2022 Nissan Rogue vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

The 2022 Nissan Rogue continued the mature and sophisticated design introduced in the previous year. It featured a V-motion grille, multi-level LED headlights, and a sleek floating roof. The interior boasted a layered dash with contrasting colors and surfaces, an electronic gear selector lever, and ample storage space. The Zero Gravity bucket-style front seats and roomy second row provided comfort and space for passengers. Fit and finish were exemplary, especially in the top-of-the-line Platinum model.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator, particularly the Black Label Grand Touring model, exuded luxury with its elegant design and high-end materials. The exterior featured a modern Lincoln face, though the wheel designs on the test model were considered plain. The interior was lavish, with patterned metal trim, gloss black surfaces, chrome accents, and rich caramel-hued leather seats. The cabin was equipped with ambient lighting and soft-close doors, enhancing the overall luxurious feel. However, some chrome detailing and the key fob's quality were seen as less impressive.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue received a significant boost in performance with its new 1.5-liter VC-Turbo engine, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This engine offered an 11% increase in horsepower and 24% more torque compared to the previous model. The Rogue's fuel economy was impressive, with EPA estimates of 30 mpg city/37 mpg highway/33 mpg combined. The new CVT transmission provided better acceleration and responsiveness, while the chassis and suspension delivered a smooth and controlled ride.

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 lb-ft of torque. The EPA estimated a 21-mile electric driving range and 23 mpg combined in hybrid mode. The Aviator offered various driving modes, including Pure EV, Preserve EV, Conserve, Normal, and Excite, to optimize performance and efficiency. Despite its impressive power, the drivetrain's responsiveness was sometimes unpredictable, and the brake pedal produced inconsistent behavior. The Aviator's handling was commendable, but it lacked the fun-to-drive factor.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue excelled in interior space and storage options. The front cabin featured numerous storage compartments, including bottle holders, cupholders, a glove compartment, and a center console bin. Rear-seat passengers had storage options in the doors, seatbacks, and center armrest, along with USB-A and USB-C charge-only ports. The Rogue offered 31.6-36.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 74.1 cubic feet with the second row folded flat.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator prioritized comfort with features like a four-zone automatic climate control system, heated and ventilated front and second-row 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. The Aviator provided 18.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row in use, 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 77.7 cubic feet.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue's technology upgrade included a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch center infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless Apple CarPlay available on upper trims. ProPilot Assist, Nissan's hands-on driver-assist technology, was available and integrated with the navigation system for predictive speed control.

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 navigation system. However, it ran on the outdated Sync 3 software, which had limitations in voice recognition. The Aviator also featured a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system, wireless charging, and the Phone As A Key digital key system. The head-up display was visible even with polarized sunglasses, and the parking sensors and surround-view camera system were useful for parking.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue came with the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, including automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, high beam assist, and rear automatic braking. ProPilot Assist offered advanced driver-assist features, and the Rogue received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for the 2021 model.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator featured Co-Pilot360 1.5, 1.5 Plus, and 2.0 collections of driver aids, including adaptive cruise control, road-sign recognition, pedestrian detection, and forward-collision warning. The Aviator also had blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, and evasive steering assist. The standard Aviator received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.