2023 Lincoln Aviator vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

Toyota introduced the RAV4 to North America in 1996 as a compact alternative to the larger SUVs dominating the market. Young buyers quickly embraced the RAV4, which led to a wave of similar car-based SUVs from competitors like Honda, Nissan, and Hyundai. Over five generations, the RAV4 evolved in size and sophistication, shedding its "cute-ute" label to become a mature crossover SUV and a sales leader in the United States. The 2022 RAV4, a continuation of the 2019 redesign, often topped the SUV sales charts.

The 2022 RAV4's exterior design blended in with the current crossover vehicle aesthetic, but closer inspection revealed unique details. Angular flourishes in the wheel arches and crisp lines contrasted with the organic shapes in the body-side bends. The expressive headlights, snub-nosed grille, and grinning lower fascia openings gave the RAV4 a playful yet aggressive look. Inside, the RAV4 featured a layered dash with contrasting textures and colors, anchored by a straightforward center stack. The interior design included distinctive cues like a circuit-board-inspired geometric pattern that tied various cabin areas together.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator offered a choice of powertrains, starting with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and available in rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. The Grand Touring and Black Label Grand Touring models added a 75-kilowatt electric motor and a 13.6-kilowatt-hour battery pack to the twin-turbo V6, creating a plug-in hybrid with standard all-wheel drive. Prices ranged from $53,340 to $89,280, with the top-of-the-line Black Label Grand Touring model costing $91,225.

The Aviator's design was appealing, with the most successful execution of the modern Lincoln face in the automaker’s lineup. However, the wheel designs on the Black Label Grand Touring were considered too plain. The Lincoln Embrace lighting sequence, electric door handles, and soft-close doors added a touch of luxury. Inside, the Black Label Grand Touring featured a mix of high-end materials and a lot of design elements, which might have been overwhelming for some. The cabin included soft leather, padded surfaces, and a simulated suede headliner, but some chrome detailing and stitching were seen as cheap rather than luxurious.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered three powertrains. The gasoline-only model featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and available in front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Fuel economy for FWD models was 27-28 mpg city/35 mpg highway/30 mpg combined, while AWD models achieved 25-27 mpg city/32-34 mpg highway/28-30 mpg combined.

The RAV4 Hybrid used a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor to produce 217 combined net horsepower, with an EPA fuel-economy rating of 41 mpg city/38 mpg highway/40 mpg combined. The RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid boasted 302 horsepower, standard AWD, and an eCVT setup, with an EPA rating of 40 mpg city/36 mpg highway/38 mpg combined and up to 42 miles of electric-only range.

Our test vehicle, a gasoline Adventure AWD model, delivered smooth and immediate power without turbo lag. The eight-speed transmission provided familiar sensations and quick kickdowns during acceleration. The RAV4's car-like handling, MacPherson struts, multi-link suspension, and dynamic torque vectoring contributed to its popularity. AWD models featured Multi-Terrain Select tuning and fuel-saving rear-driveline disconnect.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, a plug-in hybrid, generated 494 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque. The EPA estimated 21 miles of electric driving range and 23 mpg combined in hybrid mode. The Aviator offered multiple driving modes, including Pure EV, Preserve EV, Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, Deep Conditions, and Tow/Haul.

During our evaluation, the Aviator Grand Touring covered 22.3 miles on electric power alone, achieving an equivalent of 163.4 mpg. Over a 94.7-mile drive, it averaged 24.3 mpg. The Aviator's powertrain provided plenty of power, but its response was sometimes unpredictable. The brake pedal also exhibited inconsistent behavior, common with regenerative braking systems.

The Aviator's Dynamic Handling Package and adaptive-damping Active Glide suspension managed its extra weight well, providing a flat, predictable cornering stance. However, despite its commendable handling traits, the Aviator wasn't particularly fun to drive. It excelled in providing a quiet, smooth ride, making it ideal for highway cruising.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, classified as a small SUV, offered 37.5 cubic feet of luggage space behind the second row and 69.8 cubic feet with the second row folded flat. It had a payload capacity of 1,050-1,230 pounds and towing capacities ranging from 1,500 to 3,500 pounds, depending on the model. Inside, the RAV4 was roomy and comfortable for four, with ample storage options and cupholders throughout the cabin.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator prioritized comfort with features like a four-zone automatic climate control system, heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, and massaging 30-way Perfect Position front seats. The second-row captain’s chairs were roomy and supportive, but the third-row seat was cramped and difficult to access. With the third row in use, the Aviator offered 18.3 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded flat and 77.7 cubic feet with both rows down.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, six-speaker audio, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM, Safety Connect, Service Connect, and Wi-Fi Connect. Higher trims upgraded to a 9-inch touchscreen and an 11-speaker JBL audio system with navigation. The RAV4 Prime featured additional USB ports, auxiliary power outlets, blue ambient illumination, a wireless charging pad, a bird’s-eye view camera system, and a 10-inch head-up display.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Black Label Grand Touring featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Alexa integration, Lincoln Connect, SiriusXM, and navigation. However, it ran on the outdated Sync 3 software, which struggled with voice recognition. The Aviator also included a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system, wireless charging, Phone As A Key digital key system, digital instrumentation, and a comprehensive head-up display. Parking sensors and a surround-view camera system were also standard.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 included Toyota’s Star Safety System, LATCH child-seat anchors, child-guard locks, Safety Connect, and eight airbags. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, standard on all RAV4 models, featured a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, automatic high beams, lane-tracing assist, and road sign assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking assist. The RAV4 received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator offered Co-Pilot360 1.5, 1.5 Plus, and 2.0 driver aids, depending on the trim level. Our test vehicle included automatic high-beam adaptive-pixel headlights, adaptive cruise control, road-sign recognition, pedestrian detection, forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and evasive steering assist. The Aviator received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.