2023 Ford Escape vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator presented itself as a sophisticated three-row, midsize crossover, boasting a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The Grand Touring model enhanced this powertrain with a hybrid system, adding a 75-kilowatt electric motor and a 13.6-kilowatt-hour battery pack. Despite its luxurious appeal, the Aviator's wheel design and some interior elements, like the chrome detailing, were perceived as less premium. The cabin was a mix of high-end materials and Art Deco-inspired design, featuring ambient lighting and advanced seating comfort, though the third-row seating was cramped for adults.

In contrast, the 2023 Ford Escape embraced a more European design language, moving away from its earlier blocky aesthetic. The refreshed model featured a traditional front end with a stylish LED light bar. As one of the smaller vehicles in Ford's lineup, the Escape offered a range of trim levels, with the ST-Line Elite showcasing 19-inch wheels and a sleek design. Inside, the Escape's diamond-stitched leather upholstery, though visually appealing, felt hard. The interior was practical, with comfortable seating and well-placed controls, but the use of plastic materials was evident, affecting the overall premium feel.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring was a plug-in hybrid that delivered impressive power with 494 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque. Despite its added weight, the Aviator offered a 34-kilometre electric driving range and averaged 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres in hybrid mode. The SUV featured multiple driving modes, including Pure EV and Preserve EV, to optimize battery use. During testing, the Aviator demonstrated efficient use of its electric power, achieving a fuel economy equivalent to 1.4 L/100 km over a specific distance. The vehicle's handling was enhanced by an adaptive-damping suspension, providing a smooth ride, though it lacked the excitement of a performance SUV.

The 2023 Ford Escape offered two engine options: a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder with 180 horsepower and a 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder with 250 horsepower. The latter, available on higher trims, provided better acceleration and was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and AWD. While the Escape's suspension was soft and comfortable, it wasn't tuned for performance driving. The brakes were predictable, and the steering was well-weighted, avoiding the twitchiness seen in some competitors. Overall, the Escape prioritized comfort and practicality over sporty dynamics.

The Lincoln Aviator prioritized comfort with features like a four-zone automatic climate control system, heated and ventilated seats, and massaging front seats. The second-row captain's chairs were spacious, but the third row was cramped for adults. Cargo space was limited with the third row in use, offering 519 litres, but expanded to 1,183 litres with the seats folded. Maximum cargo capacity was 2,200 litres, making it versatile for larger loads.

The Ford Escape provided a comfortable interior with supportive seats and good ergonomics. The steering wheel and armrests were well-positioned, and the head-up display was adjustable for different drivers. Cargo space was competitive, with 1,061 litres behind the second row and 1,851 litres with the seats folded. While not the largest in its class, the Escape offered sufficient space for daily use, though it might feel tight during larger moves. Rear-seat legroom was slightly less than some competitors, but headroom was ample.

The Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring was equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system running Sync 3, which included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. However, the voice recognition system was outdated and struggled with complex commands. The vehicle featured a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system and smartphone-related tech like wireless charging and a digital key system. The head-up display was effective even with polarized sunglasses, and parking sensors and a surround-view camera aided in parking.

The Ford Escape featured Sync 4 technology, with an optional 13.2-inch touchscreen on higher trims. The system was user-friendly, with easy navigation between applications and a static "Home" button for quick access. While Sync 4 was slightly slow to respond, its layout and features were impressive. The Escape offered a standard six-speaker sound system, with a Bang & Olufsen system available on higher trims, enhancing the audio experience.

The Lincoln Aviator came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. The vehicle also had blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and evasive steering assist. However, the steering wheel controls were unnecessarily complex. The Aviator received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The Ford Escape earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with high scores in frontal and side-crash tests. However, it received a Marginal score in the IIHS's updated side-impact test. The Escape's Co-Pilot360 suite included standard features like forward-collision warning and blind-spot monitoring. The optional Co-Pilot360 2.0 added adaptive cruise control and lane-centring technology, enhancing the vehicle's safety capabilities.