2022 Porsche Macan vs 2021 Lincoln Aviator

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator stood out with its distinctive design, avoiding the common trend of mimicking competitors. Its sharp lines and chrome accents gave it a sophisticated appearance, reminiscent of the larger Navigator. Inside, the Aviator offered a warm and comfortable cabin, with soft-touch materials and a 10.1-inch touchscreen that elegantly dominated the dashboard. The piano button shifter added a unique touch, and the soothing chimes contributed to the luxurious atmosphere. The Aviator's trims ranged from Standard to Black Label Grand Touring, each offering a variety of features, from synthetic leather upholstery to a 28-speaker Revel Ultima sound system.

In contrast, the 2022 Porsche Macan maintained its sporty and athletic look, with a sloping hood and rakish roofline. The Macan S test vehicle, adorned in Volcano Gray with 21-inch RS Spyder Design wheels, exuded a sense of performance. Inside, the Macan drew inspiration from other Porsche models, featuring a flat dashboard and a center console with haptic touch controls. The red leather and metallic accents added to its upscale and purposeful appearance. Despite its sporty nature, the Macan offered comfort for the driver and front passenger, though rear-seat space was limited. The redesigned center console provided more storage, but cargo space remained modest.

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. The Grand Touring trims enhanced this with a plug-in hybrid configuration, boosting output to 494 hp and 630 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid powertrain allowed for brisk acceleration and up to 21 miles of electric-only driving. Despite its power, the Aviator's size resulted in noticeable body roll in corners and awkward maneuverability in tight spaces. The drive mode selector offered options like "Excite" and "Conserve," aligning with its non-sporty nature.

The 2022 Porsche Macan, on the other hand, emphasized performance with its turbocharged engines. The base model featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 261 hp, while the Macan GTS boasted a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 with 434 hp. The Macan S, equipped with a twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6, delivered 375 hp and accelerated to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds with the Sport Chrono Package. The Macan's seven-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission and AWD system ensured a dynamic driving experience. The Macan S excelled on twisty roads, offering precise handling and unyielding grip, though the brake pedal required more effort to initiate a stop.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator provided ample cargo space, with 18.3 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 77.7 cubic feet with all seats folded. The power-lift-and-lower third-row seats added convenience. The second row, especially in the Grand Touring model, offered comfort 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 Porsche Macan, while sporty, offered comfort for the driver and front passenger with optional 14-way power-adjustable seats. The rear seats were cramped, but entry and exit were easy. The new steering wheel design, inspired by the 911, felt thin and uncomfortable over long drives. The redesigned center console with haptic touch controls looked advanced but required attention away from the road. Cargo space was limited to 17.2 cubic feet, expandable to 53 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

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

The 2022 Porsche Macan came with a 10.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, known as Porsche Communication Management (PCM). It included wireless Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM, and a navigation system. The user experience was intuitive, though the voice recognition system was less reliable. The Macan offered stereo volume and tuning controls separate from the touchscreen, reducing the need for interaction while driving.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator was well-equipped with safety features, including the Lincoln Co-Pilot 360 package with 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 NHTSA and IIHS, earning a Top Safety Pick accolade.

The 2022 Porsche Macan included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-departure warning as standard. Blind-spot monitoring was optional, and the Macan offered Park Assist for easier parking. However, the Macan lacked advanced driving assistance technologies, and no safety ratings were available from NHTSA or IIHS.