2023 Dodge Hornet vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator presented a sophisticated and luxurious appearance, with its modern Lincoln face being a standout feature in the automaker’s lineup. The vehicle offered a choice between a standard twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine and a plug-in hybrid version, both paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Aviator's design was elegant, though some elements, like the plain wheels on the Black Label Grand Touring, detracted from its high-end appeal. The interior was lavish, featuring a mix of high-quality materials and a complex design that leaned towards an Art Deco style. However, some details, such as the chrome switchgear and stitching, felt less premium than expected for a vehicle in its price range.

In contrast, the 2023 Dodge Hornet embraced its muscle-car heritage with a bold front end, featuring a wide "raccoon mask" face and distinctive styling cues. The rear design, reminiscent of a Porsche, added a premium touch, though it diverged from traditional Dodge aesthetics. The Hornet's exterior was complemented by a range of vibrant color options and wheel designs, with the Blacktop and Track Pack packages offering further customization. Inside, the Hornet emphasized performance with red stitching and a driver-focused cockpit. The GT Plus trim offered enhanced comfort with leather seats and advanced features, while the base GT trim provided a more straightforward setup.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring was a plug-in hybrid that delivered impressive power, generating 494 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque. Despite its additional weight from the electric motor and battery, the Aviator offered a 21-mile electric driving range and averaged 23 mpg in hybrid mode. Various driving modes allowed for a tailored driving experience, with the SUV excelling in comfort and smoothness. However, the drivetrain's unpredictability and the brake pedal's inconsistent behavior were noted drawbacks. The Aviator's handling was commendable, thanks to its adaptive suspension, but it lacked the engaging driving dynamics found in sportier SUVs.

The 2023 Dodge Hornet boasted "best-in-class performance" with its 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, producing 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. This power output surpassed most competitors, offering a lively driving experience with a 0-60 mph time of 6.5 seconds. The Hornet's Sport mode enhanced throttle response and steering, though acceleration at higher speeds revealed some lag. The Hornet R/T's hybrid powertrain improved pickup, providing a more consistent performance. Overall, the Hornet delivered a spirited drive, particularly at lower speeds, aligning with its sporty design.

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 spacious, but the third-row seating was cramped and best suited for children. Cargo space was limited with the third row in use, offering just 18.3 cubic feet, but expanded to 77.7 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

In the 2023 Dodge Hornet, the GT Plus trim offered enhanced comfort with leather seats and lumbar adjustment, while the base GT trim featured cloth seats. The cockpit's driver-oriented layout was appreciated, though the A-pillar design occasionally obstructed visibility. The Hornet's interior was practical, with features like heated and ventilated seats available on higher trims, and the overall design catered to a performance-focused experience.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator was equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Alexa integration. However, the outdated Sync 3 software hindered the voice recognition system's performance. The Aviator featured a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system and innovative warning chimes recorded by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Smartphone integration included wireless charging and a digital key system, while parking sensors and a surround-view camera system aided in maneuvering.

The 2023 Dodge Hornet featured a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen with the intuitive Uconnect 5 system. The infotainment setup included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon system on the GT Plus trim. The Hornet's technology was user-friendly, with advanced features accessible through the touchscreen, and the navigation system performed well, despite occasional quirks.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator came with Co-Pilot360 driver aids, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. The system performed well on highways but struggled in dense traffic. The Aviator received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Dodge Hornet offered standard safety features like blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. The Tech Pack added advanced systems, enabling Level 2 autonomous driving capabilities. The Hornet had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but its comprehensive safety suite was a strong selling point.