Lincoln vs. Genesis Comparison

At over a century old, Lincoln is one of the most established automotive companies in the world, and part of an even smaller list of established luxury automotive brands. Genesis, on the other hand, is one of the newest luxury automotive brands on the market. In fact, the first Genesis model was introduced into the Hyundai line-up in 2007 before launching as its own brand entirely in November of 2015. How does one of the newest brands in the luxury segment compare with one of the industry’s longest reigning luxury nameplates? We put together this guide to help you decide for yourself.

Lincoln Aviator VS Genesis GV80

We’re going to start this comparison by looking at two popular midsize SUVs representing each brand. The GV80 only comes with AWD, while the Aviator lets you choose between AWD and RWD, but whichever one you choose, the Aviator has a price advantage over the GV80. The extra money you spend on the GV80 certainly doesn’t get you any more power, in fact, it's the exact opposite. The standard engine in the Aviator comes with 100 more horsepower and 104 lb-ft more torque. Optioning up to the V6 in the GV8 means spending a lot more for an engine that also isn’t as powerful as the base engine in the Aviator, and neither engine choice comes with the more sophisticated 10-speed automatic transmission that you get with the Aviator. Speaking of drivetrain options, the Aviator is available as a plug-in hybrid, offering both a serious power advantage and impressive fuel economy, if you desire.

Looking at the interior, the Aviator is available with a third row of seats. This is an advantage in itself, but it’s also worth pointing out that this third row doesn’t come at the expense of 1st- or 2nd-row legroom, and in fact, the Avaitor has more of both of these as well. A third row of seats might not be of interest to you though, and maybe you’d prefer more rear cargo space. Well, fold the third-row seats down and the Aviator wins on cargo space too. In general, Lincoln takes better care of back-seat passengers, with standard tri-zone climate control, to make sure those roomier back seats are also the right temperature. Not only that, but thanks to the standard remote start on the Aviator, you can make sure the interior is already the right temperature before you even get in.

Lincoln Black Label

A lot of manufacturers make vehicles with comfortable seats and decent stereo systems, but Black Label represents a whole different level of luxury. Available on the Nautilus, the Aviator, and the Navigator, Black Label is both a luxury trim level and an experience. Black Label vehicles come with perks you don’t get with other trims in the Lincoln line-up, nor from the competition. These include things like remote new vehicle delivery, 4 years of included Premium Maintenance, complimentary car washes at Black Label dealerships, and an Avis President’s Club membership.

Black Label vehicles are built using different materials than you’ll find elsewhere, and these premium materials are grouped according to themes. For example, the Flight theme (available on the Nautilus and Aviator) uses soft leather in Luggage Tan, along with Ebony Jet trim pieces and an engine turn appliqué for the dash. This all evokes the glamor of the golden age of flight. But it’s not the only option, with Lincoln also offering themes like Chalet, Redwood, Destination, Central Park, Invitation, and Yacht Club. Lincoln found that simply offering a handful of upholstery color options just wasn’t enough of a luxury experience, and these themes convey a much more all-encompassing feeling.

Lincoln Navigator

You might be wondering why we aren’t comparing the Navigator to a comparable Genesis model here, like we did with the Aviator. The answer to that is simple, there is no comparable Genesis model. For a vehicle like the Navigator, you need a Navigator. In fact, Genesis doesn’t have any three-row SUVs, so there are a couple of Lincoln SUVs that offer more space than any Genesis, but the Navigator and Navigator L take this to a new level. You can configure the Navigator to seat either 7 or 8, and all of those seats offer one of the most sought-after of all luxury features - room to stretch out. The 2nd row seats in the Navigator have more legroom than the front seats in the biggest Genesis SUV, and the front seats in the Navigator have more space than any seat in any Genesis. The Navigator L has more cargo space behind its third row of seats than the GV80 has behind its second row.

With 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, the Navigator is more powerful than any Genesis, and the maximum towing capacity of 8,300 pounds beats any Genesis by more than 2,000 pounds. Opt for the Black Label and you get features like heated and ventilated first- and second-row seats, a head-up display, and a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system all as standard equipment. Even the 3rd-row seats have a power recline feature. You simply can’t get a vehicle like this from another manufacturer, and Genesis doesn’t even come close.