2026 Lincoln Aviator vs 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid

The 2026 Lincoln Aviator was a luxurious take on the Ford Explorer, offering a premium feel with its rear-wheel-drive unibody platform. Its exterior design was elegant, featuring a long dash-to-axle ratio, a slightly raked profile, and large 20 to 22-inch wheels. The reverse-horseshoe grille, adorned with chrome jewelry in the shape of the Lincoln logo, was flanked by LED headlights. The Aviator's sides were subtly sculpted, with an "Aviator" badge adding a touch of class. The rear boasted a full-width LED taillight and "Lincoln" lettering, completing its sophisticated look. Inside, the Aviator's interior was its main attraction, with synthetic leather upholstery in the base trim and leather options in higher trims, offering a luxurious experience.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid, available in Luxury and Ultimate Calligraphy trims, integrated seamlessly into the gas-only Palisade lineup. Its base Luxury trim came with 20-inch alloy wheels and a massive grille framed by LED projector headlights. The Palisade's profile featured body-colour, heated side mirrors with power-folding capabilities in the Luxury Hybrid. The rear was equally handsome, with wide-spaced letters spelling the vehicle's name and stacks of LED taillights. Inside, the Palisade Hybrid impressed with its organic design and thoughtful storage solutions. The interior offered H-Tex synthetic leatherette upholstery, power-adjustable seats, and a range of comfort features, making it a standout in the non-luxury crossover segment.

The 2026 Lincoln Aviator prioritized passenger comfort with its smooth ride and powerful engine. It was equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine producing 383 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The Aviator could accelerate to 100 km/h in under six seconds, offering worry-free passing. Its suspension system, with available adaptive dampers, provided a forgiving ride, though it exhibited body lean through corners. The optional Air Glide suspension added control and versatility, enhancing the driving experience. The Aviator also featured a Class III trailer tow package, capable of towing up to 2,268 kilograms.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid defied the stereotype of sluggish hybrids with its impressive performance. It featured a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors and a 1.65-kWh battery, delivering a combined 329 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. The advanced eight-speed automatic transmission and next-generation hybrid system optimized power distribution, enhancing both performance and fuel efficiency. The Palisade Hybrid offered a quiet and smooth ride, with noise-absorbing materials and acoustic glass minimizing cabin noise. Its steering was sharp and responsive, though the pedal feel was softer. Overall, the Palisade Hybrid provided a delightful driving experience for families.

The 2026 Lincoln Aviator offered a spacious and comfortable interior with a range of seating options. The base Premiere trim featured power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated front seats, and tri-zone automatic climate control. The Reserve trim added quad-zone climate control and power-adjustable captain's chairs. The Aviator could seat up to seven, with second-row captain's chairs providing ample space and control over audio and climate settings. The third row, however, was less accommodating for adults. Cargo space was generous, with 467 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,130 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,149 litres with the second row down.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid offered a comfortable cabin with dual-zone climate control and ample USB-C power outlets. While its total cargo capacity of 2,455 litres trailed some competitors, it surpassed others like the Ford Explorer and Mazda CX-90. The Palisade Hybrid's second-row legroom was slightly compromised by the battery's position, but it remained spacious. The third row offered decent legroom and headroom, though it was outpaced by some rivals. The Palisade Hybrid came standard with a second-row bench seat, with captain's chairs available on higher trims. The interior was filled with thoughtful storage solutions, enhancing its practicality for families.

The 2026 Lincoln Aviator featured a modern tech suite with a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster and a 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen. While its layout felt traditional compared to newer Lincoln models, it offered a user-friendly experience. The Lincoln Digital Experience provided access to apps like Google Assistant, and standard tech features included a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot, remote start, and a 14-speaker audio system. The Reserve trim added ambient lighting and a Revel 14-speaker audio system, with a high-end 28-speaker system available.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid came well-equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and digital instrument cluster. It supported HD and Sirius XM satellite radio, wireless Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. The Driver Talk intercom system facilitated communication between rows. Most trims featured a 14-speaker Bose stereo, and a wireless charging pad was standard. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim included a built-in dashcam, recording front and rear views. The Palisade Hybrid also introduced "Stay Mode," allowing the use of climate control and infotainment while the engine was off, enhancing convenience.

The 2026 Lincoln Aviator came standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features as part of the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Drive 2.0 system. This included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera system. The Aviator performed well in crash tests, earning a perfect five-star rating from the NHTSA and top scores from the IIHS, though it lacked a rating for its headlights.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid offered a robust suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic assist, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection. The blind-view monitor was standard on higher trims, enhancing safety. While the 2026 Palisade Hybrid had not been crash-tested at the time of writing, the 2025 model received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.