Sitting atop the Mercedes-Benz SUV hierarchy is the spacious and indisputably luxurious GLS-Class. It's all new for 2020 and it has big shoes to fill—we've named the outgoing GLS-Class to our 10Best Trucks and SUVs list for three straight years—but our first impressions of this new big Benz are very good.
Pros Tech-rich cabin, spacious in all three rows, refined powertrains.
Cons Anonymous styling, fussy infotainment system, heavily optioned models carry high price tags
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class is a three-row crossover SUV that redefines luxurious family transport.
Pros Sublime demeanor Posh interior Strong turbocharged engines Impressive dynamics AMG, Maybach editions sure to come
Cons Hefty price Hefty curb weight Hefty fuel consumption Occasional cheap touch
New styling in line with other Mercedes SUVs.Powerful mild hybrid powertrains.Standard adjustable air suspension.All-new third GLS generation launched for 2020.
Pros MBUX infotainment is outstanding Tops in comfort and easily seats adults in all three rows Flexible cargo capacity Responsive powertrains feel like driving a smaller SUV
Cons Not as off-road-worthy as some rugged competitors Somewhat vague steering with large wheels and thin tires MBUX has a steep learning curve
The 2021 Lincoln Aviator comes with a 4 yr./ 50000 mi. basic warranty, a unlimited yr./ unlimited mi. roadside warranty, and a 6 yr./ 70000 mi. powertrain warranty.Minor changes to option and appearance packages.
Pros Upscale design inside and out Powerful standard engine provides quick acceleration Lots of advanced features Available plug-in hybrid powertrain
Cons Doesn't have an abundance of headroom Overly soft handling saps driver confidence Subpar visibility to the front and rear
The 2021 Lincoln Aviator drops sensational style and space, but the Grand Touring plug-in’s a bit of a misfire.
Pros A 7/8ths Navigator Big infotainment displays Hybrid plug-in Lots of room for four adults Gorgeous Black Label interiors
Cons It’s $$$$ Third row is small The V-6 moans Grand Touring: not electric enough?
The Aviator sees only minor changes for 2021, including optional 21- and 22-inch wheel designs, three new colors (Asher Gray, Ocean Drive Blue, and Flight Blue), and an available Monochromatic Reserve appearance package. The Reserve trim receives a panoramic sunroof, and the top-flight Black Label gains soft-close doors. The Elements package—found on the Reserve and Grand Touring models—now comes with heated and ventilated front seats.
Pros Polished turbo V-6 powertrain, comfortable interior, plenty of curb appeal.
Cons Unrefined optional hybrid powertrain, disappointing fuel economy, most expensive Black Label trim encroaches Navigator's price range.
