2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2021 Lincoln Aviator

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB, introduced in 2020, joined a robust lineup of Mercedes-Benz SUVs. Slotting between the smaller GLA and the larger GLC, the GLB measured 182.4 inches in length with a 111.4-inch wheelbase. Despite its distinct measurements, the GLB shared a familial resemblance with its lineup-mates, making it hard to distinguish without checking the badge. The GLB boasted an attractive, athletic stance, partly due to its 7.9 inches of ground clearance, which was more forgiving for soft roads and speed humps compared to the lower-slung GLA and GLC.

Inside, the GLB was a modern marvel. The dashboard featured a striking repetition of round shapes, with polished metal HVAC vents evoking an aerospace vibe. The single panel housing both the virtual instrument cluster and the infotainment screen was elegant and attractive. The cabin's fit and finish were excellent, typical of Mercedes-Benz. The beefy steering wheel with perforated leather grips added to the luxurious feel.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator, carrying over from its 2020 debut, embraced a unique design language that set it apart from its rivals. The Aviator's sharp lines and chrome accents made it a standout in the midsize luxury SUV segment. Inside, the Aviator differentiated itself from its Ford counterpart with a cabin defined by comfort and warmth. Soft-touch materials and a center console that rose elegantly to the 10.1-inch touchscreen dominated the dash.

Lincoln's piano button shifter in the middle of the dash was a unique touch, laid out in a sensible manner. The Aviator's soothing chimes for alerts added to the air of class and luxury. The Aviator offered trims ranging from Standard to Black Label Grand Touring, each adding more luxurious features. The Grand Touring trim, with its plug-in hybrid powertrain and massaging Multi-Contour Seats, provided a particularly luxurious experience.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB featured a single engine choice: a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline unit producing 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) with wheel-mounted shift paddles. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, while 4MATIC all-wheel drive (AWD) was available for an additional $2,000. The GLB's fuel economy was rated at 23 mpg city/30 mpg highway/26 mpg combined for FWD and 23 mpg city/31 mpg highway/26 mpg combined for AWD.

The GLB's curb weight ranged from 3,638 to 3,891 pounds, depending on the configuration. It could accelerate from 0-60 mph in 6.9 seconds, with an electronically limited top speed of 130 mph. For those seeking more performance, the Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 SUV offered a 0-60 time of 5.1 seconds. The 4MATIC version provided better handling and agility, especially in foul weather and off-road conditions, thanks to the Off-Road Engineering Package.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator came with a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, producing 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive (RWD) or available all-wheel drive (AWD). The Grand Touring and Grand Touring Black Label trims featured a plug-in hybrid configuration, boosting output to 494 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque, with a 21-mile electric-only range.

The Aviator's hybrid powertrain provided brisk acceleration, though its heft resulted in noticeable body roll in corners. The long wheelbase made it somewhat awkward to maneuver in tight spaces. The Aviator's drive mode selector offered modes like "Excite" and "Conserve," enhancing its suitability for highways and cul-de-sacs.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB offered a critical choice: whether to add the third-row option. This decision significantly impacted the second row and cargo compartments. The second row's seatback was divided 40:20:40, with each passenger able to adjust their own angle of recline. The seat bottom was divided 40:60, with each section sliding six inches. In three-row GLB SUVs, the second row featured an "Easy-Entry" function, allowing it to slide and fold forward with one touch. The third row was retractable, folding flat when not needed.

Cargo space in the five-passenger GLB was 27.0 cubic feet behind the second row and 62.0 cubic feet with the second row folded. In the seven-passenger GLB, cargo space was 5.1 cubic feet behind the third row, 24.0 cubic feet behind the second row, and 56.7 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. The third row's modest legroom and headroom made it suitable for children or brief trips for smaller adults. The front row offered eight-way power adjustment and three-position memory, with available heated and ventilated seats and a heated steering wheel.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator provided 18.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats. With the power-lift-and-lower third-row seats folded, cargo capacity increased to 41.8 cubic feet. With all rear seats folded, the Aviator offered a total of 77.7 cubic feet of cargo space. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free power liftgate available.

The Aviator's second row was particularly luxurious, especially in the Grand Touring model, which featured captain's chairs, a center console, and a digital control panel for seat, climate, and audio controls. The second-row console also had toggles for the panoramic sunroof visor. One potential issue was the use of power-button door releases, which could be problematic if the battery died.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB was packed with technology, both standard and available. The standard Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system featured voice control, natural language understanding, and keyword activation. The GLB came with a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and a 7-inch touchscreen multimedia display, along with a new-generation touchpad in the center console. Smartphone integration with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto was included, as was a power liftgate.

The Premium Package upgraded the digital instrument cluster and touchscreen media display to 10.25 inches each. Keyless start was upgraded to keyless go, and the audio system could be upgraded to a Burmester Surround Sound System. The optional Multimedia Package included navigation with augmented reality (AR) and traffic-sign assist. AR navigation incorporated graphical navigation instructions and traffic information into live images using a camera in the windshield.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator came standard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running the Sync 3 infotainment system. The Aviator's screen extended from the dash in a landscape format, making for a more natural layout. The Sync 3 system was easy to use, with a sensible menu layout and redundant controls in the center stack. The Aviator came standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which were presented well on the screen.

The Aviator also featured a fully digital instrument panel and an optional head-up display (HUD) with large, crisp graphics and multiple muted colors. The HUD made it easy to keep track of important information without taking your eyes off the road.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB came with a host of standard safety features, including active brake assist, adaptive braking technology with hill-start assist and brake hold, crosswind assist, attention assist, and Mercedes-Benz emergency call service. Available safety features included active LED headlamps, adaptive high-beam assist, and blind-spot assist. The Driver Assistance Package added advanced features like active distance assist Distronic adaptive cruise control, active steering assist, active brake assist with cross-traffic function, and Pre-Safe Plus with Pre-Safe Sound.

Pre-Safe activated safety measures in the cabin when it detected an imminent rear collision, while Pre-Safe Sound emitted a brief interference signal to trigger the stapedius reflex in the human ear, potentially reducing hearing loss from a car accident. The 2021 GLB had not yet been rated for safety by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator came well-equipped with standard safety features as part of the Lincoln Co-Pilot 360 package. This included automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, and front-and-rear parking sensors. The Grand Touring model added the Co-Pilot 360 Plus package, which included 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 from the IIHS.