2022 Ford Expedition vs 2021 Lincoln Aviator

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator stood out with its unique styling, avoiding the temptation to mimic its rivals. Lincoln's design language, first seen in the Navigator, was successfully carried over to the Aviator, resulting in a sharp-looking vehicle defined by crisp lines and tasteful chrome accents. Inside, the Aviator's cabin was a testament to comfort and warmth, featuring soft-touch materials, a 10.1-inch touchscreen, and a piano button shifter that added to its luxurious feel. The soothing chimes for alerts further contributed to the Aviator's air of class.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Expedition received several updates, including a new grille, headlights, and bumper, giving it a fresh look. The interior featured a redesigned dashboard with the new Sync 4 and Sync 4A infotainment systems, the latter boasting a 15.5-inch touchscreen. The Expedition's cabin was spacious and comfortable, with power-adjustable, leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated front seats. The second-row captain's chairs and third-row seats offered ample room, making it a great choice for families.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator came with a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, producing 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. 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's drive mode selector offered options like "Excite" and "Conserve," making it suitable for both highways and cul-de-sacs, though it struggled in city driving due to its long wheelbase and noticeable body roll.

The 2022 Ford Expedition, powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, delivered 380 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, with higher-output versions available. The engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and fuel economy ranged from 17 to 19 mpg in combined driving. The Expedition could tow between 9,000 and 9,300 pounds, depending on the model. Despite its size, the Expedition was easy to park and excelled on highways, though its sport-tuned suspension sometimes resulted in a harsh ride.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator offered 18.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats, expandable to 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 77.7 cubic feet with all rear seats down. The second-row captain's chairs and digital control panel for seat, climate, and audio controls made it a comfortable ride. However, the power-button door releases could be problematic if the battery died.

The 2022 Ford Expedition provided 19.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 57.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 104.6 cubic feet with all rear seats down. The Expedition Max offered even more space. The cabin featured power-adjustable, leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated front seats, with a wide console and hidden storage. The second-row captain's chairs and third-row seats were spacious, though headroom in the third row could be tight for taller passengers.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator came standard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running the Sync 3 infotainment system, which was intuitive and easy to use. It included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a fully digital instrument panel, and an optional head-up display with crisp graphics.

The 2022 Ford Expedition featured the next-generation Sync 4 and Sync 4A infotainment systems. The standard Sync 4 system had a 12-inch touchscreen, while Sync 4A offered a 15.5-inch touchscreen. Both systems included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, FordPass Connect, and a connected navigation system. Higher trims added features like SiriusXM satellite radio, HD Radio, and Bang & Olufsen premium sound systems. The Expedition also offered a dual-touchscreen rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV.

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

The 2022 Ford Expedition's safety features were grouped into three Ford Co-Pilot360 collections. The standard package included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and a driver monitoring system. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and new features like intersection assist and evasive steering assist. The Co-Pilot Assist 2.0 package, standard on higher trims, included a surround-view camera system and rear automatic emergency braking. The Expedition also offered BlueCruise hands-free driving technology.