2023 Lincoln Aviator vs 2022 Hyundai Tucson

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson was built on a new platform, offering a long-wheelbase model in the U.S. with two rows of seating and an expanded cargo area. Its front showcased Hyundai's new vehicle face, featuring a parametric grille that cleverly concealed LED daytime running lights, Bi-LED headlights, and LED front turn signals. When lit, these lights formed a distinctive shape reminiscent of the Aztec Spirit Bird's wings. The Tucson's side profile borrowed design elements from the Hyundai Elantra, with a silver D-pillar creating a floating roof effect. At the rear, the Tucson sported LED-illuminated toothy taillights, except for the base model, giving it a standout appearance among compact SUVs. Depending on the trim, the Tucson rode on 17- or 19-inch wheels, with high-end trims featuring premium fascias, skid plates, and a panoramic sunroof.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator, on the other hand, was a three-row, midsize SUV that exuded luxury and sophistication. It featured a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, available in both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive. The Aviator Grand Touring and Black Label Grand Touring models combined this engine with a hybrid system, offering impressive power and efficiency. The Aviator's design was elegant, with a modern Lincoln face and a lighting sequence that welcomed drivers at night. Inside, the Aviator boasted a lavish cabin with patterned metal trim, chrome accents, and rich caramel-hued leather seats. However, some details, like the chrome switchgear, felt less luxurious. The Aviator's key fob was lightweight and plasticky, but the Phone As A Key digital key technology offered a modern alternative.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson offered two powertrain options: a 2.5-liter direct-injected four-cylinder engine and a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine. The ICE engine produced 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, while the hybrid delivered 226 combined horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid powertrain made the Tucson more powerful than competitors like the Ford Escape Hybrid and Honda CR-V Hybrid. The Tucson's fuel efficiency varied, with the ICE engine achieving up to 29 mpg combined and the hybrid reaching 37 mpg combined. The forthcoming plug-in hybrid version promised even more power and efficiency, with an estimated 261 horsepower and 224 pound-feet of torque.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, a plug-in hybrid, offered a remarkable 494 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque. It provided 21 miles of electric driving range and averaged 23 mpg in hybrid mode. The Aviator featured multiple driving modes, including Pure EV, Preserve EV, and Excite, allowing drivers to optimize performance and efficiency. During testing, the Aviator demonstrated impressive electric range and fuel economy, with the ability to cover most miles on electricity alone. The Aviator's handling was commendable, thanks to its Dynamic Handling Package and adaptive-damping suspension, but it wasn't particularly fun to drive. The steering was heavy and numb, and the brake pedal exhibited inconsistent behavior typical of regenerative braking systems.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson was a budget-friendly compact SUV with a well-appointed interior. It offered a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat, with an eight-way version available on higher trims. The Tucson's spacious cabin provided ample room for passengers and cargo, with more passenger volume than competitors like the CR-V and RAV4. Its 74.8 cubic-foot cargo area was comparable to the Forester and RAV4, and it featured a 60-40 split-folding rear seat and a dual-level cargo floor.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator prioritized comfort with features like a four-zone automatic climate control system, heated and ventilated 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 seats folded flat. Maximum cargo space measured 77.7 cubic feet.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson came equipped with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a six-speaker audio system. Higher trims offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen, but required plugging in devices for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Tucson's tech features were user-friendly, though the touchpoints on the center console could be challenging to navigate while driving.

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, and Alexa integration. However, it ran on Lincoln's outdated Sync 3 software, which struggled with voice recognition. The Aviator also featured a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system, wireless charging, and a Phone As A Key digital key system. The digital instrumentation and head-up display were clear and easy to read, even with polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but it offered a comprehensive suite of safety features through Hyundai SmartSense. Standard features included forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keep assist, and a driver attention monitor. Additional safety options included blind-spot warning, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera system. Hyundai backed the Tucson with a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and complimentary maintenance for three years.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator featured Co-Pilot360 driver aids, with availability varying by trim level. Our test vehicle included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Aviator's safety tech performed well on straight highways but struggled in dense traffic and curves. The IIHS awarded the standard Aviator a Top Safety Pick, and the NHTSA gave it a five-star overall rating.