2021 Lincoln Aviator vs 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator stood out with its distinctive design, avoiding the temptation to mimic its rivals. It carried forward the sharp styling of the Navigator, characterized by crisp lines and tasteful chrome accents. Inside, the Aviator offered a luxurious cabin with soft-touch materials and a 10.1-inch touchscreen that dominated the dash. The piano button shifter and soothing chimes added to its unique charm. Various trims, from Standard to Black Label Grand Touring, provided a range of features, including synthetic leather upholstery, tri-zone climate control, and a 28-speaker Revel Ultima sound system.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid maintained a familiar yet distinct look with its sharp edges and streamlined profile. Despite its sporty appearance, the NX was based on an older platform, sharing its underpinnings with the previous-generation Toyota RAV4. The F Sport Black Line model featured a larger mesh grille, dark-finish wheels, and a striking Grecian Water paint. Inside, the NX's design felt dated, with plastic switchgear and a lack of traditional luxury materials. However, the F Sport seats offered excellent support, and the dashboard controls were easily accessible.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator offered robust performance with its 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. The Grand Touring trims added a plug-in hybrid configuration, boosting output to 494 hp and 630 lb-ft of torque, with a 21-mile electric range. The Aviator excelled on highways but struggled with body roll in corners and maneuverability in tight spaces. Its drive mode selector included unique options like "Excite" and "Conserve," enhancing its driving experience.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid, powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor, produced a total of 194 horsepower. Despite its sporty F Sport styling, the NX hybrid prioritized fuel efficiency over performance, with a 0-60 mph time of 9.1 seconds. The sport-tuned suspension improved handling, but the steering felt numb, and the drivetrain struggled with quick acceleration. The NX offered Normal, Eco, and Sport drive modes, but they had minimal impact on performance.

The 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 second-row captain's chairs and digital control panel enhanced comfort and convenience. However, the power-button door releases raised concerns about functionality if the battery died.

The Lexus NX Hybrid had limited interior space, with the least front headroom and rear legroom in its segment. The front seats offered good support, but rear visibility was compromised by the sloping roofline and thick pillars. Cargo space was also limited, with 16.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 53.7 cubic feet with them folded. The NX featured a sporty dashboard design, but it might not appeal to those seeking a traditional SUV feel.

The Lincoln Aviator featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen with the intuitive Sync 3 infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The landscape layout and redundant controls made it user-friendly. The optional head-up display provided clear graphics, enhancing the driving experience.

The Lexus NX Hybrid's infotainment system was a weak point, with an 8-inch display and a cumbersome Remote Touch Interface touchpad. Despite compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the system felt dated, with text-heavy menus and lackluster graphics. The base audio system was underwhelming, making the optional Mark Levinson system a worthwhile upgrade.

The Lincoln Aviator came equipped with the Lincoln Co-Pilot 360 package, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Co-Pilot 360 Plus package added features like reverse automatic braking and adaptive cruise control. The Aviator received top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS.

The Lexus NX Hybrid earned a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It included the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, offering a comprehensive suite of driver aids. However, it lacked a 360-degree camera system, which was common among competitors.