2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid borrowed styling elements from Toyota's Tacoma pickup, notably its trapezoidal grille and upright fascia, giving it a rugged look that was popular among midsized SUVs. However, the side profile introduced a softer character line that swooped over the rear wheel arch, a design flourish also seen on the Toyota Supra and Sienna. This added unnecessary visual weight, making the Highlander appear somewhat bloated. The rear design echoed the trapezoidal grille, but the overall body felt disjointed compared to more cohesive designs like the Kia Telluride or Honda Pilot.

Inside, the Highlander's unconventional interior was less jarring. The asymmetrical dash featured a metallic styling element that spanned the passenger side, creating a helpful storage tray. The infotainment touchscreen was mounted high on the dash, reducing driver distraction. The Bronze Edition test vehicle introduced 18-inch bronze alloy wheels and light grey fabric seat upholstery with a triangle motif, which seemed more suited to a paper towel than a car. The Softex synthetic leather substitute felt more like vinyl, disappointing compared to more convincing alternatives. The rear seating area had more hard plastics, typical for family SUVs, but the third row suffered from even more plastic, making it uncomfortable.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator presented an appealing three-row, midsize crossover with a successful execution of the modern Lincoln face and grille. However, the wheel designs on the Grand Touring model were too plain, detracting from its overall look. At night, the Aviator's Lincoln Embrace lighting sequence acknowledged the keyfob's presence, inviting you in with electric, light-touch door handles and soft-close doors. Inside, the Grand Touring's cabin was undeniably fancy, with patterned metal trim, gloss black surfaces, chrome accents, and exposed stitching. The materials were mostly high-end, with soft leather and a swanky simulated suede headliner. However, some chrome detailing on the switchgear felt cheap, and the key fob was lightweight and plasticky, making a case for using the optional Phone As A Key digital key technology.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and hybrid system, producing 243 horsepower. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive (AWD) with a supplemental electric motor powering the rear axle. Toyota estimated it would reach 100 km/h in just over eight seconds, slightly slower than gasoline-only SUVs in its class. The electric motors provided a quick but tepid response from a standstill, with the gasoline engine supplying more power as speed built. The engine hum was subtle under light pressure but became an uninspired drone when more power was needed. The brake pedal was soft, with no discernible transition from regenerative to physical brakes. The ride quality was soft, with the suspension smoothing over bumps, and the cabin remained mostly free of wind and road noise on the highway.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, a plug-in hybrid, generated impressive power specs of 494 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque. It offered 34 km 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 the powertrain to switch between electricity and gasoline. During an extended evaluation drive, the Aviator covered 35.8 km on electricity, with a fuel economy equivalent to 1.4 L/100 km. The twin-turbo V6 remained on for most of the drive, averaging 9.7 L/100 km. The Aviator's drivetrain was sometimes unpredictable, with inconsistent brake pedal behaviour. The available Dynamic Handling Package with adaptive-damping Active Glide suspension provided a flat, predictable cornering stance, but the Aviator wasn't particularly fun to drive. It was quiet, isolating, and smooth-riding, with heavy and numb steering.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid's front seats were well-cushioned, with plenty of adjustments for drivers of all sizes. However, the driver's door armrest was just out of reach, making it awkward to use. The Highlander offered ample storage, with a deep tray under the infotainment screen, a small shelf in front of the passenger, and a large centre armrest bin. The second-row seats were spacious, accommodating six-footers with ease, and featured sliding and reclining captain's chairs. The third-row seat was less accommodating, intended for occasional use by children, with limited headroom and legroom. Behind the third row, the Highlander offered 453 litres of cargo space, expanding to 1,370 litres with the seatbacks folded and 2,387 litres with the second row stowed.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator prioritized comfort, with a four-zone automatic climate control system, heated power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, and automatic heated and ventilated front and second-row seats. The massaging, 30-way Perfect Position front seats were comfortable, and the second-row captain's chairs were roomy and supportive. However, the third-row seat was not suitable for adults, with limited kneeroom and legroom. The Aviator offered 519 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,183 litres with the third-row seat folded and 2,200 litres at maximum capacity.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen available on the top trim. The infotainment system was quick to respond, with logically organized menus and physical shortcut buttons. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity were standard, with a wireless charging pad on Limited and Platinum trims. Navigation and an 11-speaker JBL premium audio system were also standard on these trims.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring was loaded with technology, including a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Lincoln Connect, SiriusXM satellite radio, and navigation. However, it ran Lincoln's old Sync 3 software, which struggled with voice recognition. The Aviator featured a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system, wireless charging, and the optional Phone As A Key digital key system. Digital instrumentation and a comprehensive head-up display were standard, along with rain-sensing and heated wipers. The Aviator also had front and rear parking sensors and a surround-view camera system.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid achieved a five-star overall score from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high beams. The adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist systems could use some fine-tuning, with abrupt stops and resistance in the steering wheel.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator was equipped with a standard suite of airbags and Lincoln Co-Pilot360 collections of driver aids. Our test vehicle had automatic high-beam adaptive-pixel headlights, adaptive cruise control, road-sign recognition, pedestrian detection, and forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking. It also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centring assist. The steering wheel controls were unnecessarily complicated, but the tech performed well on straight highways with light traffic. The standard Aviator received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.