2023 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator presented itself as a sophisticated three-row, midsize SUV, boasting a modern Lincoln design that was both appealing and luxurious. The Black Label Grand Touring model, with its twin-turbocharged V6 engine paired with a hybrid system, offered a powerful presence. However, the wheel design on this top-tier model was considered too plain, detracting from its high price tag. The Aviator's interior was a blend of high-end materials and intricate design elements, featuring patterned metal trim, chrome accents, and rich caramel-hued leather seats. Despite its luxurious appeal, some details, like the chrome switchgear and stitching, felt less premium. The Aviator's cabin was equipped with ambient lighting and electric door handles, enhancing the overall experience, though the electronic latches required careful handling.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid maintained a more understated exterior, with the RX 350h Luxury model looking nearly identical to its non-hybrid counterpart. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, however, stood out with its aggressive styling and blacked-out details. The RX's design was not traditionally beautiful, with a blunt nose and a visually heavy front end, but it offered a clean and minimalistic interior. The RX 350h Luxury model featured Macadamia semi-aniline leather and Ash Bamboo wood trim, exuding luxury, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance had a sportier, all-black interior with artificial suede and aluminum trim. The RX's interior was modern, with contemporary textures and ambient lighting, though it lacked some of the intricate detailing found in the Aviator.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring was a plug-in hybrid that delivered impressive power, generating 494 horsepower and 630 lb-ft of torque. Despite its added weight from the hybrid system, it offered a 21-mile electric range and averaged 23 mpg in hybrid mode. The Aviator featured multiple driving modes, including Pure EV and Preserve EV, allowing drivers to optimize battery usage. During testing, the Aviator achieved an equivalent of 163.4 mpg when relying heavily on electric power. However, the drivetrain's responsiveness was inconsistent, and the regenerative braking system required careful handling for smooth stops. The Aviator's Dynamic Handling Package provided a smooth ride, but its steering was heavy and numb, making it less engaging to drive.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid offered two distinct powertrains. The RX 350h, with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, produced 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque, achieving an estimated 36 mpg in combined driving. It accelerated to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds, providing a balance of efficiency and performance. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, with a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine, delivered 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. It featured an adaptive damping suspension and rear-wheel steering, enhancing its athleticism. However, the RX 500h's fuel economy fell short of expectations, averaging 20.9 mpg during testing. The RX 350h, on the other hand, averaged 32 mpg, offering better efficiency and a more secure driving experience.

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 and supportive, but the third-row seating was cramped, making it unsuitable for adults. The Aviator offered 18.3 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in use, expanding to 77.7 cubic feet with the third row folded.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid provided a comfortable and luxurious interior, especially in the RX 350h Luxury model with its ten-way power-adjustable seats and premium leather. The RX 500h F Sport Performance had sportier seats with larger bolsters. The RX's battery placement under the rear seat improved leg support but reduced headroom. The RX offered 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 46.2 cubic feet with the seat folded, a significant improvement over the previous model.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator was equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a navigation system. However, it ran on the outdated Sync 3 software, which struggled with voice recognition. The Aviator's 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system was a highlight, delivering exceptional sound quality. The SUV also featured a digital key system and a comprehensive head-up display, though the infotainment system's limitations were a drawback.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system with a cloud-based navigation system and an Intelligent Assistant. The system required activation of connected services for full functionality. The RX's touchscreen was large but limited to displaying one menu at a time, and it suffered from reflections. The head-up display was available, but its functionality was hindered by polarized sunglasses. Despite these issues, the RX's infotainment system was a significant improvement over previous models.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator came with a range of driver assistance features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. However, the system's performance varied, with some features struggling in heavy traffic. The Aviator received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid was equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring advanced driver assistance systems like motorcycle detection and evasive steering assistance. The RX also offered Proactive Driving Assist, which helped maintain safe distances and recharge the battery. While the system generally performed well, some features, like the curve-speed reduction, were less effective. The RX's Traffic Jam Assist and Advanced Park systems were available but not tested.