2024 Jeep Wrangler vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator presented a sophisticated and modern design, characterized by its twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, which was standard across several trims. This engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and offered both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive options. The Aviator Grand Touring and Black Label Grand Touring models enhanced this powertrain with a hybrid system, including a 75-kilowatt electric motor and a 13.6-kilowatt-hour battery pack, providing standard all-wheel drive. The pricing for the Aviator ranged from $53,340 to $89,280, excluding a destination charge, with the Black Label Grand Touring model reaching an MSRP of $91,225. The Aviator was noted for its appealing three-row, midsize SUV design, although some wheel designs were considered too plain for its price point. The interior featured luxurious elements like electric door handles and ambient lighting, though some chrome detailing appeared less premium.

In contrast, the 2024 Jeep Wrangler maintained its iconic rugged, body-on-frame appearance, with new features like a redesigned grille and integrated windshield antenna. The Wrangler offered a variety of powertrains and off-road systems, with larger tires on models like the Rubicon X and Rubicon 392. The Wrangler's design allowed for customization with different roof options, including soft-top, hard-top, and power-retractable sunroof configurations. The vehicle's doors and windshield could be removed for an open-air experience. The Wrangler's interior was designed for adventure, with options for heated seats and a heated steering wheel, though ventilated seats were not available. The Wrangler's towing capacity increased to 5,000 pounds for specific models, enhancing its utility for outdoor enthusiasts.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, a plug-in hybrid, delivered impressive performance with a combined output of 494 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque. Despite its additional weight from the hybrid system, the Aviator offered 21 miles of electric driving range and an average of 23 mpg in hybrid mode. The vehicle featured multiple driving modes, including Pure EV, Preserve EV, Conserve, Normal, and Excite, allowing drivers to optimize efficiency and performance. During testing, the Aviator achieved an equivalent of 163.4 mpg by relying heavily on electric power. The vehicle's handling was enhanced by the Dynamic Handling Package, providing a smooth and predictable ride, though it lacked the excitement of a sportier SUV. The Aviator was praised for its quiet and comfortable ride, making it ideal for highway cruising.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler offered a range of powertrains, including a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 270 horsepower, a plug-in hybrid version with 375 horsepower, a 3.6-liter V6 with 285 horsepower, and a 6.4-liter V8 with 470 horsepower. The Wrangler's off-road capabilities were supported by various transfer cases, with options like the Command-Trac and Rock-Trac systems. The Wrangler 392 provided exhilarating performance, while the 4xe PHEV model offered 21 miles of electric range and matched the 392's torque. The Wrangler's solid axles provided excellent articulation for off-road adventures, and features like locking differentials and BF Goodrich KO2 tires enhanced its capability. However, the Wrangler's ride quality on pavement was less refined, with a bumpy ride and vague steering. The addition of sound deadening material improved cabin quietness, and a WARN winch was available for Rubicon models.

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. The second-row captain's chairs were spacious and included a center console with storage and controls for the panoramic sunroof. However, the third-row seat was cramped and not suitable for adults, with limited legroom and support. The Aviator offered 18.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row in use, expanding to 41.8 cubic feet with the seats folded, and a maximum of 77.7 cubic feet.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler's interior offered heated seats and a heated steering wheel, with new 12-way power adjustable front seats that remained functional even when submerged. The Wrangler's towing capacity increased to 5,000 pounds for specific models, enhancing its utility for towing trailers. The 4xe model featured a 30-amp Power Box, allowing for the use of accessories like blenders and power tools. The Wrangler's interior was designed for adventure, with features like removable doors and a fold-down windshield, providing a unique open-air experience.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Black Label Grand Touring was equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Alexa integration, and Lincoln Connect services. However, it ran on the outdated Sync 3 software, which struggled with voice recognition and navigation accuracy. The vehicle included a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system and smartphone-related tech like wireless charging and Phone As A Key. The Aviator also featured digital instrumentation, a head-up display, and parking sensors with a surround-view camera system.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler came with a 12.3-inch center infotainment screen running Uconnect5, offering a cleaner interface and faster performance. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with optional navigation. The Off-Road Pages provided detailed data for off-road adventures, and the Trails Offroad feature offered access to over 200 trails, with the option to subscribe for more. The Wrangler also included a wireless hotspot, dual Bluetooth phone pairing, and the ability to store user profiles.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator was equipped with Co-Pilot360 driver aids, including adaptive cruise control, road-sign recognition, pedestrian detection, and forward-collision warning. The vehicle also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and evasive steering assist. The Aviator received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler introduced first- and second-row side-curtain airbags and standard forward collision warning on most models. Optional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and park assist. The Wrangler had not yet been rated for 2024, but the 2023 model received four stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for rollover protection from the NHTSA. The IIHS rated the Wrangler "Good" in roof strength and head restraints but "Moderate" in frontal and side crashes.