2023 Toyota RAV4 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 price range, starting at $73,400 and reaching up to $103,745 for a fully loaded Grand Touring, made it ineligible for federal EV rebates or provincial incentives in Canada. The Aviator's design was generally well-received, though the wheel designs on the Grand Touring model were considered too plain for its price point. The interior was lavish, featuring high-end materials and a plethora of design elements, though some chrome detailing felt cheap. The electronic door latches, while innovative, required careful handling to avoid pinching fingers.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 maintained its reputation as a versatile and practical choice, offering four trim levels in Canada, with prices ranging from just over $35,000 to more than $45,000. The RAV4 Trail trim, tested in the US, featured a distinctive two-part face, blacked-out wheels, and orange interior accents, giving it a rugged yet stylish appearance. The interior, while not as luxurious as the Aviator's, provided practical features like a frameless rearview mirror and ample storage options. The RAV4's design remained consistent with its 2019 iteration, appealing to those seeking a reliable and familiar vehicle. The RAV4's interior space was competitive, offering more headroom in the rear seats compared to rivals like the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester, though it fell short in front-row headroom and rear-seat legroom.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, a plug-in hybrid, delivered impressive power with its drivetrain generating 494 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 630 pound-feet of torque at 2,250 rpm. Despite its added weight from the electric motor and battery, 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, Preserve EV, Conserve, Normal, and Excite, allowing drivers to optimize efficiency and performance. During an extended evaluation drive, the Aviator demonstrated its ability to cover significant distances on electric power alone, achieving a fuel economy equivalent to 1.4 L/100 km. The Aviator's handling was commendable, with its adaptive-damping Active Glide suspension providing a smooth and predictable ride. However, the drivetrain's responsiveness was sometimes unpredictable, and the brake pedal exhibited inconsistent behaviour typical of regenerative braking systems. While the Aviator excelled in comfort and quietness, it lacked the engaging driving experience found in sportier SUVs.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4, now with standard all-wheel drive across all trims, featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the RAV4's performance was adequate, though not particularly exciting. The Trail trim, with its 19-inch wheels and all-season tires, maintained the same suspension setup as other RAV4 models, providing a comfortable and stable ride. While the RAV4's engine was not as quiet as some competitors, it offered a reliable and consistent driving experience. The RAV4's performance was more about practicality and efficiency than thrilling acceleration, making it a suitable choice for everyday driving needs.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator prioritized comfort and luxury, featuring a four-zone automatic climate control system, heated and ventilated seats, and massaging 30-way Perfect Position front seats. The second-row captain's chairs were spacious and supportive, though the third-row seats were cramped and lacked leg support. With the third-row seats in use, the Aviator offered 519 litres of cargo space, expanding to 1,183 litres with the seats folded flat, and a maximum of 2,200 litres. The Aviator's interior was designed for comfort, but its third-row seating was not ideal for adults, making it more suitable for families with children.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4, designed to seat five, offered 958 millimetres of headroom in the front row and 1,001 mm in the back seats with the moonroof. Legroom measured 1,039 mm in the front and 960 mm in the second row, providing ample space for passengers. The RAV4's interior featured practical storage options, including a shelf running the length of the glove compartment and generous door pockets. Cargo space was competitive, with 1,059 litres available behind the second row and 1,977 litres with the rear seats folded. The RAV4's interior was functional and spacious, catering to the needs of families and individuals seeking a versatile vehicle.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring was equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a navigation system. However, it ran on the outdated Sync 3 software, which struggled with voice recognition and point-of-interest accuracy. The Aviator's 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system was a standout feature, delivering exceptional sound quality. Additional tech included wireless charging, a digital key system, and a comprehensive head-up display. The Aviator's technology offerings were extensive, though the infotainment system's shortcomings were notable.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 introduced a new infotainment system with an 8.0-inch touchscreen as standard, upgraded to a 10.5-inch screen for the Limited trim. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with voice command and over-the-air updates. The RAV4's tech package included Toyota's Safety Connect, Service Connect, and Drive Connect services, with some features requiring a subscription. The Limited trim also featured an 11-speaker JBL Premium audio system and a 12.3-inch driver-information display. The RAV4's updated technology offerings enhanced its appeal, providing modern connectivity and convenience features.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including Lincoln Co-Pilot360 collections of driver aids. Our test vehicle included adaptive cruise control, road-sign recognition, pedestrian detection, and forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and evasive steering assist. The Aviator's safety tech performed well, though the steering wheel controls were unnecessarily complicated. The standard Aviator received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 featured standard safety equipment such as lane-departure warning with steering assist, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The updated TSS 2.5 suite included Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. The RAV4 earned a 2023 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, demonstrating its strong safety performance. The RAV4's comprehensive safety features and high safety ratings made it a reliable choice for safety-conscious buyers.