2023 Lexus RX vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator presented a sophisticated and luxurious appearance, with a focus on comfort and elegance. It featured a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, available in both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive. The Grand Touring and Black Label Grand Touring models added a hybrid system, enhancing the powertrain with a 75-kilowatt electric motor and a 13.6-kilowatt-hour battery pack. The Aviator's design was generally appealing, with a modern Lincoln face, though the wheel designs on the Black Label Grand Touring were considered too plain. The interior was lavish, with high-end materials and a plethora of design elements, though some details like chrome switchgear and stitching were less impressive.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus RX offered a more compact and modern design, with a shorter height, broader width, and longer wheelbase compared to its predecessor. The exterior styling was familiar yet fresh, with a spindle-style grille and a floating roof effect. Inside, the RX featured a modern interior with fewer buttons, digital instrumentation, and a choice of touchscreen displays. The quality was high, with options for genuine leather and simulated suede. The RX was available in several trims, including hybrid and performance hybrid versions, though pricing was not announced at the time of review. Overall, the RX maintained a balance between familiarity and innovation, appealing to those seeking a conservative yet contemporary luxury SUV.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, a plug-in hybrid, delivered impressive performance with its 494 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque. Despite the added weight from the electric motor and battery, it offered 21 miles of electric driving 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 demonstrated efficient use of electric power, achieving a fuel economy equivalent to 163.4 mpg over a specific distance. However, the drivetrain's responsiveness was sometimes unpredictable, and the regenerative braking system required careful handling for smooth stops. The Aviator's handling was commendable, with an adaptive-damping suspension providing a smooth ride, though it lacked the excitement of a sportier SUV.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350, equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, produced 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. It offered a smooth ride, though the engine's sound was less refined than the previous V6. The RX 350 Luxury trim displayed occasional torque steer and excess body motion, while the F Sport Handling trim felt more secure with its adaptive suspension. The RX 350 AWD accelerated to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds, and fuel economy was expected to average 24 mpg. The RX's performance was satisfactory, with the F Sport Handling trim providing a more engaging driving experience.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator prioritized comfort with features like a four-zone automatic 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. Cargo space was limited with the third row in use, offering 18.3 cubic feet, but expanded to 77.7 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 provided comfortable seating, with the F Sport Handling package offering sportier seat bolsters. The RX 350 Luxury trim featured premium leather upholstery and a sophisticated interior design. The back seat was roomy, though taller passengers might find headroom tight. Cargo space improved over the previous model, with 29.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 46.2 cubic feet with the seats folded down, though it remained modest for the segment.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Black Label Grand Touring 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 and point-of-interest searches. The Aviator also included a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system and smartphone-related tech like wireless charging and a digital key system. The head-up display was effective, even with polarized sunglasses, and parking sensors and a surround-view camera system aided in parking.

The 2023 Lexus RX introduced the new Lexus Interface infotainment system, available with a 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen display. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and connected services like Drive Connect with Intelligent Assistant voice recognition. The system allowed for user profiles and music streaming, though it lacked the ability to view multiple data panels simultaneously. The RX also offered a 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, digital instrumentation, and optional digital key technology. The head-up display was less visible with polarized sunglasses, but overall, the Lexus Interface was a significant improvement over previous systems.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator featured Co-Pilot360 driver aids, including adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. 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 Lexus RX came with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering features like motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and adaptive cruise control with curve speed reduction. New semi-autonomous technologies included Proactive Driving Assist and Traffic Jam Assist. The system was generally effective, though some features, like curve-speed reduction, were less intuitive. The RX's safety features were comprehensive, though the HUD's visibility was limited with polarized sunglasses.