2024 Toyota Grand Highlander 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 setup 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 tag. The interior was lavish, featuring high-end materials and a plethora of design elements, though some chrome detailing felt cheap. The Aviator's electronic door latches and ambient lighting added a touch of modernity, but the cabin's Art Deco style might not appeal to everyone.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander was a true crossover built on the TNGA-K platform, sharing its underpinnings with several other Toyota models. It was notably larger than its competitors, offering a spacious interior with ample headroom, legroom, and shoulder room across all three rows. The Grand Highlander's design was more conservative and blockier, drawing inspiration from rugged vehicles like the 4Runner. Inside, the Grand Highlander offered a comfortable and well-built environment, with black Softex synthetic leather on the XLE trim and real leather on higher trims. The vehicle's practicality was further enhanced by its impressive cargo capacity, making it a strong contender for families seeking a roomy and reliable SUV.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring was a plug-in hybrid that delivered impressive power with its drivetrain generating 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, Preserve EV, and Excite, allowing drivers to tailor their experience. However, the Aviator's performance was sometimes unpredictable, with inconsistent acceleration and braking behaviour. The available Dynamic Handling Package improved the ride quality, but the Aviator was more suited for smooth, quiet cruising rather than spirited driving.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander offered three engine options, including a 2.4-litre turbo four-cylinder producing 265 horsepower, a 2.5-litre hybrid with 245 combined net horsepower, and the Hybrid Max powertrain delivering 362 horsepower. All models in Canada came with all-wheel drive, and the Hybrid Max provided impressive acceleration with a zero-to-60 time of 6.3 seconds. While the Grand Highlander was not designed for sporty performance, it offered adequate acceleration and solid braking. The SUV featured three drive modes—Sport, Eco, and Normal—with additional off-road modes for gas-only and Hybrid Max models. The Grand Highlander's steering felt numb, but its overall road manners were commendable for its size.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator prioritized comfort with features like 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, but the third row was cramped and lacked leg support. Cargo space was limited with all seats in use, offering just 519 litres, but expanded to 2,200 litres with the third row folded.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander excelled in interior space, offering more room than most of its rivals. With a total cargo capacity of 2,761 litres, it provided ample storage for families. The Grand Highlander's interior was comfortable, with generous headroom, legroom, and shoulder room in all rows. Even the third row could accommodate a six-foot adult comfortably, making it a practical choice for larger families.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator 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. The Aviator also offered a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system, wireless charging, and a Phone As A Key digital key system. The digital instrumentation and head-up display were user-friendly, and the vehicle's parking sensors and surround-view camera system aided in parking.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering a visually stunning interface. It included dual-device Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. An intelligent assistant and cloud-based navigation were available through a connected-services subscription. The Grand Highlander also featured an 11-speaker JBL stereo on higher trims, providing a balanced audio experience. While Toyota's tech had improved, buyers were advised to review subscription options carefully.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including Lincoln Co-Pilot360 collections of driver aids. The test vehicle had adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. However, the steering wheel controls were unnecessarily complicated. The Aviator received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander included Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 as standard, featuring automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, lane-tracing assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The adaptive cruise control offered four following-distance settings. While the Grand Highlander had not yet been crash-tested, its comprehensive safety features provided peace of mind for drivers.