2023 Hyundai Santa Fe 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 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 design was somewhat marred by plain wheel designs that didn't quite match its premium price tag. The interior was lavish, featuring high-end materials and a plethora of design elements, though some chrome details felt less luxurious. The Aviator's cabin was a mix of Art Deco flair, with ambient lighting and a panoramic sunroof adding to its allure, though the electronic door latches required careful handling.

In contrast, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe maintained a more conservative exterior design, which was set to change with the 2024 redesign. Available in four trims in Canada, the Santa Fe offered standard all-wheel drive and a choice between naturally aspirated and turbocharged engines. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim, tested in the U.S., featured a rich Stormy Sea paint and a black leather interior. While the cabin was high-quality, it was somewhat dark and monotone, with Nappa leather seats providing comfort. The Santa Fe's interior was equipped with heated and cooled front seats, and the second row also featured seat heaters, making it a comfortable choice for varying weather conditions.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, a plug-in hybrid, delivered impressive power with its drivetrain generating 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. Various driving modes allowed for a tailored driving experience, though the drivetrain's responsiveness was sometimes unpredictable. The Aviator's handling was commendable, with an adaptive-damping suspension providing a smooth ride, though it lacked the fun factor in more aggressive driving modes. The SUV was quiet and smooth, ideal for those seeking a serene driving experience.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a choice between a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre engine producing 191 horsepower and a turbocharged version with 281 horsepower. The turbocharged engine provided immediate acceleration and passing power, especially in Sport mode, without excessive noise. The Santa Fe's handling was smooth, with minimal body lean during cornering. The turbo version could tow up to 1,587 kilograms, though trailer brakes were necessary for maximum capacity. While not a performance SUV, the Santa Fe's power and ride quality were competitive for its price point.

The Lincoln Aviator prioritized comfort with features like a four-zone automatic climate control system, heated and ventilated seats, and massaging front seats. However, the third row was cramped, making it less suitable 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.

The Hyundai Santa Fe, with its two-row configuration, offered ample rear-seat legroom and competitive cargo space. Rear-seat legroom measured 1,060 millimetres, and cargo space behind the second row was 1,032 litres, expanding to 2,041 litres with the seats folded. The Santa Fe featured comfortable seating, dual-zone climate control, and advanced convenience features like a hands-free smart liftgate and Remote Smart Parking Assist. The panoramic sunroof and head-up display added to the vehicle's appeal, though the driver's seat position could be a minor inconvenience for some.

The Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring was equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, though it ran on the older Sync 3 software, which struggled with voice recognition. The vehicle featured a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system, 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 parking.

The Hyundai Santa Fe excelled in technology, offering a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system in higher trims. The voice-recognition system had mixed results, but the infotainment system was customizable and user-friendly. The Santa Fe's technology package was comprehensive, especially for a mass-market brand.

The Lincoln Aviator came with a suite of driver aids, including adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping 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 Hyundai Santa Fe was equipped with numerous safety features, such as forward-collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim included Highway Driving Assist. The Santa Fe received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, with high ratings in crashworthiness tests.