2023 Genesis GV80 vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator presented a sophisticated and modern design, characterized by its twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, which was standard across the 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 powertrain with a hybrid system, including 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 Black Label Grand Touring model, with its optional paint job, reached an MSRP of $91,225. The Aviator was a midsize SUV with a striking Lincoln face, though the wheel designs on the Black Label Grand Touring were considered too plain. The vehicle's lighting features, such as the Lincoln Embrace lighting sequence, added a touch of elegance, while the interior boasted high-end materials and a luxurious ambiance, albeit with some design elements that seemed overly ornate.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 exuded sophistication with its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille, presenting a stately appearance at over 16 feet long. The Prestige trim featured 22-inch alloy wheels, enhancing its elegant look, especially with the matte Brunswick Green paint. Inside, the dark green quilted leather seats complemented the dash, which was adorned with metal and matte wood trim. The center console housed three large dials for infotainment, transmission, and drive modes, while the two-spoke steering wheel added a unique touch. The 14.5-inch infotainment screen, though slightly awkwardly placed, was part of a spacious and luxurious interior. The GV80's interior was a comfortable and stylish space, with features like the Ergo Motion driver's seat and a tri-zone climate control system. Despite a minor quibble with the infotainment screen's placement, the GV80's interior was a pleasant environment for occupants.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, a plug-in hybrid, offered impressive performance with its drivetrain generating 494 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 630 pound-feet of torque at 2,250 rpm. Despite the added weight from the electric motor and battery, the Aviator provided 21 miles of electric driving range and averaged 23 mpg in hybrid mode. The SUV featured various driving modes, including Pure EV, Preserve EV, Conserve, Normal, and Excite, allowing for efficient power management. During an evaluation drive, the Aviator demonstrated its ability to maximize battery usage, achieving an equivalent of 163.4 mpg during electric driving. 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 Active Glide suspension, but it wasn't particularly engaging to drive. The SUV excelled in providing a quiet and smooth ride, making it ideal for highway cruising.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 offered a choice between a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and a turbo 3.5-liter V6 producing 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. While the GV80 wasn't particularly quick, taking around five and a half seconds to reach 60 mph, it excelled in highway driving. The power delivery and shifts were smooth, and the electronically controlled suspension, combined with active noise cancellation, provided a quiet and comfortable ride. The GV80's handling was competent, though not as sharp as some German rivals. Overall, the GV80 was well-suited for long-distance cruising, offering a refined and serene 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 and not suitable for adults, with limited legroom and a flat cushion. The Aviator offered 18.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row in use, expanding to 41.8 cubic feet with the seats folded flat, and a maximum of 77.7 cubic feet. The Aviator's interior was luxurious, though the third-row limitations were a drawback for those seeking a spacious three-row SUV.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 compensated for its lack of driving excitement with a host of luxury features. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, while our tester included ventilated front and rear seats with Nappa leather upholstery. The Ergo Motion driver's seat provided comfort with its inflatable pockets. The GV80 offered a third-row option, though legroom was limited to 30 inches, making it suitable only for children. The interior featured Genesis puddle lamps, a proximity key, and a digital key option. The tri-zone climate control system and optional 21-speaker stereo system added to the luxury experience. The GV80 boasted ample cargo space, with 34.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 84 cubic feet with the seats folded. Its towing capacity was 6,000 pounds, making it a practical choice for those needing utility.

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 outdated Sync 3 software, which struggled with voice recognition and navigation accuracy. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system provided exceptional sound quality, and the SUV featured wireless charging and a Phone As A Key digital key system. The digital instrumentation and head-up display were user-friendly, and the parking sensors and surround-view camera system aided in parking. Despite its technological offerings, the Aviator's infotainment system was a weak point, with Sync 3 falling short of expectations.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster. While the 3D effects were somewhat gimmicky, the head-up display projected information into the driver's field of view. The infotainment screen was slightly out of reach, and the dial control was cumbersome, though it offered handwriting recognition. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, but not wirelessly. The GV80 included wireless charging, multiple USB ports, and a 110-volt outlet. The remote smart parking assist allowed for parking without the driver in the car, adding convenience. Overall, the GV80's technology was advanced, though the infotainment system had a learning curve.

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 test model also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and evasive steering assist. While the tech performed well, the lane-keeping system struggled in curves, and the steering wheel controls were unnecessarily complicated. The 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 Genesis GV80 offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The GV80's blind-spot video feed in the digital gauge cluster was a standout feature, providing a clear view of the blind spot. Highway Drive Assist used cameras, radar, and navigation to provide hands-on driving assistance, though it struggled in bright sunlight. The GV80 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Good rating for crashworthiness from the IIHS, with Superior ratings for front crash prevention.