2021 Lincoln Aviator vs 2021 Lexus GX

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 luxurious cabin that was hard to associate with its Ford Explorer platform. The interior was defined by comfort and warmth, featuring soft-touch materials and a prominent 10.1-inch touchscreen. Unique elements like the piano button shifter and soothing chimes added to the Aviator's air of class and luxury.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus GX 460's styling reflected its long tenure on the market, maintaining the same basic body shell with updates over the years. The GX featured Lexus' spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights, giving it a tough, aggressive look. However, the interior did not match modern luxury SUV standards, with wood trim that felt like molded plastic and an abundance of actual plastic. Despite standard leather upholstery, the GX's cabin felt dated, lacking the refinement expected in a luxury vehicle.

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. This power was managed by a 10-speed automatic transmission, available in rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. The Grand Touring trims featured a plug-in hybrid configuration, boosting output to 494 hp and 630 lb-ft of torque, with a 21-mile electric-only range. The Aviator provided smooth acceleration and was well-suited for highway driving, though it exhibited body roll in corners and was less agile in city environments.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460 kept things simple with a 4.6-liter V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The GX's performance was reminiscent of older SUVs, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.8 seconds. Its 5,130-pound weight was noticeable at higher speeds, requiring careful planning for merging and overtaking. The GX excelled in off-road capability, featuring a Torsen center differential, low-range 4WD, and several driver aids. However, its on-road ride quality was typical of a body-on-frame vehicle, lacking the refinement of modern unibody SUVs.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator provided ample cargo space, with 18.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding 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 was particularly comfortable, featuring captain's chairs and a digital control panel. However, the use of power-button door releases raised concerns about functionality if the battery died.

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior ergonomics showed its age, with limited legroom and an awkward steering wheel position. The dashboard design offered excellent outward visibility, but forward visibility was hindered by the tall hood. Storage options were limited, with small center-console bins and cupholders. The GX offered three rows of seating, but the third row was best for occasional use due to limited space. Cargo capacity was 64.7 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded, significantly less than competitors.

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

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The standard infotainment system had outdated graphics and limited functionality. However, Lexus included analog controls for most functions, providing a straightforward interface despite the lack of modern tech.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator came equipped with the Lincoln Co-Pilot 360 package, offering a range of standard driver assistance features. The Co-Pilot 360 Plus package added advanced features like reverse automatic braking and adaptive cruise control. The Aviator received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, earning a Top Safety Pick accolade.

The 2021 Lexus GX included the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, with features like forward-collision warning and adaptive cruise control. However, it lacked some advanced safety features found in other Lexus models. The GX had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS.