2022 Toyota Sequoia vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia, a continuation of its second generation, showcased a mature design that had stood the test of time. Despite its age, the Sequoia maintained a classic exterior with a modestly sized grille and elegant wheel arches, avoiding the oversized trends seen in other SUVs. Its dimensions were substantial, with a height of 1,956 mm, a width of 2,030 mm, and a length of 5,210 mm, riding on a 3,099 mm wheelbase. The interior, however, revealed its age with a dated design, featuring a 7-inch touchscreen that paled in comparison to the larger screens found in newer models. Despite this, the Sequoia's interior was built with high-quality materials, ensuring durability and longevity, making it a reliable choice for families.

In contrast, the 2023 Lincoln Aviator presented a more modern and luxurious aesthetic. The Aviator's design was highlighted by its successful execution of the modern Lincoln face and grille, although the wheel designs on the Grand Touring model were considered plain. The Aviator's interior was lavish, with a focus on comfort and style, featuring 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, offering a luxurious experience for its occupants.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a robust 5.7-litre i-Force V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, providing a reliable and durable powertrain. The Sequoia's truck roots contributed to its impressive payload capacity of up to 608 kilograms and a maximum towing capacity of 3,221 kilograms. However, its weight of approximately 2,721.5 kilograms resulted in less-than-ideal fuel consumption ratings, with 18.5 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 13.9 on the highway. Despite its heft, the Sequoia offered a smooth and stable ride, with excellent off-road capabilities thanks to its body-on-frame construction and four-wheel independent double-wishbone suspension.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, a plug-in hybrid, combined a twin-turbo V6 engine with an electric motor, producing an impressive 494 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque. The Aviator offered 34 kilometres of electric driving range and averaged 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres in hybrid mode. Various driving modes allowed for efficient power management, and the Aviator's performance was generally quick, though sometimes unpredictable. The brake pedal exhibited inconsistent behaviour, common in electrified vehicles. The Aviator's Dynamic Handling Package with adaptive-damping suspension provided a smooth and controlled ride, although it lacked the fun factor in more aggressive driving modes. Overall, the Aviator prioritized comfort and isolation over sporty handling.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia excelled in passenger comfort, offering spacious seating across all three rows with ample headroom and legroom. The SUV featured three-zone climate control, a power moonroof, and heated front seats as standard. The cargo compartment was versatile, with 535 litres of space behind the third row, expanding to 1,886 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 3,401 litres with both the second and third rows down. The Sequoia's interior was designed with practicality in mind, providing plenty of storage options for passengers.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator focused on luxury and 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 roomy and supportive, but the third row was cramped and not suitable for adults. Cargo space was limited with the third row in use, offering 519 litres, but expanded to 1,183 litres with the third row folded and a maximum of 2,200 litres. The Aviator's interior was designed for comfort, but its third-row limitations made it less practical for larger families.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia's technology was outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch TFT driver information screen. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, the infotainment system felt clunky compared to competitors. The Sequoia lacked modern powertrain technologies like turbocharging and electrification, leaving it behind in terms of efficiency. However, Toyota updated the Sequoia's exterior lighting to LED and included standard safety features like a rear backup camera and parking sonar.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator was equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering 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 Phone As A Key. Digital instrumentation and a comprehensive head-up display were standard, enhancing the Aviator's technological appeal.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia lacked crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, but it was equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense P suite, including pre-collision systems, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. The Sequoia also featured a full complement of airbags, stability control, traction control, and other safety systems to protect occupants.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including Lincoln Co-Pilot360 collections of driver aids. Our test vehicle had adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Aviator's safety tech performed well, though 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, though the Grand Touring model was not rated.