2021 Lincoln Aviator vs 2022 Hyundai Tucson

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator stood out by not mimicking its rivals' styles. Instead, it adopted the successful design language of the larger Navigator, resulting in a sharp-looking vehicle with crisp lines and chrome accents. Inside, the Aviator differentiated itself from its Ford counterpart with a luxurious cabin featuring soft-touch materials, a 10.1-inch touchscreen, and a piano button shifter. The soothing chimes and massaging front seats added to the air of class and comfort.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson, riding on a new platform, featured a long-wheelbase model in the U.S. with a distinctive parametric grille and LED lighting that formed a unique shape. The side profile borrowed design elements from the Hyundai Elantra, while the rear showcased toothy taillights. The Tucson offered 17- or 19-inch wheels depending on the trim, with high-end models featuring premium fascias, skid plates, and a panoramic sunroof. The interior was well-appointed, with stain- and odor-resistant cloth seats, horizontal dashboard lines, and an uncluttered aesthetic.

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 offered robust acceleration and a smooth power delivery, though it exhibited noticeable body roll in corners and was somewhat awkward to maneuver in tight spaces. The drive mode selector included unique names like "Excite" and "Conserve," reflecting the Aviator's focus on comfort rather than performance.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson offered two powertrain variants: a 2.5-liter direct-injected four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine with 226 total system horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid powertrain provided more engaging driving dynamics, especially during elevation changes. The Tucson Hybrid outperformed competitors like the Ford Escape Hybrid and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. Front-wheel drive models were the most fuel-efficient, with the hybrid achieving up to 38 mpg combined. The forthcoming plug-in hybrid version promised even higher power and efficiency.

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, especially with captain's chairs, provided ample space and comfort, featuring a digital control panel for seat, climate, and audio controls. However, the power-button door releases raised concerns about functionality if the battery died.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson, a budget-friendly compact SUV, boasted a spacious interior with a six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, lumbar support, and available eight-way power-adjustable seats. The new platform allowed for more passenger and cargo space, with 74.8 cubic feet of cargo area. The rear seats offered more legroom than the Toyota RAV4, and the cabin comfortably accommodated a family of four. Features like a dual-level cargo floor and remote release for folding rear seats added to its practicality.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen running the intuitive Sync 3 infotainment system, with a landscape layout that was more natural than the Explorer's tall screen. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, presented with large icons. The Aviator also had a fully digital instrument panel and an optional head-up display with crisp graphics.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson came with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a six-speaker audio system. Higher trims offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen, though it required wired connections for Apple and Android devices. The larger screen integrated climate control and media functionality into a flat, touch-sensitive surface, which could be challenging to use while driving. The Tucson also featured a fully digital instrument cluster on higher trims.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator came with the standard Lincoln Co-Pilot 360 package, 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 features like reverse automatic braking and adaptive cruise control. The Aviator earned top safety marks from NHTSA and IIHS, including a Top Safety Pick accolade.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson had not been rated by IIHS or NHTSA. However, it offered the Hyundai SmartSense Safety Feature suite, including forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, and more. Additional features like blind-spot warning, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera system were available. Hyundai's comprehensive warranty and complimentary maintenance added to its appeal.