2022 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover underwent a subtle evolution rather than a radical redesign. Its front and side profiles remained largely unchanged from the previous generation, with a broad, rounded face and expansive, unadorned sheet metal. A vertical accent strip under the mirrors distinguished the new model from its predecessor. The most notable change was at the rear, where the Range Rover replaced its square taillights with sleek LED strips integrated into a darker trim. The SUV maintained its imposing presence, emphasizing its size rather than concealing it with sharp creases. Inside, the Range Rover's cabin was simplified with fewer buttons and a larger, tablet-like touchscreen, offering a modern look. Premium leather and rich wood trim adorned the interior, exuding luxury. The Range Rover's solid feel and quiet ride on rough roads underscored its premium status, rivaling even more expensive alternatives like Maybach or Bentley.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator offered a choice of powertrains, including a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Aviator Grand Touring and Black Label Grand Touring models featured a hybrid system with a 75-kilowatt electric motor and a 13.6-kilowatt-hour battery pack. Prices ranged from $53,340 to $89,280, with the top-tier Black Label Grand Touring model reaching $91,225. The Aviator's design was appealing, with a modern Lincoln face, but the wheel designs on the Black Label Grand Touring were considered plain. The Aviator's interior was luxurious, featuring patterned metal trim, chrome accents, and rich caramel-hued leather seats. However, some chrome detailing appeared cheap, and the key fob felt lightweight and plasticky. The Aviator's cabin was quiet and comfortable, with a focus on luxury and style.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover offered two powertrains: the base P400 with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, and the P530 with a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine delivering 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. The P400 powertrain provided effortless acceleration, reaching 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, despite the SUV's nearly 6,000-pound weight. The Range Rover's handling was surprisingly agile, with well-managed body roll and a calm, composed driving experience. Standard rear-wheel steering enhanced maneuverability, making it easy to navigate tight spaces. The Range Rover's off-road capability was impressive, thanks to the Terrain Response system, while maintaining a smooth and quiet ride on paved roads.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, a plug-in hybrid, combined a twin-turbo V6 engine with an electric motor, generating 494 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque. The Aviator offered 21 miles of electric driving range and averaged 23 mpg in hybrid mode. Various driving modes allowed the powertrain to switch between electricity and gasoline for efficiency. During testing, the Aviator achieved 22.3 miles on electric power alone, with a fuel economy equivalent to 163.4 mpg. The Aviator's drivetrain was powerful but sometimes unpredictable, with inconsistent acceleration and braking behavior. The Aviator's handling was commendable, thanks to the Dynamic Handling Package and adaptive-damping suspension, but it wasn't particularly fun to drive. The Aviator prioritized a quiet, smooth ride, making it ideal for relaxed highway cruising.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover provided ample space in the first two rows, enhanced by large windows and a panoramic sunroof. Front seats were comfortable, with available massage functions, and storage options were plentiful. The second row offered generous space for taller passengers, with power recline and sliding adjustments. The optional third row was accessible with a button, though headroom was limited for adults. Cargo space behind the third row was 17.1 cubic feet, expanding to 43.1 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 93 cubic feet with the second row down. The split tailgate and air suspension height adjustment facilitated loading and unloading.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator prioritized comfort with features like a four-zone climate control system, heated and ventilated seats, and massaging front seats. The second-row captain's chairs were roomy and supportive, but the third row was cramped for adults. Cargo space was 18.3 cubic feet with the third row in use, expanding to 41.8 cubic feet with it folded, and a maximum of 77.7 cubic feet. The Aviator's interior was luxurious, but the third row was best suited for occasional use.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover featured a 13-inch touchscreen with the new Pivi Pro infotainment system, offering sharp graphics and quick responses. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a wireless charging pad. The Meridian audio system delivered impressive sound quality, with an optional 35-speaker upgrade. Other tech features included Amazon Alexa integration, remote automated parking, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and smartphone app control.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Black Label Grand Touring came equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Alexa integration, and a WiFi hotspot. However, it ran on the older Sync 3 software, which had limitations in voice recognition. The Aviator 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 user-friendly, and parking sensors and a surround-view camera system aided in parking.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover came standard with frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, and parking sensors. The surround-view camera system was particularly useful for off-roading. While adequately equipped, some rivals offered additional safety features. Crash test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS were not available.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator featured Co-Pilot360 driver aids, including automatic high-beam headlights, adaptive cruise control, road-sign recognition, pedestrian detection, and forward-collision warning. It also had blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and evasive steering assist. The driver aids performed well on highways but were less reliable in heavy traffic. The Aviator received a Top Safety Pick from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA.