Lincoln Aviator vs Toyota Highlander Hybrid

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 powertrain with a hybrid system, including a 75-kilowatt electric motor and a 13.6-kilowatt-hour battery pack. Despite its luxurious appeal, the Aviator's wheel design was criticized for being too plain, detracting from its premium price tag. The interior was lavish, featuring high-end materials like soft leather and a simulated suede headliner, though some chrome detailing felt cheap. The Aviator's cabin was a visual feast, with a mix of patterned metal trim, gloss black surfaces, and chrome accents, though it might have been overwhelming for those preferring a minimalist style.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was priced more affordably, starting at just over $50,000. It maintained a consistent design from previous models, with minimal changes except for a new Cypress Green paint option. The Highlander Hybrid's exterior was described as over-styled, with exaggerated forms and a lack of elegance. Inside, the cabin continued this theme with oversized elements like a 12.3-inch touchscreen and large climate control knobs. The interior's mismatched textures and tones, along with reflections from the display, made it visually unappealing. Despite its quiet ride, the Highlander Hybrid's interior quality was questioned, with controls and storage areas feeling inexpensive and poorly designed.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, a plug-in hybrid, delivered impressive power with 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. Various driving modes allowed for a tailored driving experience, though the drivetrain's unpredictability and inconsistent brake pedal behaviour were noted. The Aviator's handling was commendable, with an adaptive-damping suspension providing a smooth ride, though it lacked the fun factor in more aggressive driving modes. The SUV excelled in providing a quiet and smooth ride, ideal for those seeking comfort over sportiness.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with electric motors, producing 243 horsepower. While it offered standard all-wheel drive and a focus on fuel economy, the Highlander Hybrid's performance was underwhelming, with limited passing power and a towing capacity that seemed optimistic. The SUV's driving modes included Eco, Normal, and Sport, but its soft suspension and continuously variable transmission made for a dull driving experience. The Highlander Hybrid excelled in city and suburban environments, offering a compliant ride and quiet highway performance, but lacked engagement and excitement for drivers.

The Lincoln Aviator prioritized comfort with features like a four-zone automatic climate control system, heated and ventilated seats, and massaging front seats. However, its third-row seating 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 Aviator's interior was luxurious, but practicality was compromised by its tight third-row access and limited legroom.

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid offered seating for seven or eight, with most models featuring second-row captain's chairs. While the third row was best for occasional use, the Highlander provided ample comfort with heated and ventilated seats and a heated steering wheel. The SUV's interior was practical, with a useful dashboard shelf and storage areas, though some design choices, like the centre console, were unnecessarily complex. Cargo space was generous, with 453 litres behind the third row and up to 2,387 litres with seats folded, though the all-weather cargo mat detracted from its utility.

The Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring 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 SUV featured a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system, wireless charging, and a digital key system. Despite its technological offerings, the Aviator's infotainment system was not user-friendly, and its voice recognition was unreliable.

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid introduced new technology for 2023, with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment systems. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with connected service plans available. The Highlander's technology was generally easy to use, though the graphics could be improved for better visibility. The JBL sound system provided decent audio quality, and the head-up display was comprehensive.

The Lincoln Aviator came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. However, the steering wheel controls were unnecessarily complicated, and the driver aids were less reliable in heavy traffic. The Aviator received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, offering adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The system performed well in most conditions, though it struggled with lane markings in rural areas. The Highlander Hybrid received excellent crash-test ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, making it a safe choice for families.