2023 Lincoln Aviator vs 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator presented a sophisticated and luxurious appearance, with a focus on comfort and elegance. It featured a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, available in both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive. The Grand Touring and Black Label Grand Touring trims added a hybrid system with a 75-kilowatt electric motor and a 13.6-kilowatt-hour battery, offering standard all-wheel drive. The Aviator's design was marked by its modern Lincoln face, though some wheel designs were considered too plain for its price range. The interior was lavish, with high-end materials and a mix of Art Deco and modern styling, though some details like chrome switchgear and stitching were less impressive. The cabin was equipped with ambient lighting and advanced features, but the electronic door latches required careful handling.

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, with a muscular stance and modernized taillights. The Sport Touring trim, in particular, featured black styling elements and larger wheels. Inside, the CR-V Hybrid followed a design trend seen in other Honda models, with a premium feel and high-quality materials. The honeycomb grille on the dash was less obtrusive, and the cabin offered a consistent and upscale experience. The interior was well-equipped, with thoughtful touches like contrast stitching and a focus on practicality and comfort.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, despite being a plug-in hybrid, was not solely focused on efficiency. Its drivetrain produced an impressive 494 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque, though the added weight from the electric motor and battery impacted its curb weight. The Aviator offered 21 miles of electric range and averaged 23 mpg in hybrid mode. Various driving modes allowed for a mix of electric and gasoline power, with the ability to recharge the battery in under four hours using a Level 2 charging station. The Aviator's performance was powerful, but the drivetrain could be unpredictable, with inconsistent acceleration and braking behavior. The adaptive suspension provided a smooth ride, but the Aviator was not particularly engaging to drive, focusing more on comfort and isolation.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid combined a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a two-motor hybrid-electric system, producing 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. This made it the most powerful CR-V to date, with a top speed of 115 mph and a towing capacity of up to 1,000 lbs. The CR-V Hybrid offered four drive modes, including a new Snow mode, and an updated AWD system that could send up to 50% of torque to the rear wheels. A new "B" shifter position increased regenerative braking, enhancing fuel efficiency. The CR-V Hybrid was available in FWD, achieving 43 mpg city, 36 highway, and 40 combined, making it a fuel-efficient choice for consumers.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator prioritized comfort with features like a four-zone climate control system, heated and ventilated seats, and massaging front seats. The second-row captain's chairs were spacious, but the third-row seating was cramped and not suitable for adults. Cargo space was limited with the third row in use, offering just 18.3 cubic feet, but expanded to 77.7 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Aviator's interior was luxurious, but the third-row access and space were drawbacks for those needing more passenger room.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid benefited from its larger exterior, translating to increased interior volume. It offered 36.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 76.5 cubic feet with them folded, comparable to competitors like the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid. The CR-V's rear doors opened wide for easy access, and the improved LATCH system was family-friendly. Rear seat legroom increased to 41 inches, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The interior featured practical storage solutions, including a cubby for smartphones and ample cupholders, making it a versatile choice for families.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator was equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Alexa integration. However, it ran on the older Sync 3 software, which struggled with voice recognition and navigation accuracy. The Aviator 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 system aided in maneuvering.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid catered to consumer preferences with physical buttons for key functions. The Sport Touring trim featured a 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, and a smart navigation system that optimized fuel efficiency. The CR-V Hybrid was well-equipped with USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, and dual-zone climate control, offering a comprehensive tech package for its class.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator came with various Co-Pilot360 driver aids, including adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. The system performed well on highways but was less reliable in dense traffic. The Aviator's steering wheel controls were unnecessarily complex, detracting from the user experience. The standard Aviator received high safety ratings, but the Grand Touring model had not been rated by major safety organizations.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured the Honda Sensing suite of driver-assistance technologies, with improvements for smoother operation. New safety features included traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition, and low-speed braking control. The CR-V Hybrid earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with additional structural enhancements for crash protection and increased visibility.