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Are the 2021 Lincoln Navigator and Lincoln Aviator really that different? How do you know which one of these luxury SUVs is right for you? Our comparison guide is here to help you answer these questions and more.
Price
2021 Lincoln Navigator MSRP Range: $76,705-$101,855
Because it’s a bigger, more powerful full-size SUV, the Navigator has a higher price tag than the Aviator. Its price also reflects its richly appointed cabin. Inside, you’ll find three rows of spacious seating, with accommodations for seven or eight seats, depending on whether you select second-row captain’s chairs. For extra cargo space and a bigger fuel tank, choose one of the long-wheelbase L models.
2021 Lincoln Aviator MSRP Range: $51,570-$88,985
Like the Navigator, the Aviator is a handsomely stocked luxury crossover. The Aviator is also a three-row crossover, but it’s a midsize model, providing either six or seven seats, depending on whether your model includes second-row captain’s chairs or a bench seat.
Power & Performance
Under every 2021 Lincoln Navigator hood, you’ll find the same turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine (450 horsepower, 510 pound-feet of torque). It powers the rear wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission. Four-wheel drive is optional. Properly equipped, the Navigator can tow max loads of up to 8,7000 pounds, or a very impressive-sized boat or camper.
Shoppers can choose from two 2021 Lincoln Aviator engine options:
- Standard turbo 3.0L V6 (400 hp, 415 lb-ft)
- Optional turbo 3.0-liter V6 hybrid engine (494 hp, 630 lb-ft)
You’ll find the standard V6 on the first three trim models. The top-tier Aviator Grand Touring and Black Label Grand Touring models use the more powerful hybrid engine.
Like the Navigator, the Aviator comes standard with a 10-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. Instead of rugged four-wheel drive, however, the Aviator offers winter-friendly all-wheel drive. The Aviator can also tow a pretty big trailer, with tow ratings of up to 6,700 pounds.
Interior Luxury
Both Lincoln SUVs provide a wealth of interior luxury features. Both also offer a range of trim models, leaving you to decide how much you want to spend on interior comfort and high-tech convenience features.
The 2021 Lincoln Navigator is available as the Base, Reserve, and Black Label models. Each wraps you in comfort with leather upholstery and heated, ventilated, and power-adjustable front seats. Second-row seats are also heated. And passengers can adjust their own comfort levels, thanks to the tri-zone climate control. Move up the trim levels for more to love, including upgraded leather upholstery and a panoramic sunroof.
The 2021 Lincoln Aviator gives you even more options, with five models: Standard, Reserve, Black Label, Grand Touring, and Grand Touring Black Label. Like its full-size counterpart, the Aviator is also very luxurious, with standard tri-zone automatic climate control and second-row captain’s chairs (a second-row bench seat is optional). Higher trim models add premium leather upholstery, ambient interior lighting, and quad-zone automatic climate control.
Tech & Safety
Here, the two luxury SUVs have just about everything in common. For instance, both come standard with the same high-tech safety aids: forward collision mitigation, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Optional safety aids include the 360-degree camera system, which helps you parallel park with a top-down view of your SUV. Adaptive cruise control is also optional. This technology automatically adjusts cruising speed to suit traffic flow.
You’ll also appreciate the Lincoln infotainment system, which is also standard on both models. Its 10-inch touchscreen interface gives you quick and intuitive access to apps. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto features display your smartphone’s music, maps, and phone apps on the central touchscreen.
Choose Your Lincoln SUV
When it comes to tech and comfort features, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator and Aviator are equally luxurious. However, drivers who require a more powerful ride, extra towing capabilities, and greater interior space will naturally gravitate toward the full-size Navigator.
Families who want a great price on a three-row luxury SUV will prefer the Aviator. The Aviator might not be as muscular as the Navigator, but it’s powerful in its own right, and likely to satisfy most drivers’ towing needs.