2020 Lincoln Aviator vs 2021 Toyota Sequoia

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 copying imports. The Aviator featured a unified design with handsome headlights and an upright chrome grille. Its tapered roofline and low, wide beltline gave it an elongated, boat-like appearance. Inside, the Aviator boasted a flowing 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 stood out with a plug-in hybrid drivetrain.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia, introduced in 2007, received a facelift in 2018, updating its headlights and grille. For 2021, it added a Nightshade Special Edition. Despite its age, the Sequoia's massive center dash design and small 7-inch touchscreen felt dated. The front seats were bulky, limiting headroom for tall drivers, while the second row offered ample space. The Sequoia's trims ranged from SR5 to the range-topping Platinum, with the Nightshade edition featuring black wheels and leather upholstery. The TRD Pro was designed for off-road use, while the Platinum trim added luxury features like heated seats and a larger touchscreen.

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator came standard with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, producing 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. The Grand Touring trim 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's driving experience was smooth, with light steering and cushioned brakes. Fuel economy for the RWD Aviator was 18 mpg city, 26 highway, while the PHEV offered a combined 23 mpg and a 21-mile electric range.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia featured a 5.7-liter V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission provided RWD or 4WD. The Sequoia's acceleration was robust, but its six-speed transmission impacted fuel economy. The Sequoia drove like a truck, with a soft suspension and strong brakes. It could tow up to 7,400 pounds, falling behind competitors like the Ford Expedition and Chevrolet Tahoe.

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 praised, while the third row was best for short trips. Cargo space was 77 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Aviator's controls were complex, with seat adjustments requiring touchscreen interaction. The door-release function was unconventional, raising concerns about usability in emergencies.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia offered a spacious cabin with nearly 19 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and 120 cubic feet with all seats folded. Its power-retractable rear window was a standout feature. Despite its age, the Sequoia had ample storage, including deep door pockets and a large center console. However, newer SUVs offered better space utilization.

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 comprehensive information in a minimalist design.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia came with a 7-inch touchscreen, supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. Our test model had a 9-inch screen, which felt small on the large dash. The older infotainment system was easy to use, with simple menu navigation and large hard buttons.

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

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense-P, featuring forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. It also included blind-spot monitoring and parking sensors. However, it lacked advanced tech like lane-keeping assist and scored four stars in the NHTSA rollover test.