2023 Lincoln Navigator vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator presented a sophisticated design with its modern Lincoln face and grille, making it a standout in the automaker’s lineup. It featured a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The Grand Touring model added a hybrid system, enhancing its appeal with a 13.6-kilowatt-hour battery pack. Despite its elegant appearance, the Aviator's wheel designs were considered plain, detracting from its overall premium feel. The interior was luxurious, with high-end materials and a panoramic sunroof, though some chrome details felt less refined.

In contrast, the 2023 Lincoln Navigator maintained its position as the flagship SUV, offering a spacious and upscale cabin. It featured a single trim level in Canada, the Navigator Reserve, with standard four-wheel drive. The exterior was enhanced by the Monochromatic Package, adding black 22-inch wheels and body-colour trim. Inside, the Navigator boasted a triple-black theme with real wood trim and chrome accents. The ambient lighting added character, but some chrome plastic switchgear detracted from the luxury feel. The Navigator's cabin was roomy and comfortable, with quality materials throughout.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring was a plug-in hybrid with impressive power, generating 494 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque. 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, allowing drivers to optimize battery use. Despite its power, the drivetrain was sometimes unpredictable, and the brake pedal could be inconsistent due to regenerative braking. The Dynamic Handling Package improved suspension, providing a smooth ride, though the Aviator lacked excitement in its driving experience.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator was equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. It averaged 15.0 L/100 km during testing. The Navigator offered five driving modes, with an adaptive damping suspension that included Road Preview. However, the ride quality was inconsistent, feeling truck-like over bumps. In Excite mode, the suspension improved, but fuel efficiency decreased. The Navigator felt smaller on mountain roads, with excellent visibility and impressive grip, though the steering was slow and lifeless. In urban settings, its size was a liability, making parking challenging.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator prioritized comfort with features like a four-zone climate control system and massaging, 30-way Perfect Position 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 2,200 litres with seats folded.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, offering roomy seats across all three rows. The 30-way Perfect Position front seats provided comfort, though adjustments were numerous. Storage was generous, with various trays and compartments. The Navigator L model offered substantial cargo space, with up to 3,403 litres available, making it ideal for carrying both passengers and luggage.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring was loaded with technology, featuring a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Sync 3 software. While it included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, the voice recognition system was lacking. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system was a highlight, and the optional Phone As A Key technology added convenience. The head-up display was effective, even with polarized sunglasses, and parking sensors and a surround-view camera aided in parking.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured a 12-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Sync 4. It included wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and the digital assistant performed well in voice recognition tests. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System provided excellent sound quality. Lincoln Play offered rear-seat entertainment, though it was underutilized by passengers.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including Lincoln Co-Pilot360 collections. It featured adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. The steering wheel controls were unnecessarily complex, but the driver aids performed well on highways. The Aviator received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator was equipped with advanced driving assistance systems, including BlueCruise for hands-free driving. However, BlueCruise struggled with certain conditions, requiring driver intervention. The Navigator received a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA.