped third row
  • Sluggish touchscreen response
  • Advanced safety features are not standard
Pros
  • Great handling
  • Premium interior materials
  • Impressive technology
Cons
  • Underwhelming base engine
  • Advanced safety features are not standard
  • Poor fuel economy

2021 Lincoln Aviator Reviews Summary

Only a few years ago, Lincoln was in a confusing space. Confusing because many of its cars overlapped with the nicest trims of vehicles from parent company Ford. It was also confusing because of the alphanumeric vehicle names. But Lincoln has ended both of those trends. First, Lincoln has returned to real names for its vehicles, such as the Corsair and Nautilus (Cadillac, are you listening?!).

But what’s in a name? This rebranding would be moot without a compelling product. In this respect, the American luxury brand has delivered, highlighted by the 2021 Lincoln Aviator. This three-row midsize SUV boasts modern technology, potent drivetrain options, and creature comforts that you might sooner find in a high-end German luxury sedan. But this newfound quality comes with a steeper price tag. So is it worth consideration against the likes of the Audi Q7 and RX 350L? Read on to find out.

2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Reviews Summary

Over ten years ago, the last 2010 Jeep Commander rolled off a Detroit, Michigan, assembly line, leaving Jeep without a three-row SUV at a time when American families were switching their allegiance from sedans to SUVs in record numbers. While the Grand Cherokee and Wrangler have nevertheless proven popular, Jeep customers have made it clear that they want an SUV with a third-row seat. The redesigned 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L supplies one, and much more.
No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

3.0L 400 hp V6

Engine

3.6L 290 hp V6

Drive Train

RWD

Drive Train

4X2

Seating Capacity

7

Seating Capacity

7

Horsepower

Horsepower

290 hp @ 6400 rpm

MPG City

18

MPG City

19

MPG Highway

26

MPG Highway

26
2021 Lincoln Aviator
2021 Lincoln Aviator
$50,660MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
$37,580MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Lincoln Aviator
$50,660MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
$37,580MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Lincoln Aviator is 7.8 out of 10, while the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L scores 7.8 out of 10. Given the identical ratings, selecting between these models boils down to personal preference and specific needs. The Lincoln Aviator stands out for its luxurious feel and extensive safety features, making it an excellent choice for those who value comfort and style. The Jeep Grand Cherokee L, however, caters better to family needs and those seeking versatile utility paired with off-road proficiency. Ultimately, choose the vehicle that aligns best with your lifestyle and priorities.

Overview
MSRP
$50,660
$37,580
Average price
$41,954
$33,592
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.6
4.9
Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10

Read full review

7.8 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Great ride quality
  • Premium interior materials
Cons
  • Cramped third row
  • Sluggish touchscreen response
  • Advanced safety features are not standard
Pros
  • Great handling
  • Premium interior materials
  • Impressive technology
Cons
  • Underwhelming base engine
  • Advanced safety features are not standard
  • Poor fuel economy
Summary

Only a few years ago, Lincoln was in a confusing space. Confusing because many of its cars overlapped with the nicest trims of vehicles from parent company Ford. It was also confusing because of the alphanumeric vehicle names. But Lincoln has ended both of those trends. First, Lincoln has returned to real names for its vehicles, such as the Corsair and Nautilus (Cadillac, are you listening?!).

But what’s in a name? This rebranding would be moot without a compelling product. In this respect, the American luxury brand has delivered, highlighted by the 2021 Lincoln Aviator. This three-row midsize SUV boasts modern technology, potent drivetrain options, and creature comforts that you might sooner find in a high-end German luxury sedan. But this newfound quality comes with a steeper price tag. So is it worth consideration against the likes of the Audi Q7 and RX 350L? Read on to find out.

Over ten years ago, the last 2010 Jeep Commander rolled off a Detroit, Michigan, assembly line, leaving Jeep without a three-row SUV at a time when American families were switching their allegiance from sedans to SUVs in record numbers. While the Grand Cherokee and Wrangler have nevertheless proven popular, Jeep customers have made it clear that they want an SUV with a third-row seat. The redesigned 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L supplies one, and much more.
Video
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
3.0L 400 hp V6
3.6L 290 hp V6
Drive Train
RWD
4X2
Seating Capacity
7
7
Horsepower
290 hp @ 6400 rpm
MPG City
18
19
MPG Highway
26
26
Look and feel
2021 Lincoln Aviator
9/10
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
9/10

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator stood apart from its competitors with an impeccable sense of style. Lincoln’s strategic decision to not emulate their rivals' designs proved effective. They carried forward the striking design elements from their flagship Navigator effortlessly into the Aviator. The 2020 model marked its debut, and the 2021 version mostly remained the same, reflecting exquisite design language through crisp lines and chrome details, creating an exceptionally sharp appearance that truly benefited from generous chrome use.

Inside, Lincoln ensured the Aviator felt a world apart from its Ford counterpart, the Explorer. The cabin exuded comfort and warmth, filled with soft-touch materials and chromed accents galore. The elegant rise of the center console led up to a dominating 10.1-inch touchscreen, featuring a practical and stylish layout. The Aviator’s interior was further distinguished by the intuitive piano button shifter placed smartly in the middle of the dash, complemented by unique, soothing chimes for alerts and notifications—adding to the luxurious ambiance.

