2022 Jeep Wrangler vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

When shopping for a 2022 Jeep Wrangler, buyers first had to decide between the classic two-door or the more practical four-door model. Depending on this choice, they could select from a variety of powertrains, including a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, gasoline V6, turbodiesel V6, gas V8, or a plug-in hybrid. The turbo-four and V6 engines came standard with a six-speed manual transmission, but an eight-speed automatic was available as an upgrade. Four-wheel drive (4WD) was standard, with multiple systems available depending on the trim level. The Wrangler came in four core trim levels: Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon, with numerous special editions offering different roof and top options. The price range for the 2022 Jeep Wrangler was from about $30,000 to $80,000, excluding the destination charge.

Our test vehicle was the new High Tide special edition model, based on the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited (four-door) Sport S trim. It featured LED exterior lighting, a body-color hardtop with a Sunrider Fliptop, a Gorilla Glass windshield upgrade, sand-and-slush floor mats, and High Tide or Beach hood decals. The High Tide model stood out with the standard Xtreme Recon package, which included a 1.5-inch suspension lift, revised shock tuning, 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels, 35-inch BF Goodrich T/A KO2 tires, and a 4.56 rear axle ratio. Our Wrangler also had a gasoline V6 engine with eTorque mild hybrid electrification, an automatic transmission, Selec-Trac full-time 4WD, and several extra-cost options, bringing the MSRP to $58,845, including the $1,595 destination charge.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator required buyers to first decide on the powertrain. The standard twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine was available with Standard, Reserve, and Black Label trims, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and either rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). The Aviator Grand Touring and Black Label Grand Touring models combined the twin-turbo V6 with a 10-speed hybrid automatic transmission, a 75-kilowatt electric motor, and a 13.6-kilowatt-hour battery pack, offering standard AWD. Prices ranged from $53,340 to $89,280, excluding a $1,195 destination charge. Our test vehicle, the top-of-the-line Black Label Grand Touring, had an MSRP of $91,225, including the destination charge.

The Aviator was a three-row, midsize SUV with a modern Lincoln face. However, the wheel designs on our Black Label Grand Touring were too plain, and the multi-spoke machined-finish rims did not justify the high price tag. At night, the Lincoln Embrace lighting sequence welcomed the keyfob holder, and the electric, light-touch door handles and soft-close doors added to the luxurious feel. Inside, the Black Label Grand Touring featured patterned metal trim, gloss black surfaces, chrome accents, and rich caramel-hued leather seats. While the materials were mostly high-end, some chrome detailing and stitching appeared cheap. The key fob was also lightweight and plasticky, but the Phone As A Key digital key technology was a convincing alternative.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, producing 285 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 260 pound-feet of torque at 4,800 rpm. The eight-speed automatic transmission was a $4,000 option, and our test vehicle also had the optional Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system. The EPA estimated 21 mpg in combined driving for the Wrangler Unlimited with the eTorque V6, but our test vehicle averaged 17.6 mpg on the evaluation route and 16.8 mpg over a week and 435 miles of driving.

Driving the Wrangler was a unique and immersive experience, with a rough-and-tumble feel and a high fuel consumption rate. The Wrangler's loud cabin, vague steering, touchy brakes, and unstable handling were well-known traits that contributed to its charm. The open-top driving experience heightened the senses, making every drive memorable. However, the Wrangler's unique character and capabilities also required extra care and attention from the driver.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, a plug-in hybrid, generated an impressive 494 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 630 pound-feet of torque at 2,250 rpm. The EPA estimated 21 miles of electric driving range and 23 mpg combined in hybrid mode. The Aviator offered multiple driving modes, including Pure EV, Preserve EV, Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, Deep Conditions, and Tow/Haul. During our evaluation, the Aviator covered 22.3 miles on electric power alone and averaged 24.3 mpg over 94.7 miles of travel.

The Aviator's powertrain provided plenty of power, but the drivetrain's response was sometimes unpredictable. The brake pedal also produced inconsistent behavior, common with regenerative braking systems. The Aviator's Dynamic Handling Package with adaptive-damping Active Glide suspension managed the SUV's extra weight well, providing a smooth and predictable ride. However, the Aviator was not particularly fun to drive, even in the more aggressive Excite mode. The SUV was quiet, isolating, and smooth-riding, making it ideal for highway cruising.

Getting into and out of the 2022 Jeep Wrangler was challenging, especially with the High Tide's raised suspension. The manual height adjuster for the driver's seat required regular re-adjustment. The Wrangler's seats were comfortable, with durable cloth upholstery and some soft, padded spots for arms and elbows. Visibility was a mixed bag, with excellent views in some areas and compromised views in others. Rear-seat passengers faced similar entry and exit difficulties but found agreeable accommodations once aboard. Storage options were limited, with netting on the lower door panels, a small tray on the dashboard, and a deep center console box.

Loading cargo in the Wrangler required swinging the tailgate from left to right, with the heavy 35-inch wheel adding to the challenge. The Wrangler Unlimited offered 31.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator prioritized comfort, with a four-zone automatic climate control system, a heated power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, and automatic heated and ventilated front and second-row seats. The massaging, 30-way Perfect Position front seats were highly comfortable, and the second-row captain's chairs were roomy and supportive. However, the third-row seat was not suitable for adults, with limited kneeroom, legroom, and leg support. The Aviator offered 18.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the third-row seats in use, 41.8 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded flat, and 77.7 cubic feet of maximum cargo space.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide, based on Sport S trim, had a relatively basic infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The optional Uconnect 8.4 infotainment system offered upgrades such as satellite radio, connected services, and a navigation system. Our test vehicle included remote engine starting, satellite radio, passive keyless entry, single-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel.

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, Lincoln Connect connected services, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a navigation system. However, it ran Lincoln's old Sync 3 software, which had limitations in voice recognition. The Aviator also featured a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system, 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, and the Active Parking Assist 2.0 system could park the SUV in parallel and perpendicular spaces.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide included the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group. The Safety Group added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors, while the Advanced Safety Group included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Wrangler received a three-star rating for rollover resistance from the NHTSA and Marginal ratings from the IIHS for small overlap crash-test protection and side-impact test. Headlight performance was rated Poor for standard lights and Marginal for LED upgrades.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator was equipped with Co-Pilot360 1.5, Co-Pilot360 1.5 Plus, and Co-Pilot360 2.0 driver aids, depending on the trim level. Our test vehicle had automatic high-beam adaptive-pixel headlights, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, road-sign recognition, pedestrian detection, forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert with automatic rear braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and evasive steering assist. The Aviator received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.