2023 Toyota 4Runner 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, standardizing all-wheel drive. 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's design was generally appealing, though some wheel designs were considered too plain for its price point. The interior was lavish, with a mix of high-end materials and a somewhat busy design, featuring patterned metal trim, chrome accents, and rich leather seats. However, some details, like the chrome switchgear and key fob, felt less premium.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota 4Runner, particularly the 40th Anniversary Special Edition (40 ASE), embraced a retro aesthetic with its heritage grille, bronze wheels, and body stripes. Based on the SR5 Premium trim, the 40 ASE added $4,505 to the price, with $1,875 covering the standard four-wheel-drive system. The 4Runner lineup included various trims, with prices ranging from $39,555 to $54,020, plus a $1,335 destination charge. The 40 ASE model, priced at $48,455, exuded a nostalgic charm reminiscent of 1970s designs. Its truck-based SUV stance and purposeful interior, despite the abundance of plastic, conveyed a sense of quality and durability. The controls were straightforward and user-friendly, even with gloves on. The 4Runner's design and features catered to those seeking a rugged, off-road-capable vehicle with a touch of retro flair.

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 an average of 23 mpg in hybrid mode. The Aviator featured multiple driving modes, including Pure EV, Preserve EV, Conserve, Normal, and Excite, allowing for a tailored driving experience. During testing, the Aviator achieved 22.3 miles on electric power alone, with a fuel economy equivalent to 163.4 mpg. Over a longer drive, it averaged 24.3 mpg, showcasing its efficiency. The Aviator's handling was enhanced by the Dynamic Handling Package, providing a smooth and predictable ride. However, the steering was heavy and numb, and the drivetrain occasionally exhibited unpredictable behavior. Despite its commendable handling, the Aviator was more suited for comfortable cruising than spirited driving.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner, equipped with a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, offered a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. It came with a five-speed automatic transmission and either rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. The 4Runner's fuel economy was rated at 17 mpg combined, with the 40 ASE averaging 16.9 mpg. It featured a minimum of nine inches of ground clearance and various off-road technologies, such as Hill-Start Assist Control, Downhill Assist Control, and Active Traction Control. Depending on the trim, additional off-road enhancements were available, including locking differentials and a Crawl Control system. The 4Runner excelled in off-road conditions, handling mud and water with ease. However, on-road performance was less impressive, with leisurely acceleration, heavy steering, and a lack of composure over larger bumps. The 4Runner was more at home in rugged terrain, offering a sense of invincibility despite its limitations.

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 and supportive, 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 flat, and a maximum of 77.7 cubic feet. The Aviator's interior was luxurious, but the third-row seating was best suited for occasional use.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner offered a unique feature with its power-down rear window, providing excellent ventilation. The interior was spacious, with comfortable seats and ample storage, though some lacked rubber liners. The second-row seating area was roomy, with good legroom and headroom. While a third-row seat was available, it was uncomfortable and reduced cargo space. Without the third row, the 4Runner offered 46.3 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to a maximum of 89.7 cubic feet. The 4Runner's interior was practical and functional, catering to those who valued utility and versatility.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator 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 had limitations in voice recognition and navigation accuracy. The Aviator also included a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system, wireless charging, and a Phone As A Key system. The digital instrumentation and head-up display were user-friendly, and parking sensors and a surround-view camera system aided in parking.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. It also offered connected services and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The voice recognition system performed well, handling most commands accurately. The 4Runner's infotainment system was straightforward and user-friendly, with physical knobs and buttons for easy operation. Despite its dated graphics, the system provided essential functionality and reliability.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including Co-Pilot360 1.5, Co-Pilot360 1.5 Plus, and Co-Pilot360 2.0 driver aids. These included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. The Aviator received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. However, the steering wheel controls for the safety features were unnecessarily complex.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner included Toyota Safety Sense, offering forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard across all trims. The adaptive cruise control performed well, but the lane-departure warning could be irritating. The 4Runner received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with lower ratings for front passenger protection and rollover resistance. The IIHS rated it Marginal for driver protection in certain tests.