2023 Lincoln Navigator vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator presented a sophisticated and modern design, characterized by its sleek lines and the distinctive Lincoln face. It offered a choice between a standard twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine and a plug-in hybrid variant, both paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Aviator's interior was luxurious, featuring high-end materials and a plethora of design elements, though some details, like the chrome switchgear, felt less premium. The Black Label Grand Touring model, with its ambient lighting and electric door handles, aimed to provide an effortless and elegant experience, though the electronic door latches occasionally posed a minor inconvenience.

In contrast, the 2023 Lincoln Navigator maintained its status as a full-size luxury SUV with a commanding presence. Despite its last redesign in 2018, the Navigator continued to impress with its spacious interior and high-quality materials. The triple-black Navigator Reserve model, equipped with the Monochromatic Package, showcased a sleek and cohesive exterior design. Inside, the Navigator offered a comfortable and upscale environment, though the chrome plastic on some switchgear detracted slightly from the overall luxury feel. The Navigator's cabin was spacious, with ample room for passengers and cargo, making it a practical choice for families or those needing extra space.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, a plug-in hybrid, delivered a robust performance with its 494 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque. Despite the added weight from the electric motor and battery, the Aviator managed to offer a commendable electric driving range of 21 miles and an average of 23 mpg in hybrid mode. The SUV featured multiple driving modes, including Pure EV and Preserve EV, allowing drivers to optimize battery usage. During testing, the Aviator demonstrated impressive fuel efficiency, achieving an equivalent of 163.4 mpg when relying heavily on electric power. However, the drivetrain occasionally exhibited unpredictability, with inconsistent acceleration and braking behavior. The Aviator's handling was smooth and composed, thanks to its adaptive-damping Active Glide suspension, though it lacked the excitement of a sportier SUV.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator, powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, offered 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. It came with a 10-speed automatic transmission and a 4WD drivetrain, achieving an EPA fuel economy rating of 18 mpg combined. During testing, the Navigator averaged 15.6 mpg on a Southern California loop. The SUV featured five driving modes, including Excite, which enhanced performance but reduced fuel efficiency. The Navigator's ride quality was mixed, with the Reserve trim's 22-inch wheels contributing to a truck-like ride over smaller bumps. However, Excite mode improved the ride by stiffening the suspension. Despite its size, the Navigator felt surprisingly nimble on mountain roads, though its nearly three-ton curb weight challenged the brakes.

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. While the second-row captain's chairs were spacious and supportive, the third-row seat was less accommodating for adults, with limited legroom and a flat cushion. Cargo space was modest, offering 18.3 cubic feet with all seats in use and expanding to 77.7 cubic feet with the third row folded.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, providing roomy seating in all three rows and an available extended body style for increased cargo capacity. The power-deploying running boards facilitated easy entry and exit, while the 30-way Perfect Position front seats offered comfort, albeit with a learning curve for adjustments. The Navigator's interior featured ample storage space, including a large tray under the center console. The extended-length Navigator L model provided significantly more cargo space, making it ideal for those needing to transport both passengers and luggage.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Black Label Grand Touring was equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Alexa integration. However, it ran on the older Sync 3 software, which struggled with voice recognition and navigation accuracy. The Aviator also boasted a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system and a Phone As A Key digital key system. The digital instrumentation and head-up display were user-friendly, though the Active Parking Assist 2.0 system was not tested.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured a 12-inch digital instrumentation display, a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and an available widescreen head-up display. The Sync 4 infotainment system offered wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with an enhanced voice recognition system that performed well during testing. The Navigator's 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System provided excellent sound quality. The Lincoln Play infotainment system for rear-seat passengers was available, though it went unused by teenagers during testing.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator came with a comprehensive suite of driver aids, including Co-Pilot360 1.5, Co-Pilot360 1.5 Plus, and Co-Pilot360 2.0 packages. Features included adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. The Aviator received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator was equipped with Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 and Co-Pilot360 2.0 Drive packages, featuring advanced driving assistance systems like Evasive Steering Assist and BlueCruise. BlueCruise allowed for hands-free driving on designated highways but required driver intervention in certain situations. The Navigator received a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA.