2023 Ford Escape vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator presented a sophisticated and luxurious appearance, especially in its Black Label Grand Touring trim. This model featured a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine paired with a 10-speed hybrid automatic transmission, delivering a powerful yet smooth driving experience. The exterior design was elegant, with the Lincoln Embrace lighting sequence adding a touch of class. However, the wheel designs on the Black Label Grand Touring were considered too plain, detracting from the overall premium feel.

Inside, the Aviator Black Label Grand Touring was lavishly appointed with high-end materials, including rich caramel-hued leather seats and a swanky simulated suede headliner. The cabin was a visual feast, though some elements, like the chrome detailing on the switchgear, felt cheap. The electronic door latches were innovative but could pinch fingers if not used carefully. Despite these minor flaws, the Aviator's interior was undeniably fancy and comfortable, with a focus on luxury and sophistication.

The 2023 Ford Escape, in contrast, adopted a more European design language, moving away from the rugged, boxy aesthetic of its predecessors. The refreshed front end featured a traditional grille with the Ford blue oval logo and a stylish LED light bar. The ST-Line Elite trim we tested sported 19-inch wheels and body-color mirror caps, giving it a sleek and upscale look.

Inside, the Escape ST-Line Elite boasted diamond-stitched leather upholstery, which, while visually appealing, felt hard and plasticky. The seats were comfortable and supportive, making the Escape a good choice for long drives. However, the interior was dominated by plastic materials, some of which felt scratchy and poorly reinforced. Despite these shortcomings, the Escape's interior was functional and durable, with a focus on practicality and comfort.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, a plug-in hybrid, combined a twin-turbo V6 engine with an electric motor and a 13.6-kilowatt-hour battery pack, producing an impressive 494 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque. The EPA estimated 21 miles of electric driving range, with a combined fuel economy of 23 mpg in hybrid mode. During our extended evaluation drive, the Aviator demonstrated its ability to maximize efficiency, achieving an equivalent of 163.4 mpg when relying heavily on electric power.

The Aviator's driving modes, including Pure EV, Preserve EV, Conserve, Normal, and Excite, allowed for versatile performance. However, the drivetrain's unpredictability and the brake pedal's inconsistent behavior were notable drawbacks. The Aviator's Dynamic Handling Package, with its adaptive-damping Active Glide suspension, provided a smooth and quiet ride, though it lacked the fun-to-drive factor. The Aviator excelled in comfort and isolation, making it ideal for highway cruising rather than spirited driving.

The 2023 Ford Escape offered multiple powertrain options, including a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 180 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine could be configured with either FWD or AWD. The ST-Line Select, Platinum, and ST-Line Elite trims featured a more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, exclusively with AWD.

Despite the four-cylinder's impressive output, the Escape was not a performance crossover. Its suspension remained soft and compliant, prioritizing comfort over precision. The transmission lacked performance tuning, and the absence of paddle shifters limited driver control. However, the Escape's brakes were predictable and linear, and the steering inputs were well-weighted, avoiding the twitchiness common in some competitors. The Escape's soft suspension was particularly beneficial on rough roads, providing a comfortable ride.

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. With the third-row seats in use, the Aviator offered 18.3 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded and 77.7 cubic feet with both rows down.

The 2023 Ford Escape provided a comfortable interior with soft and supportive seats and excellent ergonomics. The steering wheel felt great to hold, and the armrests were well-positioned. The Escape's cargo space was 37.5 cubic feet behind the second row and 65.4 cubic feet with the second row folded, falling short of segment leaders like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Passenger space was adequate, with good headroom and scalloped front-seat backs to maximize rear legroom.

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, the outdated Sync 3 software struggled with voice recognition, making it less user-friendly. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system was spectacular, and the Phone As A Key digital key system was convenient. The head-up display was visible even with polarized sunglasses, and the surround-view camera system was helpful for parking.

The 2023 Ford Escape featured the modern Sync 4 system, with an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 13.2-inch screen on higher trims. Sync 4 was well-organized and easy to navigate, with a static "Home" button for quick access. While the system was occasionally slow to respond, it offered a comprehensive feature set and intuitive layout. The larger screen significantly upgraded the cabin's look, and the native navigation system was impressive.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator came equipped with various 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-keeping assist, and evasive steering assist. The standard Aviator received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though the Grand Touring model was not specifically rated.

The 2023 Ford Escape earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with top scores in frontal- and side-crash tests. However, it received a Marginal rating in the IIHS' updated side-impact test. The Escape's standard Co-Pilot360 suite included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The optional Co-Pilot360 2.0 added adaptive cruise control, road sign recognition, lane-centering technology, and a surround-view camera.