2021 Lincoln Aviator vs 2021 Nissan Kicks

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator was a standout in terms of design, avoiding the temptation to mimic its competitors. It carried forward the sharp, crisp lines and heavy chrome use from the Navigator, making it one of the most visually appealing modern cars. Inside, the Aviator differentiated itself from its Ford counterpart with a luxurious cabin filled with soft-touch materials, chrome accents, and a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The piano button shifter and soothing chimes added to the air of class and luxury.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks, on the other hand, received significant exterior updates, aligning it with the new design language seen in models like the Nissan Armada and Rogue. The Kicks featured a bold V-motion design, thinner headlights, and a new bumper and taillight combination. The SR trim level added LED headlights and fog lights, enhancing its sporty look. Inside, the Kicks maintained its practical and user-friendly layout, with higher quality materials and new seat designs that improved comfort and aesthetics.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator offered a robust performance with its 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, producing 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and came with either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The Grand Touring and Grand Touring Black Label 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 excelled in highway driving but struggled with body roll in corners and tight city spaces.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks came with a single powertrain option: a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive, the Kicks offered nimble handling and easy maneuverability, especially in tight city spaces. Despite its modest power, the Kicks maintained good nature on icy roads and provided a smooth driving experience. The Kicks also boasted impressive fuel efficiency, with an EPA rating of 31 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator provided ample cargo space, with 18.3 cubic feet behind the third-row seats, 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 model, offered luxurious captain's chairs and a digital control panel for climate and audio settings. However, the power-button door releases raised concerns about functionality if the battery died.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks made the most of its compact size with easy-to-reach buttons and knobs, good small-item storage, and multiple USB ports. The Kicks featured a D-shaped steering wheel, adjustable seats, and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. It offered best-in-class front seat legroom, though the hip room was less ideal for larger drivers. The available tonneau cover provided hidden storage, enhancing the practicality of the cargo area.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator came standard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running the intuitive Sync 3 infotainment system. The landscape layout of the screen made for a natural user experience, and the system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Aviator also featured a fully digital instrument panel and an optional head-up display with crisp graphics.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks offered a competitive array of tech features, starting with a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. Higher trims added features like Nissan Intelligent Key, automatic climate control, and a 7-inch driver information screen. The Kicks SR Premium Package included a class-exclusive Bose Personal Plus sound system with speakers in the headrests, providing an immersive audio experience. The Kicks also offered a surround-view monitor and a WiFi hotspot for over-the-air updates.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator came well-equipped with standard safety features from the Lincoln Co-Pilot 360 package, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Co-Pilot 360 Plus package added reverse automatic braking, self-parking functionality, and adaptive cruise control. The Aviator earned top marks from both the NHTSA and IIHS, including a Top Safety Pick accolade.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks featured Nissan Safety Shield 360 as standard, which included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, and rear automatic braking. The Kicks also came with 10 airbags, a driver alertness monitor, and rear door alert on higher trims. While the 2021 model had not been crash-tested, the 2020 model received good ratings from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.