2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer presented a classic SUV aesthetic, sharing its frame and body shell with the standard Wagoneer. This resulted in a traditional design characterized by a tall hood, broad shoulders, trapezoidal wheel arches, and an upright profile. The Grand Wagoneer distinguished itself with a standard black roof and unique hood, front fascia, and grille. The grille leaned forward slightly, featuring laser-etched knurling in the slots, while the wheel centre caps were protected by acrylic glass. The vehicle's body-on-frame architecture, shared with the Wagoneer, allowed for independent suspension and incorporated lightweight materials like an aluminum hood and doors.

Inside, the Grand Wagoneer shared several styling elements with the Wagoneer, such as an integrated infotainment touchscreen and a two-spoke steering wheel. However, it elevated the luxury experience with 24-way power front seats, Nappa leather upholstery, and optional higher-grade Palermo leather. The interior also featured aluminum and American Walnut wood trim, with seat controls positioned high on the doors, reminiscent of Mercedes. The dashboard proudly displayed the "Grand Wagoneer" name, ensuring passengers knew they were in a premium vehicle.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator offered a choice between a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine and a plug-in hybrid powertrain. The Grand Touring model combined the V6 with a 75-kilowatt electric motor and a 13.6-kilowatt-hour battery, providing standard all-wheel drive. Prices ranged from $73,400 to $85,400, with the fully loaded Grand Touring model priced at $103,745 in Canada. The Aviator's design was a standout in Lincoln's SUV lineup, featuring a modern face and grille. However, the wheel designs on the Grand Touring model were considered plain, detracting from its overall appeal.

At night, the Aviator Grand Touring welcomed drivers with the Lincoln Embrace lighting sequence, while electric door handles and soft-close doors added to the luxury experience. Inside, the cabin was a visual feast with patterned metal trim, gloss black surfaces, and chrome accents. The materials were mostly high-end, with soft leather and a simulated suede headliner. However, some chrome detailing felt cheap, and the key fob was lightweight and plasticky. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Aviator's interior was undeniably fancy, offering a comfortable and stylish environment.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer was powered by a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 engine, delivering 471 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. This engine featured cylinder deactivation for improved fuel efficiency and was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Grand Wagoneer could accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in approximately six seconds, impressive for its 2,900-kilogram weight. It came standard with a Quadra-Drive II four-wheel-drive system, including a two-speed transfer case and electronic limited-slip differential. The Quadra-Lift air suspension system was also standard, offering adjustable ride height for various driving conditions.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, a plug-in hybrid, combined a twin-turbo V6 engine with an electric motor, producing 494 horsepower and 630 lb-ft of torque. It offered 34 kilometres of electric driving range and averaged 10.3 L/100 km in hybrid mode. The Aviator featured multiple driving modes, including Pure EV, Preserve EV, Conserve, Normal, and Excite, allowing drivers to optimize efficiency. During testing, the Aviator achieved 35.8 kilometres of electric range, with a fuel economy equivalent to 1.4 L/100 km. The Dynamic Handling Package with adaptive-damping suspension provided a smooth ride, although the Aviator's steering was heavy and numb.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer accommodated seven passengers with standard second-row captain’s chairs or eight with an optional third-row bench seat. It offered more third-row headroom and second-row legroom than competitors like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. Cargo space was generous, with 775 litres behind the third row and 2,007 litres with the third row stowed. The Grand Wagoneer had a maximum towing capacity of 4,472 kilograms, slightly less than the standard Wagoneer due to its extra weight. Standard features included a sunroof, four-zone automatic climate control, and ample storage bins.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator prioritized comfort with features like a four-zone automatic climate control system, heated and ventilated seats, and massaging 30-way Perfect Position front seats. The second-row captain’s chairs were roomy and supportive, but the third row was cramped for adults. Cargo space was limited to 519 litres with all seats in use, expanding to 1,183 litres with the third row folded. Maximum cargo capacity was 2,200 litres. The Aviator's third-row seats were best left folded for additional cargo space.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, dual touchscreens, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a McIntosh audio system. Second-row passengers had access to a 10.25-inch touchscreen for climate control, while an optional rear-seat entertainment system added two 10.1-inch screens. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system offered an Android-based operating system and over-the-air updates, although the screen response was occasionally slow.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring was equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a navigation system. However, it ran on the outdated Sync 3 software, which struggled with voice recognition. The Aviator featured a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system and smartphone-related tech like wireless charging and the optional Phone As A Key system. The digital instrumentation and head-up display were clear and visible, even with polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer included standard safety features like a 360-degree camera system, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional features included intersection collision assist, driver-attention monitor, night vision, and traffic-sign recognition. The Active Lane Management System combined adaptive cruise control with automated lane centring.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic high-beam headlights, adaptive cruise control, road-sign recognition, pedestrian detection, and forward-collision warning. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and evasive steering assist. The Aviator's safety tech performed well on highways, although the lane-keeping system struggled in curves. The standard Aviator received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.