2022 Acura RDX vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

The 2022 Acura RDX featured subtle styling changes inspired by its larger sibling, the MDX. These updates included modifications to the grille surround, front and rear bumper styling, and new wheel designs and paint colors. The limited-production RDX PMC Edition returned with exclusive Long Beach Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid white interior, built at the Performance Manufacturing Center in Ohio. The RDX lineup included the base model and various option packages, with prices ranging from $42,300 to $53,300, excluding a $1,045 destination charge. Our test vehicle, equipped with the A-Spec Advance package, cost $53,645. The RDX A-Spec Advance justified its price with high-quality interior materials, solid build quality, and a quieter cabin, although the new vertical air inlets on the front fascia were not universally loved.

In contrast, the 2023 Lincoln Aviator offered a more dramatic presence. The Aviator's design was highlighted by its modern Lincoln face, although the wheel designs on the Black Label Grand Touring model were considered too plain. The Aviator featured the Lincoln Embrace lighting sequence, electric door handles, and soft-close doors, creating an inviting and effortless experience. Inside, the Black Label Grand Touring's cabin was luxurious, with patterned metal trim, gloss black surfaces, chrome accents, and rich caramel-hued leather seats. However, some chrome detailing and stitching appeared cheap, and the key fob felt too lightweight and plasticky for a vehicle of this caliber.

The 2022 Acura RDX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 280 pound-feet of torque between 1,600 rpm and 4,500 rpm. This engine provided an enjoyable driving experience, although heavy-footed drivers would not achieve the EPA fuel economy rating of 23 mpg, as we averaged 20.6 mpg. The RDX featured a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and offered front-wheel drive as standard, with the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system available on higher trims. The SH-AWD system could deliver up to 70 percent of the engine's power to a single rear wheel, enhancing cornering performance. The RDX's Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) and adaptive-damping suspension provided a smoother ride in Comfort mode and greater responsiveness in Sport mode. The RDX was quieter than previous models, thanks to sound-deadening measures, making it a more appealing alternative to other compact luxury SUVs.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, a plug-in hybrid, combined a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine with a 75-kilowatt electric motor, producing an impressive 494 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 630 pound-feet of torque at 2,250 rpm. The Aviator offered 21 miles of electric driving range and averaged 23 mpg in hybrid mode. Various driving modes, including Pure EV, Preserve EV, Conserve, Normal, and Excite, allowed the powertrain to switch between electricity and gasoline to maximize efficiency. During our evaluation, the Aviator averaged 24.3 mpg over 94.7 miles, with 34.8 miles covered on electricity. The Aviator's Dynamic Handling Package and adaptive-damping Active Glide suspension managed the SUV's extra weight well, providing a smooth and predictable ride. However, the Aviator's drivetrain and brake pedal behavior were sometimes unpredictable, and the SUV lacked the fun-to-drive factor found in some competitors.

The 2022 Acura RDX, despite being a compact SUV, offered ample room for four adults and their luggage, with a standard panoramic sunroof. The interior featured a sporty driving position and a dramatic IDS driving mode knob on the dashboard. The control layout, including the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, required a learning curve. The standard 12-way power-adjustable and heated front seats were comfortable, with available ventilation. The back seat, however, lacked support and comfort for adults. The RDX provided 29.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 58.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator prioritized comfort with features like a four-zone automatic climate control system, heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, and massaging 30-way Perfect Position front seats. The second-row captain's chairs were roomy and supportive, but the third-row seat was cramped and difficult to access. With the third-row seats in use, the Aviator offered 18.3 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded and 77.7 cubic feet with both rows folded.

The 2022 Acura RDX's TTI infotainment system paired a 10.2-inch display screen with a touchpad controller, requiring a learning curve. The system included Amazon Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad. The RDX offered three premium sound systems, with the top-tier ELS Studio 3D surround-sound audio system featuring 16 speakers. The A-Spec Advance package included a 10.5-inch head-up display.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Black Label Grand Touring featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Alexa integration, and Lincoln Connect connected services. However, it ran the outdated Sync 3 software, which struggled with voice recognition. The Aviator's 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system was impressive, and the SUV included warning chimes recorded by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. The Aviator also offered wireless charging, Phone As A Key digital key system, digital instrumentation, and a comprehensive head-up display. The front and rear parking sensors and surround-view camera system were useful, although the Active Parking Assist 2.0 system was not tested.

The 2022 Acura RDX received structural upgrades to improve side-impact safety, aiming to maintain its Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. New safety features included a rear seatbelt reminder system, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring with lane-change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Technology package added front and rear parking sensors with low-speed automatic braking. The RDX's adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems were mostly accurate but occasionally issued false warnings. The NHTSA awarded the 2022 RDX a five-star overall crash-test rating.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator offered Co-Pilot360 1.5, Co-Pilot360 1.5 Plus, and Co-Pilot360 2.0 driver aids, depending on the trim level. Our test vehicle included features like adaptive cruise control, road-sign recognition, pedestrian detection, forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and evasive steering assist. The driver aids performed well on straight highways but struggled in curves and dense traffic. The Aviator's steering wheel controls were unnecessarily complicated. The standard Aviator received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.