2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator presented a choice of powertrains, with a standard twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine available in the Standard, Reserve, and Black Label trims, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and either rear-wheel 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, making all-wheel drive standard. Prices ranged from $53,340 to $89,280, excluding a $1,195 destination charge. The top-tier Black Label Grand Touring model, with an optional paint job, reached an MSRP of $91,225. The Aviator was a stylish three-row midsize SUV, though the wheel design on the Black Label Grand Touring was considered too plain. The vehicle featured a welcoming lighting sequence and sophisticated interior elements, though some chrome details and the key fob felt less luxurious.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport emphasized a modernist and reductive design, offering limited factory options for a flashy appearance. The test vehicle, in Eiger Gray with silver 23-inch wheels and a Black Exterior Pack, exuded understated luxury. The interior featured a Deep Garnet over Ebony theme with aluminum and shiny black trim. The Range Rover Sport was available in SE P360, SE Dynamic P400, and Autobiography P440e specifications, with prices reaching $98,420, including a $1,475 destination charge. Notable design elements included premium LED headlights, flush-mounted door handles, and advanced aerodynamics. The interior boasted a high-tech appearance with sustainable materials, though the focus remained on the luxurious Windsor leather upholstery.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, a plug-in hybrid, offered a robust 494 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque, despite the added weight from its electric motor and battery. It provided 21 miles of electric range and averaged 23 mpg in hybrid mode. Various driving modes allowed for efficient power management, and during testing, the Aviator achieved an impressive 163.4 mpg equivalent by relying heavily on electric power. The twin-turbo V6 delivered quick acceleration, though the drivetrain's responsiveness varied. The brake pedal exhibited inconsistent behavior, typical of regenerative braking systems. The Aviator's Dynamic Handling Package and adaptive suspension managed its weight well, offering a smooth and quiet ride, though it lacked the excitement of sportier SUVs.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport aimed to balance refinement and driver engagement. It offered a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with mild-hybrid technology, producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque in the SE Dynamic model. The PHEV drivetrain in the Autobiography P440e provided 434 horsepower and 51 miles of electric range. A 523-hp twin-turbo V8 was available in limited early-build models. The Range Rover Sport's architecture improved torsional stiffness, and its adaptive air suspension enhanced ride comfort and handling. Despite its capabilities, the SUV felt tall and heavy, with steering lacking involvement. Off-road, it excelled with advanced suspension and impressive ground clearance, but on winding roads, it couldn't match sportier competitors.

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 seat was cramped and difficult to access. With the third row in use, cargo space was limited to 18.3 cubic feet, expanding to 41.8 cubic feet with the seats folded, and a maximum of 77.7 cubic feet.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport maintained a commanding driving position with a tall, airy feel. The air suspension facilitated easier entry and exit, and the front seats offered comfort with Windsor leather and 20-way power adjustments. The rear seat, though improved, remained tight for taller passengers, and narrow door openings complicated access. Cargo space measured 31.9 cubic feet, expanding to 53 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The SUV featured practical storage solutions, though some areas were less accessible.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Black Label Grand Touring was equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Alexa integration. However, it ran on the outdated Sync 3 software, which struggled with voice recognition. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system delivered exceptional sound, and the SUV featured wireless charging and a Phone As A Key system. Digital instrumentation and a head-up display were standard, and parking sensors and a surround-view camera aided in parking.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport featured a 13.7-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with haptic feedback. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Alexa compatibility. However, the Pivi Pro system was often confusing and frustrating to use. The SUV offered impressive Meridian audio systems and Active Noise Cancellation. A wireless charging pad was included, though accessing devices could be challenging.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator came with Co-Pilot360 driver aids, including adaptive cruise control, road-sign recognition, and automatic emergency braking. The test vehicle had blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and evasive steering assist. The steering wheel controls were unnecessarily complex. The standard Aviator received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport included advanced driving assistance systems like forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. It featured automatic high-beam headlights, a driver monitoring system, and a surround-view camera. The adaptive cruise control and steering assist were less responsive and smooth than expected, especially on freeway curves. The SUV's steering assist struggled with inconsistent lane markings.