2023 Lincoln Aviator vs 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator presented a sophisticated and luxurious appearance, characterized by its modern Lincoln face and grille. 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 design, the Aviator's wheel designs were considered plain, detracting from its overall premium look. Inside, the Aviator boasted a lavish interior with high-end materials, though some chrome detailing felt cheap. The cabin was a mix of Art Deco and modern luxury, offering ambient lighting and advanced features like electric door handles.

In contrast, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe embraced a bold, boxy design, diverging from Hyundai's previous sleek aesthetics. This new look was both upscale and attention-grabbing, with sophisticated exterior colours and anodized-finish badging. The Santa Fe's interior was equally impressive, offering premium styling with options like quilted Nappa leather and a soothing fabric headliner. The focus on cargo space was evident, with a design inspired by "chabak," providing ample room for car camping. The Santa Fe's interior was spacious, especially in the first and second rows, with various seating options and storage solutions enhancing its practicality.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring was a plug-in hybrid that delivered impressive power with 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 usage. Despite its power, the Aviator's drivetrain was sometimes unpredictable, with inconsistent acceleration and braking. The available Dynamic Handling Package improved its cornering abilities, but the Aviator was more suited for smooth, quiet rides than spirited driving.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a hybrid powertrain as the entry-level option, producing 231 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. It used a six-speed automatic transmission, unlike the typical CVT found in hybrids. The gas-only models featured a 2.5-litre turbocharged engine with 277 horsepower. The Santa Fe's fuel economy was competitive, with the hybrid achieving 6.9 litres per 100 kilometres combined. The XRT trim added off-road capabilities, including increased ground clearance and robust tires. The Santa Fe's driving dynamics were smooth and stable, with some body roll in turns, but it excelled in off-road conditions.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator prioritized comfort with features like a four-zone climate control system and massaging, 30-way adjustable front seats. The second-row captain’s chairs were spacious, but 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 2,200 litres with seats folded.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe focused on maximizing cargo space, with a longer wheelbase and body. It offered 413 litres of cargo space, expanding to 2,267 litres with seats folded. The interior was versatile, with options for bench or captain’s chairs in the second row. The Santa Fe included thoughtful features like a UV sanitization compartment and ample storage, making it ideal for families and adventurers.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but its Sync 3 software was outdated and struggled with voice recognition. The Revel Ultima 3D audio system was a highlight, providing exceptional sound quality. The Aviator also offered wireless charging and a digital key system, enhancing convenience.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe boasted a curved panoramic display, offering a modern and intuitive interface. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12-speaker Bose stereo, and multiple USB ports. The BlueLink system allowed for digital key functionality, providing seamless access and control. The Santa Fe's technology was user-friendly and well-integrated, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, 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 rating from the NHTSA.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe included a wide range of standard safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, forward collision-avoidance assist, and blind-spot monitors. Higher trims added advanced systems like a 360-degree camera and remote automatic parking. The Santa Fe introduced driver monitoring, enhancing safety by detecting driver alertness.