2021 Toyota 4Runner vs 2021 Lincoln Aviator

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator was a standout in terms of design, with its sharp lines and generous use of chrome, which added a touch of elegance and luxury. The styling was reminiscent of the larger Navigator, yet it maintained its own distinct identity. Inside, the Aviator offered a warm and comfortable 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 luxurious feel, while the various trims offered a range of features from synthetic leather upholstery to massaging front seats.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota 4Runner had a rugged and utilitarian design that had aged well over the years. Its two-box body and flared fenders gave it a timeless and functional appearance. Inside, the 4Runner was all about durability and simplicity, with hard plastic materials and a dashboard filled with big knobs and buttons. The Trail Special Edition featured black cloth upholstery, a sliding rear cargo tray, and a custom-made cooler, emphasizing its practical nature. The 4Runner was a vehicle that prioritized function over form, appealing to those who valued reliability and utility.

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 channeled through a 10-speed automatic transmission, with options for rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The Grand Touring trims took it a step further with a plug-in hybrid configuration, boosting output to 494 hp and 630 lb-ft of torque, and providing up to 21 miles of electric-only range. The Aviator excelled in highway driving, though its size made city maneuvering a bit challenging.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner, on the other hand, was equipped with a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. It was designed for off-road adventures, as demonstrated at the Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreational Area. The 4Runner's A-Trac system and optional off-road features like a locking rear differential and Crawl Control made it a formidable off-road vehicle. However, on pavement, it felt slow and clunky, with a heavy steering feel and frequent stops at the gas station due to its 17 mpg combined fuel economy.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator provided 18.3 cubic feet of cargo space 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, especially in the Grand Touring model, offered captain's chairs and a digital control panel, enhancing passenger comfort. However, the power-button door releases could pose a challenge if the battery died.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner sat high off the ground, which could be a challenge for shorter passengers. Inside, it offered comfortable seating with ample legroom and good visibility. The sliding cargo deck, capable of holding 440 pounds, was a practical feature, though it reduced cargo volume. The 4Runner provided up to 47.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat and 89.7 cubic feet with the rear seat folded, making it suitable for various adventures.

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

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota 4Runner Trail Special Edition had a more basic technology offering. It included an 8-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The premium audio upgrade added dynamic navigation and voice recognition, but the system retained physical buttons and knobs for ease of use, even with gloves on.

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 Toyota 4Runner included the Toyota Safety Sense P package, with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane departure warning. However, it lacked blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning. The 4Runner's safety ratings reflected its age, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and a Marginal rating for driver protection in small overlap frontal impacts from the IIHS.