2022 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT trim did not impress with its new aesthetic treatment. The lack of a suspension lift and more aggressive tires made the XRT feel more like a visual upgrade than a functional one. The side steps, while useful for roof rack access, hindered entry and exit and reduced the vehicle's off-road capability. The XRT trim, priced between the SEL and the more luxurious Limited and Calligraphy trims, offered little visual contrast, especially in the Portofino Gray paint with a black cloth interior. Despite this, the interior design was thoughtful and of high quality for its price point, though not as upscale as higher trims.

In contrast, the 2023 Lincoln Aviator presented a more luxurious and sophisticated appearance. The Aviator's design was highlighted by its modern Lincoln face, though the wheel designs on the Black Label Grand Touring model were considered too plain. The Aviator's lighting features, such as the Lincoln Embrace sequence and ambient cabin lighting, added to its premium feel. Inside, the Black Label Grand Touring's cabin was lavish, with a mix of patterned metal trim, gloss black surfaces, and rich caramel-hued leather seats. However, some chrome detailing felt cheap, and the key fob was criticized for its plasticky feel. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Aviator's interior was undeniably fancy and comfortable.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT was equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. While not particularly powerful, it was adequate for everyday driving, allowing the Santa Fe to reach freeway speeds and cruise comfortably. The eight-speed automatic transmission performed smoothly, with various driving modes available to suit different conditions. However, the engine struggled on hills and during aggressive driving, and the default Smart mode prioritized fuel economy over performance. The XRT's ride and handling were composed and refined, with excellent suspension isolation and a quiet cabin. The test vehicle averaged 22.3 mpg, slightly below the EPA rating of 24 mpg.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, a plug-in hybrid, offered a powerful drivetrain with 494 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque. Despite its additional weight, the Aviator provided impressive acceleration and a smooth ride. The EPA rated its electric driving range at 21 miles, with a combined hybrid mode average of 23 mpg. Various driving modes allowed the Aviator to switch between electric and gasoline power, optimizing efficiency. During testing, the Aviator demonstrated its ability to maximize battery use, achieving an equivalent of 163.4 mpg during electric driving. However, the drivetrain's responsiveness was sometimes unpredictable, and the brake pedal required careful modulation for smooth stops. The Aviator's handling was commendable, though it lacked the fun-to-drive factor, focusing instead on providing a quiet and comfortable ride.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT offered a comfortable and practical interior. It featured a dual-zone automatic climate control system and stain-resistant fabric seats. The driver's seat was power-adjustable, but the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The rear seats provided ample space for a family of four, with generous legroom and foot room. The Santa Fe's cargo space was practical, with 36.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 72.1 cubic feet with the seats folded. The hands-free Smart Tailgate was convenient but sometimes opened unintentionally.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator prioritized comfort with its four-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated seats, and massaging front seats. The second-row captain's chairs were spacious, but the third-row seat was cramped and difficult to access. Cargo space was limited with the third row in use, offering only 18.3 cubic feet. Folding the third row expanded the space to 41.8 cubic feet, with a maximum of 77.7 cubic feet available.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and Bluelink connected services. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with large knobs and clear graphics. However, the XRT lacked the upgraded system available in higher trims, which offered a larger touchscreen and premium sound system. The digital key technology was limited to Android devices, and the Leading Vehicle Departure Alert was a thoughtful addition.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Black Label Grand Touring was equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Alexa integration. However, it ran on the outdated Sync 3 software, which struggled with voice recognition. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system was a highlight, delivering exceptional sound quality. The Aviator also featured wireless charging, a digital key system, and a comprehensive head-up display. The parking sensors and surround-view camera system were useful, though the Active Parking Assist 2.0 system was not tested.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Junction Turning Detection and Safe Exit Assist were notable additions. The Santa Fe earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance score.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator was equipped with Co-Pilot360 driver aids, including adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. The system performed well on highways but struggled in dense traffic. The steering wheel controls were unnecessarily complicated. The Aviator received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.