2022 Land Rover Defender vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

The 2022 Land Rover Defender retained its distinctive exterior styling, reminiscent of the original version with its boxy profile, tailgate-mounted spare wheel, and flat hood. This modern iteration, however, incorporated rounded corners for improved aerodynamics and featured recessed LED headlights that gave it a unique personality. The Defender was larger than its predecessor, offering more interior space and better ergonomics. Inside, the Defender balanced ruggedness with luxury, featuring a mix of leather and suede upholstery, exposed metal, and screws, which added to its off-road appeal without compromising on style.

In contrast, the 2023 Lincoln Aviator presented a more contemporary and luxurious design. It featured a modern Lincoln face and grille, though the wheel designs on the Grand Touring model were considered plain. The Aviator's interior was lavish, with patterned metal trim, gloss black surfaces, and chrome accents. The cabin was equipped with high-end materials, including soft leather and a simulated suede headliner. However, some chrome detailing felt cheap, and the key fob was criticized for its lightweight, plastic feel. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Aviator's interior was undeniably fancy, aiming to provide a comfortable and sophisticated driving experience.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender offered a range of powertrains, starting with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The mid-level option was a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six mild-hybrid powertrain rated at 395 hp and 406 lb-ft. The highlight was the new-for-2022 V8 engine, delivering 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque, propelling the Defender 90 from zero to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds. All models featured a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. The Defender excelled in off-road capabilities, with features like a 4WD system with low range, good approach, departure, and breakover angles, and a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, a plug-in hybrid, combined a twin-turbo V6 with an electric motor, producing 494 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque. It offered 34 kilometres of electric driving range and averaged 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres in hybrid mode. The Aviator featured multiple driving modes, including Pure EV, Preserve EV, and Excite, allowing for a balance between efficiency and performance. The Dynamic Handling Package with adaptive-damping Active Glide suspension provided a smooth ride, though the Aviator's steering was heavy and numb. Despite its power, the Aviator was more suited for comfortable cruising than spirited driving.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender offered versatile seating configurations, with the two-door Defender 90 featuring 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats. The four-door Defender 110 was available in two-row, five-seat, and three-row, seven-seat configurations. Cargo space varied, with the two-row version offering up to 1,875 litres with the rear seats folded. The interior emphasized functionality, with a large centre-console storage bin and optional refrigeration. The Defender also offered optional exterior cargo solutions, such as a basket-style roof rack and side-mounted cargo boxes.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator prioritized comfort, featuring 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 spacious and supportive, though the third row was cramped for adults. Cargo space was limited with all seats in use, offering 519 litres, but expanded to 2,200 litres with the third row folded. The Aviator's interior was designed for luxury and convenience, though the third row was best suited for children or occasional use.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender came equipped with the Pivi Pro infotainment system, featuring a 10-inch central touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster was standard on most trims, with an optional 11.4-inch touchscreen available. The system was user-friendly, though the touchscreen required a firm touch. A surround-view camera system was standard, with optional features like a 14-speaker Meridian audio system and head-up display.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring was loaded with technology, including a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a navigation system. However, it ran on the older 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. Digital instrumentation and a comprehensive head-up display were standard, along with rain-sensing and heated wipers.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender included standard driver-assist features like lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, traffic-sign recognition, and blind-spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control was optional. Safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available for the Defender, which is common for luxury vehicles.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic high-beam adaptive-pixel headlights, adaptive cruise control, and a pedestrian detection system. It also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping assist. The Aviator's safety tech performed well, though the steering wheel controls were unnecessarily complicated. The standard Aviator received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.