2021 Kia Telluride vs 2021 Lincoln Aviator

The 2021 Kia Telluride was available in four trim levels: LX, S, EX, and SX, with both front-wheel drive (FWD) and optional all-wheel drive (AWD). Base pricing ranged from $32,190 to $42,490, excluding destination charges. The Telluride S trim offered significant value, but many opted for the top-tier SX trim, which could be equipped with a Prestige package, transforming it into a luxury SUV. This package added premium stitched Nappa leather, a simulated suede headliner, a head-up display (HUD), and heated and ventilated second-row seats. The Nightfall Edition package, new for 2021, provided a blacked-out look with gloss black 20-inch aluminum wheels and a unique grille insert. Our test vehicle, equipped with the Nightfall Edition, AWD, Prestige package, and other options, had a sticker price of $50,180, including a $1,170 destination charge.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator, carrying over from its 2020 debut, featured a design language inspired by the larger Navigator. It was a sharp-looking vehicle with crisp lines and chrome accents. Inside, the Aviator differentiated itself from its Ford counterpart with a cabin defined by comfort and warmth, featuring soft-touch materials and a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The piano button shifter in the middle of the dash added to the unique feel. The Aviator's trims included Standard, Reserve, Grand Touring, Black Label, and Black Label Grand Touring, each offering various luxury features. Our Grand Touring test model included adaptive headlights, heated and ventilated front seats, and Lincoln’s Multi-Contour Seats with a massaging function. The rear seat area featured multiple USB ports, power outlets, and a digital control panel for rear settings.

The 2021 Kia Telluride was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels. AWD was optional and included a low-speed Lock function for maximum traction. The Telluride's suspension tuning minimized head-toss, providing a firm and connected sensation at slower speeds and a more compliant ride at higher speeds. The self-leveling rear suspension on EX and SX trims ensured proper ride and handling when loaded. The Telluride averaged 20.5 mpg on our testing loop, close to the EPA's 21 mpg combined rating for AWD models.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator came standard with a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6, producing 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Grand Touring and Grand Touring Black Label trims featured a plug-in hybrid configuration, boosting output to 494 hp and 630 lb-ft of torque, with up to 21 miles of electric-only range. The Aviator's drive mode selector included modes like "Excite" and "Conserve," reflecting its balance between performance and efficiency. The hybrid powertrain provided brisk acceleration, though the Aviator's heft resulted in noticeable body roll in corners. The long wheelbase made it less maneuverable in tight spaces, but it excelled on highways and in suburban settings.

The 2021 Kia Telluride excelled in comfort and utility. The SX trim's driver’s seat offered 14-way power adjustment, and both front seats had heating and ventilation. The second-row captain’s chairs, included in the Prestige package, also featured heating and ventilation. The third-row seat was usable for adults, and a button facilitated easy access. The Telluride provided ample storage, including smartphone bins and USB ports. The "smart" hands-free power liftgate opened automatically when sensing the key fob nearby, revealing 21 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 87 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator offered 18.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats, expandable to 77.7 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. The second row, especially in the Grand Touring trim, featured captain's chairs, a center console, and a digital control panel for seat, climate, and audio controls. The power-button door releases were a unique feature, though their functionality in a dead battery scenario was questionable. The Aviator's power liftgate and hands-free option added convenience.

The 2021 Kia Telluride came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The LX and S trims had an 8-inch touchscreen, while the EX and SX featured a 10.25-inch screen with navigation. Kia’s UVO Link Lite connected services plan was free for five years, offering features like Rear Occupant Alert and remote engine start. The SX trim included a 10-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system, Driver Talk, and Quiet Mode. The Prestige package added a head-up display with blind-spot notifications.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen running the Sync 3 infotainment system, which was user-friendly and included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Aviator's screen layout was more natural compared to the Explorer's. The fully digital instrument panel and optional head-up display provided clear and easy-to-read information. The HUD featured large, crisp graphics and multiple muted colors, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Kia Telluride came with the Drive Wise collection of advanced driving assistance systems, including blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assistance, forward-collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking. EX and SX trims added Highway Drive Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance. The SX trim also included front parking sensors, a surround-view camera system, and a Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Telluride earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it had four-star frontal-impact results.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator was equipped with the Lincoln Co-Pilot 360 package, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, and parking sensors. The Co-Pilot 360 Plus package added reverse automatic braking, self-parking functionality, and adaptive cruise control. The Aviator earned top marks from the NHTSA and IIHS, including a Top Safety Pick accolade.