2023 Lincoln Aviator vs 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator presented itself as a sophisticated three-row, midsize crossover, boasting a modern Lincoln face and grille that stood out in the automaker’s lineup. It offered a choice between a standard twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine and a hybrid powertrain in the Grand Touring model, both paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The Aviator's interior was luxurious, featuring high-end materials like soft leather and a simulated suede headliner, though some chrome detailing felt less premium. The cabin was a visual feast with its Art Deco-inspired design, but the electronic door latches required careful handling to avoid pinching fingers.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid marked a significant departure from its predecessors with a more assertive and truck-like design. It was longer and wider, offering a muscular stance with modern LED taillights. The interior followed a premium design direction seen in other Honda models, with high-quality materials and a honeycomb grille on the dash. The CR-V Hybrid Touring trim featured black roof rails, mirrors, and wheels, enhancing its sporty appearance. The cabin was spacious, with thoughtful touches like contrast stitching and a consistent design language across Honda's lineup.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, a plug-in hybrid, delivered impressive power with its twin-turbo V6 engine and electric motor, generating 494 horsepower and 630 lb-ft of torque. It offered a 34-kilometre electric driving range and averaged 10.3 L/100 km in hybrid mode. The Aviator featured multiple driving modes, including Pure EV, Preserve EV, and Excite, allowing drivers to optimize efficiency or performance. Despite its power, the drivetrain could be unpredictable, with inconsistent acceleration and braking behaviour. The available Dynamic Handling Package improved cornering and ride quality, but the Aviator was more suited for smooth, quiet rides than spirited driving.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid combined a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, producing 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. It was the most powerful CR-V to date, with a top speed of 185 km/h and a towing capacity of 450 kg. The hybrid powertrain was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and featured four drive modes, including a new Snow mode. The CR-V Hybrid's regenerative braking system allowed for a one-pedal driving experience, enhancing fuel efficiency. It achieved an estimated 6.0 L/100 km in city driving, 6.9 on the highway, and 6.4 combined, making it more efficient than its non-hybrid counterparts.

The 2023 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, making it unsuitable 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, but the third row's limited legroom and flat cushion made it less practical for frequent use.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid benefited from its larger exterior, providing 1,028 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 2,030 litres with them folded. The Touring model featured a hands-free power tailgate and wide-opening rear doors for easy access. Rear seat legroom increased to 1,042 mm, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The interior offered practical storage solutions, including a cubby for smartphones and eight cupholders. The CR-V Hybrid's design focused on maximizing space and comfort for passengers and cargo alike.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring was equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. However, it ran on the outdated Sync 3 software, which struggled with voice recognition and navigation accuracy. The Aviator boasted a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system and smartphone-related tech like wireless charging and a digital key system. The digital instrumentation and head-up display were user-friendly, but the Active Park Assist 2.0 system was not tested.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid offered a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment display with physical buttons, while the EX-L and Hybrid Touring trims featured a 9-inch screen. It included USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, and dual-zone climate control. The Touring trim added wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charging pad, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. Honda's smart navigation system optimized fuel efficiency based on the route, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, road-sign recognition, and forward-collision warning. It also had blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and evasive steering assist. The 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 specifically rated.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies, including adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation, and lane-keeping assist. New safety features for 2023 included traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition, and low-speed braking control. The CR-V Hybrid earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA, with additional structural updates for improved crash protection.