2020 Lincoln Aviator vs 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator was positioned between the Navigator and the compact MKC, later replaced by the Corsair. Lincoln's return to real vehicle names signaled a departure from mimicking imports. The Aviator featured a unified design with elegant headlights and a chrome grille. Its tapered roofline and wide beltline gave it a sleek, boat-like appearance. Inside, the Aviator boasted a flowing cabin design with soft-touch materials and elegant seats. Unique touches like a panoramic moonroof and orchestral warning jingles highlighted Lincoln's commitment to luxury. The Aviator offered five trims, with the Standard trim providing ample features, while the Grand Touring and Black Label trims added luxury and hybrid options.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid slotted between the UX and RX, maintaining a sharp, streamlined look. Despite its sporty appearance, the NX's design had become familiar over time. The NX shared its platform with the older Toyota RAV4, making it less advanced than its sibling. The F Sport Black Line model featured a distinctive mesh grille and dark wheels, with a striking Grecian Water paint. Inside, the NX's design was once radical but now felt dated. The F Sport package added sporty elements, but material quality was more mainstream than luxury. The NX aimed for a sporty feel, with a high dashboard and door sides, but rear visibility and space were limited.

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator came with a standard twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, producing 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. The Grand Touring model combined this engine with a 100-hp electric motor, resulting in 494 hp and 630 lb-ft of torque. Both powertrains used a 10-speed automatic transmission, with the base V6 offering RWD or AWD, and the PHEV providing AWD. The Aviator accelerated from 0-60 mph in about 4 seconds. The PHEV offered a smooth driving experience, with a combined fuel economy of 23 mpg and a 21-mile electric range.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, delivering 194 horsepower and standard AWD. Despite its sporty look, the NX hybrid was not a performance vehicle, taking 9.1 seconds to reach 60 mph. The drivetrain prioritized fuel efficiency over excitement, with a clunky transition between electric and gasoline power. The Black Line package's sport-tuned suspension improved handling, but steering remained numb. The NX offered Normal, Eco, and Sport modes, but they had minimal impact on performance.

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator, with its three rows, competed with models like the Audi Q7 and Mercedes-Benz GLE. The optional second-row captain’s chairs were comfortable, while the third row was best for short trips. With the second and third rows folded, it offered 77 cubic feet of cargo space. The Aviator's controls were sometimes confusing, with complex seat adjustments and unconventional door releases.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid had limited front and rear headroom, with the worst rear legroom in its class. The front seats were comfortable, with 10-way power adjustment and available heated and ventilated options. The sloping roofline and thick pillars hindered rear visibility. Cargo space was limited, with 16.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 53.7 cubic feet with them folded. A power-folding second row and power liftgate were available but not standard.

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator featured the Sync 3 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in a user-friendly layout. The fully digital instrument panel and head-up display provided clear information.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid's infotainment system was a weak point, with an 8-inch display and a difficult-to-use Remote Touch Interface touchpad. While it supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the system felt outdated. An eight-speaker audio system was standard, with a 14-speaker Mark Levinson system available on higher trims.

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator included standard safety features like airbags, traction control, and the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 suite, which offered forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and more.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid earned a “Top Safety Pick+” from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, including forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and more. However, it lacked a 360-degree camera system.