2023 Jeep Wrangler vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator presented a sophisticated and modern aesthetic, characterized by its sleek design and the signature Lincoln grille. It offered a choice between a standard twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine and a plug-in hybrid variant, both equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The Aviator's interior was luxurious, featuring high-end materials like soft leather and a suede headliner, though some chrome details felt less premium. The cabin was filled with ambient lighting and advanced features, but the intricate design might have been overwhelming for those preferring minimalism.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler maintained its iconic rugged look, with a boxy design and removable doors and roof for an open-air experience. The Wrangler's exterior was simple yet functional, with features like a fold-down windshield and wide fenders. Inside, the Wrangler focused on practicality, offering easy-to-clean surfaces and straightforward controls. While it lacked the luxury of the Aviator, it provided a unique charm with its body-coloured dash and chunky controls, appealing to those who value a no-nonsense, adventurous style.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, a plug-in hybrid, delivered impressive power with 494 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque. Despite its added weight from the electric motor and battery, it offered a 34-kilometre electric driving range and averaged 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres in hybrid mode. The Aviator featured multiple driving modes, including Pure EV and Preserve EV, to optimize efficiency. However, its performance was sometimes unpredictable, with inconsistent acceleration and braking. The available Dynamic Handling Package improved its cornering and ride quality, but the Aviator was more about comfort than sporty driving.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler offered a variety of engine options, catering to different off-road needs. The standard Pentastar V6 produced 285 horsepower, while the turbocharged four-cylinder offered 270 horsepower. For torque enthusiasts, the Ecodiesel V6 and the powerful Rubicon 392 with a 6.4-litre V8 were available. The Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid provided a 35-kilometre electric range. The Wrangler excelled off-road with solid axles and optional differential lockers, but the 392 model's brakes and steering were less refined for on-road use. The Wrangler's off-road prowess was unmatched, but its on-road performance had room for improvement.

The Lincoln Aviator prioritized comfort with features like a four-zone climate control system, heated and ventilated seats, and massaging front seats. However, its third-row seating was cramped, making it less suitable for adults. Cargo space was limited to 519 litres with all seats up, expanding to 2,200 litres with the third row folded. The Aviator's interior was luxurious but not the most practical for larger families or extensive cargo needs.

The Jeep Wrangler's interior was more utilitarian, with comfortable front seats but limited rear space. Storage options were minimal, with small glove boxes and centre consoles. Cargo capacity was 2,050 litres with the rear seats folded, slightly less than the Aviator. The Wrangler's removable roof options provided a unique open-air experience, but accessing the rear cargo area with the soft top could be cumbersome. The Wrangler offered ample charging points, enhancing its practicality for adventures.

The Lincoln Aviator was equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. However, it ran on the older Sync 3 software, which struggled with voice recognition. The Aviator's tech highlights included a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system and a digital key system. Despite its tech offerings, the Sync 3 system was a drawback, making smartphone integration a better option.

The Jeep Wrangler featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen with the Uconnect system, offering a user-friendly interface once familiarized. It included off-road pages for detailed vehicle information and standard connectivity features like Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Wrangler's tech was practical, with a forward-facing camera for off-road trails and auxiliary switches for aftermarket accessories. It lacked some advanced features but provided essential tech for off-road enthusiasts.

The Lincoln Aviator came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. However, the controls for these features were unnecessarily complex. The Aviator received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, indicating strong safety performance.

The Jeep Wrangler's safety features were more limited, with standard components like a rearview camera and stability control. Advanced features like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control were only available on higher trims or as options. The Wrangler received mixed ratings from the IIHS and a four-star frontal crash test rating from the NHTSA, highlighting areas for improvement in safety.