2021 Lincoln Aviator vs 2022 Land Rover Range Rover

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator stood out with its distinctive design, avoiding the temptation to mimic its competitors. It carried forward the successful styling of the Navigator, characterized by sharp lines and tasteful chrome accents. Inside, the Aviator offered a warm and comfortable cabin, distinct from its Ford counterpart, with soft-touch materials and a 10.1-inch touchscreen that elegantly dominated the dash. The piano button shifter and soothing chimes added to the luxury feel, while various trims offered a range of features from synthetic leather upholstery to massaging front seats.

In contrast, the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover presented an evolutionary design, maintaining its broad, rounded face and unadorned sheet metal. The most notable change was the rear, with thin LED strips replacing the old square taillights. Inside, the Range Rover simplified its design with fewer buttons and a larger touchscreen, offering a modern look. Premium leather and rich wood trim elements enhanced the luxurious feel, while the solid build quality ensured a quiet and comfortable ride. The Range Rover's interior was more refined than many of its competitors, offering a premium experience.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator offered a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine across its Standard, Reserve, and Black Label trims, producing 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. The Grand Touring and Grand Touring Black Label trims featured a plug-in hybrid version of the same engine, boosting output to 494 hp and 630 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid powertrain provided brisk acceleration and a smooth power delivery, although the Aviator's size resulted in noticeable body roll in corners. The drive mode selector offered unique options like "Excite" and "Conserve," catering to different driving preferences.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover came with two powertrain options: a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, and a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 producing 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. The P400 powertrain delivered effortless acceleration, with a 0-60 mph time of 5.8 seconds. The Range Rover's handling was surprisingly agile for its size, with well-managed body roll and a calm, composed driving experience. Rear-wheel steering enhanced maneuverability, and the Terrain Response system optimized off-road capability.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator provided 18.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 77.7 cubic feet with all rear seats down. The second row offered ample space and comfort, especially in the Grand Touring model with captain's chairs and a digital control panel. However, the power-button door releases raised concerns about functionality if the battery died.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover offered generous space in the first two rows, enhanced by large windows and a panoramic sunroof. Front seats were cushioned for long-distance comfort, with available massage functions. The second row provided ample space for taller passengers, with power recline and sliding adjustments. The optional third row was less spacious, suitable for smaller passengers. Cargo space was limited to 17.1 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 43.1 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 93 cubic feet at maximum capacity. The split tailgate and adjustable air suspension height facilitated loading and unloading.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen with the intuitive Sync 3 infotainment system, offering a natural landscape layout. Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were well-integrated, and the digital instrument panel and optional head-up display provided clear, easy-to-read information.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover boasted a larger 13-inch touchscreen with the new Pivi Pro infotainment system, offering sharper graphics and quicker responses. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, complemented by a wireless charging pad. The Meridian audio system delivered impressive sound quality, with an optional 35-speaker upgrade for audiophiles. Additional tech features included Amazon Alexa integration, remote automated parking, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

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

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover included standard safety features like frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view camera system. While crash test results were not available, the Range Rover's safety features performed well during testing. However, some rivals offered additional advanced safety features not present in the Range Rover.