2020 Lincoln Aviator vs Cadillac XT6
The Lincoln Aviator is an all-new model for 2020. The Aviator may be reviving the name of the old Aviator that was discontinued in 2005. But this midsize luxury sport utility vehicle is a whole different model. How does it stack up against the competition? In this comparison guide, we’ve paired it with the Cadillac XT6 to see which luxury SUV is best. We’ll dive right in, starting with what you get for that starting price.
Value: 2020 Lincoln Aviator
The 2020 Lincoln Aviator comes out of the gate starting at $51,100. That’s decent for a luxury vehicle this size. That price comes with lots of quality standard tech and features, including tri-zone automatic climate control, SYNC 3 infotainment system, 10.1-inch touch screen, four USB ports, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Wi-Fi hotspot, 10-speaker audio system, and satellite radio, synthetic leather upholstery, 10-way power-adjustable front seats, heated front seats, and a plethora of standard safety features.
By comparison, the Cadillac XT6 this year starts at $52,695. And what do you get for your higher price tag? The leather is real, there’s a Teen Driver system, there are two more USB ports, and there’s a sunroof and wireless charging device from the get-go. But the touchscreen is smaller, the audio speakers are fewer. If you ask us, we’d call it a tie in terms of standard features. But the Aviator is more affordable so they win this category by giving equal value at a lower price.
Reliability: 2020 Lincoln Aviator
The first Aviators have found their owners and initial reports are promising. The 2020 Lincoln Aviator earned a 3.5 reliability score from JD Power and Associates. That’s above average for the industry and means that initial ownership has been a positive experience with higher driver satisfaction and fewer issues reported. On the other hand, the Cadillac XT6 received a score of 3 on their reliability rating, which is an overall average score. The value continues to follow the Lincoln Aviator.
Performance: 2020 Lincoln Aviator
This is where the Lincoln Aviator really shines. Because under its hood lies a sleeping behemoth: a twin-turbocharged 3-liter V6 engine. Wake it up and you get 400 horsepower, enough for any accelerating or passing situation. The plug-in-hybrid has even more, coming to you with 494 horsepower and an astounding 630 pound-feet of torque. Meanwhile, the Cadillac XT6 offers a more leisurely 310-horsepower V6 engine paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. That’s pretty good for most driving situations, but it’s positively tame compared to the Aviator’s offering.
Towing: 2020 Lincoln Aviator
Not surprisingly, the 2020 Lincoln Aviator offers better trailering than its Cadillac rival. When properly equipped, the Aviator is slated to tow up to 6,700 pounds. The 2020 XT6 taps out at just 4,000 pounds, which is enough for a small boat or trailer, but again doesn’t hold a candle to the Lincoln Aviator.