2022 Toyota Venza 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. The Aviator's interior was equally impressive, offering a warm and comfortable cabin with soft-touch materials and a 10.1-inch touchscreen. Unique features like the piano button shifter and soothing chimes added to its luxurious feel.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Venza featured a modern exterior design with excellent proportions, fitting well within the Lexus lineup. Its interior was elegant, with high-quality materials and a well-placed touchscreen display. The Venza's cabin was spacious, especially with the available Star Gaze fixed panoramic glass roof, and it offered numerous convenience features, making it a comfortable and practical 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. This power was managed by a 10-speed automatic transmission, with options for rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). 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 ride, though it exhibited noticeable body roll in corners and was somewhat awkward in tight spaces.

The 2022 Toyota Venza, powered by a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine and three electric motors, produced a combined 219 horsepower. It balanced electric and gas drive for optimal efficiency and performance, with options for electric-only operation for short distances. The Venza's handling was agile, similar to the Camry, but its taller body and higher ground clearance discouraged aggressive cornering. It delivered a comfortable ride, ideal for family use.

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 in the Grand Touring model with captain's chairs and a digital control panel, was particularly comfortable. However, the power-button door releases raised concerns about functionality if the battery died.

The 2022 Toyota Venza seated five in two rows, with ample headroom and legroom. The second row had 45.2 inches of hip room, accommodating three adults comfortably. The Venza provided 28.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expandable to 55.1 cubic feet with the seats folded. Toyota focused on making the cabin a quiet oasis, adding sound-blocking and absorbing materials throughout, resulting in a serene driving experience.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen with the intuitive Sync 3 infotainment system, offering a user-friendly interface and large icons for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The fully digital instrument panel and optional head-up display (HUD) with crisp graphics added to the tech-savvy feel of the Aviator.

The 2022 Toyota Venza's hybrid powertrain required no special attention, making it convenient for those without access to charging infrastructure. The Venza featured an eight-inch touchscreen on LE and XLE models, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen on the Limited trim. The infotainment system included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, and Bluetooth connectivity. The Limited trim added a nine-speaker JBL audio system and an optional Advanced Technology Package with a HUD and rain-sensing wipers.

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 reverse automatic braking, self-parking functionality, and adaptive cruise control. The Aviator earned top marks from NHTSA and IIHS, including a Top Safety Pick accolade.

The 2022 Toyota Venza included the Toyota Star Safety System with stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and more. It also featured eight airbags, three-point seatbelts, and LATCH lower anchors for child safety seats. The Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0) group of driver aids was standard, along with a blind-spot monitor and hill-start assist. The Venza received a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS and a five-star rating from NHTSA.