The trim options for the Aviator ranged from Standard, Reserve, Grand Touring, Black Label, to Black Label Grand Touring. Standard trim included key features like synthetic leather upholstery and a power liftgate. Reserve trim upgraded to 12-way power-adjustable front seats and a sparkling 12-speaker Revel premium stereo system. The Grand Touring added a plug-in hybrid powertrain and massaging Multi-Contour Seats. The Black Label trimmings provided the utmost luxury, incorporating the Convenience and Luxury packages as standard, featuring a 28-speaker Revel Ultima sound system.

Conversely, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L introduced a new seven-passenger model to its lineup. Unlike the old five-passenger two-row Grand Cherokee, the Grand Cherokee L was based on the redesigned 2022 Grand Cherokee, rather emphasizing extended length and a third-row seat.

Stylistically, the Grand Cherokee L borrowed cues from the upcoming Grand Wagoneer, presenting a visually compact yet refined silhouette. Graced with Jeep’s signature seven-slot grille and trapezoidal wheel arches, it maintained a cohesive and attractive profile regardless of the trim level chosen.

Trim levels for the Grand Cherokee L included Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve, ranging between $36,995 and $64,235, with a destination charge of $1,695. Our test vehicle sported the Summit trim with four-wheel drive (4WD) and a host of luxurious touches such as quilted leather, though some materials fell short of the price tag's prestige.

Performance
2021 Lincoln Aviator
6/10
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
7/10

Under the hood, the 2021 Lincoln Aviator’s Standard, Reserve, and Black Label trims housed a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine delivering an impressive 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Buyers had the option of rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD).

The Grand Touring and Black Label Grand Touring took performance up a notch, featuring the same twin-turbo V6 engine married to a plug-in hybrid setup. This configuration boosted output to a striking 494 horsepower and a massive 630 lb-ft of torque. It also afforded up to 21 miles of electric-only driving. Despite the SUV’s hefty build, the hybrid setup delivered brisk acceleration, ideal for smooth, powerful rides. However, the Aviator exhibited noticeable body roll in corners and felt cumbersome in tight spaces even with its range of drive modes like "Excite" and "Conserve."

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L’s baseline engine was a 3.6-liter V6 delivering 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. It paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and offered RWD or one of three 4WD systems. The V6 featured brisk acceleration but could be noisy under heavy revving. The eight-speed transmission managed shifts efficiently but seemed hesitant to downshift, possibly a measure to enhance fuel economy.

A more powerful option lay in the 5.7-liter V8 engine available in higher trims. This engine produced 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque while boosting towing capacity from 6,200 pounds to 7,200 pounds. Despite the power, the V8 saw a dip in fuel economy to 17 mpg combined.

The new Grand Cherokee L confidently tackled tough terrains with its Quadra-Lift adaptive air suspension and a host of off-road modes. In contrast, the Aviator was better suited for highway cruising and urban drives rather than demanding off-road adventures.

Form and function
2021 Lincoln Aviator
8/10
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
7/10

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator excelled in terms of cargo capacity, offering 18.3 cubic feet behind the third-row seats, expandable to 41.8 cubic feet with the third-row folded. Fully folded rear seats unlocked a generous 77.7 cubic feet, establishing it as a strong contender in the midsize luxury SUV segment. An available hands-free power liftgate further enhanced convenience.

In comparison, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L provided slightly less cargo space but was still competitive. With 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expandability to 46.9 cubic feet with the third row down, and a total of 84.6 cubic feet with all rear seats folded, it catered well to family-oriented needs. However, the Grand Cherokee L's front-row storage fell short of expectations for practical daily usage.

Both vehicles featured comfortable cabins: the Aviator flaunted second-row captain's chairs and a highly functional digital control panel, while the Grand Cherokee L boasted heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats and a four-zone climate control system.

Technology
2021 Lincoln Aviator
8/10
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
9/10

For 2021, the Lincoln Aviator impressed with a 10.1-inch touchscreen utilizing the Sync 3 infotainment system. It combined an intuitive user interface with practical redundant controls. The infotainment system included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring connectivity was seamless and user-friendly. Additionally, the Aviator featured a flexible fully digital instrument panel and an optional, well-executed head-up display (HUD).

The Jeep Grand Cherokee L came with the Uconnect 5 system, offering enhanced responsiveness and user experience improvements. Available in either 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch screens, it covered basic and advanced infotainment needs effectively. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and included several other connectivity features. Highlights included Alexa compatibility, natural voice-recognition, and an impressive 19-speaker McIntosh audio system, though some aesthetic choices felt oddly placed.

Safety
2021 Lincoln Aviator
9/10
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
8/10

The Lincoln Aviator came generously equipped with safety features. The Lincoln Co-Pilot 360 package encompassed essentials like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The enhanced Co-Pilot 360 Plus added reverse automatic braking, self-parking functionalities, and adaptive cruise control. These features worked seamlessly, contributing to the Aviator’s top safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, as well as its Top Safety Pick accolade.

Jeep's Grand Cherokee L introduced the Active Driving Assist, combining adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance. While effective, the steering assist felt a bit artificial at times. Additionally, the Intersection Collision Assist enhanced safety in urban environments. The Grand Cherokee L offered a full suite of driver aids, including Park Assist and a thermal-imaging night vision system. Crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of review, but improvements over the older model were anticipated.

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By: CarGurus + AI

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