2022 Lexus NX vs 2021 Lincoln Aviator

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator stood out by not mimicking its competitors' 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 seats added to the overall sense of comfort and class.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus NX showcased a more minimalist and refined design. The NX retained the brand's signature spindle grille but introduced new block lettering on the tailgate. The interior was simplified compared to the previous model, with a focus on a cozy and intimate feel. The F Sport trim added sporty elements like bolstered seats and a unique steering wheel, while the Luxury trim offered real leather and open-pore wood trim. The panoramic sunroof and ambient lighting system further enhanced the cabin's appeal.

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. 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. The hybrid powertrain provided brisk acceleration and a smooth driving experience, although the Aviator's heft made it less agile in tight spaces. The drive mode selector offered options like "Excite" and "Conserve," catering to different driving preferences.

The 2022 Lexus NX, on the other hand, emphasized electrification with its NX 350h hybrid and NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid models. The NX 350h delivered 239 horsepower and an impressive 39 mpg in combined driving, while the NX 450h+ offered 302 hp and an estimated 36 miles of pure electric range. The NX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 275 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The F Sport trim added adaptive variable sports suspension and performance dampers, enhancing the driving experience. The NX 350's turbocharged powertrain provided a rewarding drive, although it lacked the refinement of some German rivals.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator excelled in cargo space, offering 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 captain's chairs and digital control panel added to the comfort and convenience. However, the power-button door releases raised concerns about functionality in case of a battery failure.

The 2022 Lexus NX provided a more intimate cabin feel, with comfortable heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The rear seats offered ample space and amenities like air conditioning vents and USB ports. The NX's cargo space increased to 22.7 cubic feet behind the back seat, expandable to 46.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The panoramic sunroof and thematic ambient lighting system added to the cabin's appeal.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen running the intuitive Sync 3 infotainment system, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The fully digital instrument panel and optional head-up display provided clear and crisp graphics. The Aviator's infotainment system was user-friendly, with redundant controls for added convenience.

The 2022 Lexus NX took a significant leap forward with its new Lexus Interface infotainment system. A 9.8-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 14-inch screen available as an upgrade. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Voice Assistant technology, and cloud-based features. The Mark Levinson premium surround system offered excellent audio quality. The new Voice Assistant and Intelligent Assistant systems responded to natural voice commands, enhancing the user experience. However, the larger touchscreen collected fingerprints and reflections, and the lack of a tuning knob was a drawback.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator came well-equipped with standard driver assistance features, 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 the NHTSA and IIHS, including a Top Safety Pick accolade.

The 2022 Lexus NX featured the comprehensive Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included advanced driver assistance systems like Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, and Curve Speed Management. The Emergency Driving Stop System brought the NX to a safe stop if the driver became unresponsive. Additional safety features included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and Safe Exit Assist technology. The Premium trim added rear pedestrian detection and an adaptive front lighting system.