2023 Dodge Durango vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator presented a sophisticated and modern design, with a choice of powertrains that included a standard twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine across its Standard, Reserve, and Black Label trims. This engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and offered either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The Grand Touring and Black Label Grand Touring models enhanced this setup with a hybrid system, adding a 75-kilowatt electric motor and a 13.6-kilowatt-hour battery pack, making all-wheel drive standard. The Aviator's pricing ranged from $53,340 to $89,280, excluding a $1,195 destination charge. The top-tier Black Label Grand Touring model, with its optional paint job, reached an MSRP of $91,225. The Aviator was noted for its appealing design, though some wheel designs were considered too plain for its price point. The interior was luxurious, featuring a mix of high-end materials and a design that leaned towards Art Deco, though some elements like chrome detailing and stitching were critiqued for appearing less premium.

In contrast, the 2023 Dodge Durango maintained a familiar yet attractive design, avoiding oversized grilles and opting for a clean, car-like styling. The Durango's signature "racetrack" taillights added a distinctive touch. The SRT 392 and SRT Hellcat models featured unique styling elements, such as a Viper-like hood and specific wheels, but these were subtle. The Durango offered various appearance packages, including the Blacktop and Hemi Orange packages, allowing for customization. The interior, while not as distinctive as the exterior, provided a comfortable space with materials appropriate for each trim level. The Citadel and SRT models offered more luxurious features, such as Nappa leather upholstery and heated seats. The Durango's interior space was competitive with other midsize SUVs, though it offered less cargo space compared to some rivals. The Durango also boasted impressive towing capabilities, with V6 models towing up to 6,200 pounds and V8 models up to 8,700 pounds.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, a plug-in hybrid, was not solely focused on efficiency. Despite the added weight from its electric motor and battery, it delivered an impressive 494 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque. The EPA rated its electric driving range at 21 miles, with a combined hybrid mode average of 23 mpg. The Aviator offered various driving modes, including Pure EV, Preserve EV, Conserve, Normal, and Excite, to optimize performance and efficiency. During testing, the Aviator demonstrated a fuel economy equivalent to 163.4 mpg when relying heavily on electric power. The twin-turbo V6 provided ample power, though the drivetrain's responsiveness was sometimes unpredictable. The Aviator's handling was commendable, thanks to its Dynamic Handling Package and adaptive-damping suspension, but it wasn't particularly engaging to drive. The Aviator prioritized a quiet, smooth ride, making it ideal for comfortable highway cruising.

The 2023 Dodge Durango offered a range of powertrains, starting with a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine producing 293 horsepower (295 hp with dual exhaust) and 260 pound-feet of torque. The Durango R/T featured a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, delivering a classic V8 rumble. The SRT 392 model boasted a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 with 475 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The SRT Hellcat took performance to another level with a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 producing 710 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds. The Hellcat's acceleration was exhilarating, though its size made it less agile on twisty roads. The Durango's adaptive-damping suspension, Pirelli P Zero tires, and Brembo brakes ensured power was manageable, while the supercharger whine and exhaust rumble added to the driving experience.

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 spacious and supportive, with a center console for storage and controls. However, the third-row seat was cramped, with limited legroom and a flat cushion. Cargo space was also limited, with 18.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 77.7 cubic feet.

The 2023 Dodge Durango offered both seven-seat and six-seat configurations, with standard front bucket seats, a second-row bench, and a third-row bench on lower trims. Higher trims featured second-row captain's chairs. The Durango's interior space was competitive with other midsize SUVs, though it offered less cargo space than some rivals, with 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 43.3 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 85.1 cubic feet behind the first row. Small-item storage was generous, with a large wireless charging pad and USB ports. The Durango's towing capacity was impressive, with V6 models towing up to 6,200 pounds and V8 models up to 8,700 pounds.

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

The 2023 Dodge Durango offered an 8.4-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay/Android Auto on lower trims, while higher trims featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity and Uconnect 5. The infotainment system was responsive and user-friendly, with added personality for SRT models. The SRT 392 and Hellcat models included the Performance Pages app, providing performance data on the touchscreen. A 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system was available on the SRT Hellcat model.

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

The 2023 Dodge Durango received mixed safety ratings, with top marks in some IIHS tests but a "Marginal" score in the driver-side small overlap front test. The NHTSA gave it a four-star overall rating, with five stars in the side crash test. Standard driver-assist tech was limited, with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert standard on all trims, but other features like forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control were only standard on higher trims.