2023 Lincoln Aviator vs 2022 Honda Passport

The 2022 Honda Passport bore a striking resemblance to the Honda Ridgeline pickup truck, especially from the front, due to their shared vehicle platform. This design choice gave the Passport a more rugged and assertive appearance, which was a deliberate effort by Honda to enhance its SUV's visual appeal. The Passport was available in three trim levels: EX-L, TrailSport, and Elite, each featuring new wheel designs. The TrailSport trim, in particular, aimed to attract off-road enthusiasts with its all-wheel drive, increased ground clearance, and traction management driving modes, although it was more about aesthetics than actual off-road prowess.

Inside, the Passport offered a spacious and well-crafted interior, with the TrailSport trim adding unique touches like orange contrast stitching and amber ambient lighting. The SUV's large interior made it one of the roomiest in the two-row midsize SUV segment, providing ample space for passengers and cargo. The Passport's design and features made it a versatile and comfortable choice for those seeking a capable and stylish SUV.

In contrast, the 2023 Lincoln Aviator presented itself as a luxurious three-row midsize SUV with a modern and sophisticated design. The Aviator's exterior featured Lincoln's signature styling, although the wheel designs on the Black Label Grand Touring model were considered too plain for its price point. The Aviator's interior was a showcase of opulence, with high-end materials, a panoramic glass sunroof, and a variety of textures and finishes. The Black Label Grand Touring trim, in particular, offered a rich caramel-hued leather interior with Art Deco-inspired design elements.

The Aviator prioritized comfort and convenience, with features like electric door handles, soft-close doors, and ambient lighting. However, some design choices, such as the chrome detailing and stitching, were criticized for appearing less premium than expected. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Aviator's interior was undeniably luxurious, making it an appealing choice for those seeking a high-end SUV experience.

The 2022 Honda Passport retained its 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It offered both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) options, with the latter being standard on the TrailSport and Elite trims. The Passport's V6 engine was praised for its smooth performance and satisfying acceleration, while the i-VTM4 AWD system provided mechanical torque vectoring for improved traction. The Passport's fuel economy was rated at 22 mpg combined for FWD and 21 mpg for AWD, with the TrailSport trim averaging 21.3 mpg during testing.

The Passport excelled in on-road driving, offering a firm and communicative ride with surprisingly athletic handling. However, its brakes were noted for heating up and vibrating during mountain descents, which could be a concern for those planning to tow with the SUV. Despite this, the Passport was a reliable and enjoyable companion for road trips, offering a comfortable and capable driving experience.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, a plug-in hybrid, combined a twin-turbocharged V6 engine with an electric motor, delivering an impressive 494 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque. The Aviator offered 21 miles of electric driving range and an average of 23 mpg in hybrid mode. The SUV featured multiple driving modes, including Pure EV, Preserve EV, and Excite, allowing drivers to tailor the powertrain's performance to their needs. The Aviator's plug-in hybrid system provided ample power, although its response could be unpredictable at times.

The Aviator's brake pedal exhibited inconsistent behavior due to its regenerative braking system, requiring deliberate care for smooth stops. The SUV's Dynamic Handling Package, with adaptive-damping Active Glide suspension, helped manage its additional weight, providing a smooth and stable ride. While the Aviator handled well on winding roads, it was more focused on comfort and isolation than sporty driving dynamics, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a quiet and refined driving experience.

The 2022 Honda Passport offered easy access with its large doors and low step-in height. Inside, it featured spacious and comfortable seating, with standard leather upholstery and heated front seats. The Elite trim added ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. The Passport's interior was designed for practicality, with ample storage options and a generous cargo area measuring 41.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 77.7 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The Passport's simple utility and comfort made it a practical choice for families and adventurers alike.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator prioritized comfort with its four-zone automatic climate control, 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 seats were cramped and best suited for children. The Aviator offered 18.3 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in use, expanding to 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded and 77.7 cubic feet with both rear rows down. While the Aviator excelled in luxury and comfort, its third-row seating was less accommodating for adults.

The 2022 Honda Passport's infotainment system featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite radio. The TrailSport trim added navigation, while the Elite trim included a 10-speaker premium sound system and HondaLink connected services. The system was functional but lacked advanced features, and the navigation system was clunky to use. Wireless smartphone charging was standard, but the Passport's technology was considered basic compared to more modern systems.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Black Label Grand Touring was loaded with technology, including a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Alexa integration, and a WiFi hotspot. However, it ran on the older Sync 3 software, which struggled with voice recognition and navigation accuracy. The Aviator's 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system was a standout feature, delivering exceptional sound quality. The SUV also offered wireless charging, a Phone As A Key system, and a comprehensive head-up display, making it a tech-savvy choice for luxury SUV buyers.

The 2022 Honda Passport came equipped with the Honda Sensing suite of driver aids, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. However, some features, like lane-departure warning and lane-centering assist, were criticized for being intrusive. The Passport received five-star ratings from the NHTSA in most categories, except for a four-star rating for front passenger protection in frontal impacts and rollover resistance. The IIHS awarded it top ratings, with an Acceptable rating for front-passenger protection in small overlap collisions.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator offered a comprehensive suite of driver aids through its Co-Pilot360 packages, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. The Aviator's driver aids performed well on highways but were less reliable in heavy traffic. The SUV received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, although the Grand Touring model had not been specifically rated.