2023 Nissan Rogue 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, which detracted from its premium price point. The interior was lavish, featuring high-end materials and a plethora of design elements, though some chrome detailing felt cheap. The Aviator's cabin was a mix of Art Deco and modern luxury, with ambient lighting and advanced door handle technology, though the electronic latches required careful handling.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Rogue was a compact SUV with a rugged yet appealing design, offering practicality and style. It came in various trims, with the Platinum trim providing a host of upscale features, including diamond-pattern leather seats and a comprehensive suite of interior amenities. The Rogue's interior was spacious, accommodating four adults comfortably, though the rear seat comfort was less impressive. The Rogue's design emphasized practicality, with large side mirrors and straightforward controls, though the key fob design was criticized for its lack of user-friendliness. Overall, the Rogue offered a balance of style and functionality, making it a suitable choice for families seeking a compact SUV.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring was a plug-in hybrid that delivered impressive power with its 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. The SUV featured multiple driving modes, including Pure EV and Preserve EV, allowing drivers to optimize battery usage. During testing, the Aviator demonstrated efficient use of its electric power, achieving a fuel economy equivalent to 1.4 L/100 km during electric driving. However, the drivetrain's unpredictability and inconsistent brake pedal behaviour were noted. The Aviator's handling was commendable, with an adaptive suspension system providing a smooth ride, though it lacked the fun-to-drive factor.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue, equipped with a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, produced 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. The engine's variable compression design aimed to balance performance and fuel economy, though it fell short of expectations with an average of 8.1 L/100 km. The Rogue's CVT was generally unobtrusive, but the engine's character and vibration were less refined. The Rogue's handling was enhanced by Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, providing a composed ride over various road conditions. However, the steering felt lifeless, and the tires offered modest grip. Despite these drawbacks, the Rogue maintained a consistent handling character, making it a reliable choice for everyday driving.

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 was cramped and lacked leg support. Cargo space was limited with the third row in use, offering 519 litres, but expanded to 1,183 litres with the seats folded. The Aviator's interior was luxurious, though the third row was best suited for occasional use.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue offered practicality with its spacious interior and ample storage options. The Platinum trim featured a triple-zone climate control system, a panoramic sunroof, and comfortable front seats with Zero Gravity design. However, the rear seat comfort was lacking, with a low cushion and limited leg support. The Rogue's cargo area was versatile, with up to 1,028 litres of space behind the rear seats and 2,064 litres with the seats folded. The Rogue's design emphasized functionality, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator was equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, though it ran on the outdated Sync 3 software, which struggled with voice recognition. The Aviator 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 the parking sensors and camera system were useful. However, the infotainment system's limitations were a drawback.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured an 8-inch or 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, satellite radio, and smartphone integration. The voice recognition system was limited, struggling with complex requests. The Rogue also included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a head-up display, both of which performed well. The infotainment system was functional, though it lacked the advanced features of newer systems.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. The driver aids performed well on highways, though the lane-keeping system struggled in curves. The Aviator received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue offered a robust set of safety features, including 10 airbags, Safety Shield 360, and ProPilot Assist with Navi-link. The driver assistance systems worked well, though the braking action with ProPilot Assist could be abrupt. The Rogue earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received lower scores in updated crash tests.