2021 Lincoln Aviator vs 2021 Kia Sorento

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator stood out with its distinctive design, avoiding the common trend of emulating competitors' styles. It carried forward the sharp, crisp lines and chrome accents that defined the Navigator, making it a visually striking vehicle. Inside, the Aviator offered a luxurious cabin with soft-touch materials and a 10.1-inch touchscreen that dominated the dash. The piano button shifter and soothing chimes added to the sense of class and comfort, setting it apart from its Ford counterpart.

In contrast, the 2021 Kia Sorento made a significant leap forward in styling, shedding its previous jelly-bean-inspired design for a more athletic and muscular silhouette. The SX Prestige trim with the X-Line package added roof rails and a shark fin antenna, enhancing its rugged appeal. The interior was filled with high-value features, including heated outside mirrors, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Sorento's cabin was comfortable, with ample legroom and a panoramic sunroof that let in plenty of light, although the third row was tight for adults.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator offered a robust performance with its 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. The Grand Touring trims added a plug-in hybrid configuration, boosting output to 494 hp and 630 lb-ft of torque. This hybrid powertrain provided brisk acceleration and a smooth power delivery, although the Aviator's size resulted in noticeable body roll in corners. The drive mode selector offered options like "Excite" and "Conserve," enhancing the driving experience on highways and cul-de-sacs.

The 2021 Kia Sorento, on the other hand, featured a range of powertrains, with the turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine in our test car producing 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. The eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and AWD system with torque vectoring provided a smooth and comfortable ride. The Sorento's various drive modes, including Eco, Normal, and Sport, made a noticeable difference in throttle response and fuel economy. Despite its 4,000-pound weight, the Sorento handled corners well, offering a stable and enjoyable driving experience.

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

The 2021 Kia Sorento, while practical, was best considered a four-seater in its top trims due to the tight third row. The second-row captain's chairs were comfortable, and the front and rear seats offered ample legroom. Cargo space was 75.5 cubic feet with all seats folded, more in line with a compact crossover. The Sorento provided convenient storage options, including a wireless charging spot and cupholders, although the door pockets were limited in size.

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

The 2021 Kia Sorento offered an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 10.25-inch screen on higher trims. While the larger screen looked fantastic, it required a physical connection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the display was partially unusable. The Sorento packed plenty of USB ports and an optional Bose stereo, although the audio quality was not as impressive as expected. The navigation system needed improvement, but most drivers would likely rely on smartphone connectivity for navigation.

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 earned top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, including a Top Safety Pick accolade.

The 2021 Kia Sorento also offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The surround-view camera and front-and-rear camera views were helpful for parking. The Sorento received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, with higher trims earning better ratings for their LED headlights.