2022 Ford Expedition vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

The 2022 Ford Expedition underwent significant updates, featuring exterior styling revisions and enhanced infotainment technology. The front of the vehicle showcased a new grille, headlights, and bumper, while the rear was updated with revised taillights, tailgate trim, and a new bumper. Redesigned wheels were introduced across the model lineup, adding to the refreshed look. The Expedition was available in various trims, including the new Timberline trim, which catered to off-road enthusiasts with features like standard four-wheel drive, all-terrain tires, and increased ground clearance. Inside, the Expedition boasted a redesigned dashboard with the new Sync 4 and Sync 4A infotainment systems, offering a large 15.5-inch touchscreen display in the latter. The interior was spacious and comfortable, with leather seats and advanced tech features, although some materials like the F-150 pickup-grade plastic trim were less impressive.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator presented itself as a luxurious three-row midsize SUV with a modern Lincoln face. The Aviator offered a choice between a twin-turbocharged V6 engine and a plug-in hybrid powertrain, with the latter providing impressive power and efficiency. The Black Label Grand Touring model, fully loaded with features, was the pinnacle of the lineup. The Aviator's interior was lavish, with a focus on comfort and style, featuring massaging 30-way Perfect Position front seats and a panoramic sunroof. However, the third-row seating was cramped for adults, and the cargo space was limited when the third row was in use. The Aviator's technology suite included a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, though it ran on the older Sync 3 software, which had limitations in voice recognition and navigation accuracy.

The 2022 Ford Expedition was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, producing 380 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque in the standard configuration. The engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, driving the rear wheels, with an option for four-wheel drive. The Expedition's fuel economy ranged from 17 to 19 mpg in combined driving, and it had a towing capacity of up to 9,300 pounds. The driving experience was enhanced by the engine's addictive power and signature sound, although the fuel consumption was higher than expected. The Expedition's handling was decent, but the sport-tuned suspension in the Stealth Edition Package could have benefited from the adaptive damping suspension available in higher trims. Despite its size, the Expedition was easy to park, thanks to excellent visibility and parking aids.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, a plug-in hybrid, delivered an impressive 494 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid system provided 21 miles of electric driving range and an average of 23 mpg in hybrid mode. The Aviator offered multiple driving modes, including Pure EV for electric-only driving and Excite for a more aggressive experience. The powertrain was powerful, but its response was sometimes unpredictable, with occasional delays in acceleration. The Aviator's regenerative braking system required careful attention for smooth stops. The Dynamic Handling Package with adaptive-damping suspension helped manage the Aviator's added weight, providing a smooth and stable ride. However, the Aviator was not particularly engaging to drive, focusing more on comfort and isolation.

The 2022 Ford Expedition excelled in interior space and comfort, offering easy access with available power running boards. The cabin was spacious, with power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats, and a wide console with ample storage. The second-row captain's chairs provided plenty of legroom and comfort, while the third-row seats offered good leg support but limited headroom. The Expedition's cargo space was generous, with 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 104.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Expedition Max variant offered even more cargo capacity.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator prioritized comfort with features like a four-zone automatic climate control system and massaging front seats. The second-row captain's chairs were roomy and supportive, but the third-row seating was cramped for adults, with limited legroom and support. The Aviator's cargo space was limited to 18.3 cubic feet with the third row in use, expanding to 77.7 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Aviator's interior was luxurious, but the third-row space and cargo capacity were less accommodating than the Expedition.

The 2022 Ford Expedition featured the next-generation Sync 4 and Sync 4A infotainment systems, with the latter offering a 15.5-inch touchscreen display. Both systems included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a connected navigation system. The Sync 4A system had some quirks, such as accidental activation of the defroster function and issues with voice recognition. The Expedition also offered a dual-touchscreen rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV and Pro Trailer Backup Assist 2.0 for easier trailer maneuvering.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator was equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. However, it ran on the older Sync 3 software, which had limitations in voice recognition and navigation accuracy. The Aviator's Revel Ultima 3D audio system was impressive, and the Phone As A Key digital key system added convenience. The Aviator also had a comprehensive head-up display and parking aids, but the Active Parking Assist 2.0 system was not tested.

The 2022 Ford Expedition offered a range of safety features through its Ford Co-Pilot360 collections. The standard package included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more. Higher trims added features like adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and a surround-view camera system. The Expedition's lane-centering assist had some issues, such as steering towards the right side of the lane in heavy traffic, which could be unnerving.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator came with Co-Pilot360 1.5, 1.5 Plus, and 2.0 collections of driver aids, depending on the trim level. Our test vehicle had features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and evasive steering assist. The Aviator's driver aids performed well on straight highways but were less dependable in heavy traffic. The steering wheel controls for the driver aids were unnecessarily complicated. The standard Aviator received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.