2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator presented a choice between a standard twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine and a plug-in hybrid variant. The standard engine, available in Standard, Reserve, and Black Label trims, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and offered either rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). The Grand Touring and Black Label Grand Touring models combined the twin-turbo V6 with a 10-speed hybrid automatic transmission, a 75-kilowatt electric motor, and a 13.6-kilowatt-hour battery pack, providing standard AWD. Prices ranged from $53,340 to $89,280, excluding a $1,195 destination charge. The top-tier Black Label Grand Touring model, with an optional $750 paint job, had an MSRP of $91,225. The Aviator was a stylish three-row, midsize SUV, though the wheel designs on the Black Label Grand Touring were considered too plain. The Lincoln Embrace lighting sequence and electric, light-touch door handles added a touch of elegance, but the electronic door latches could pinch fingers.

Inside, the Black Label Grand Touring was luxurious, albeit busy, with a mix of patterned metal trim, gloss black surfaces, chrome accents, and rich caramel-hued leather seats. The materials were mostly high-end, featuring soft leather and a swanky simulated suede headliner. However, some chrome detailing and stitching appeared cheap, and the key fob felt too lightweight and plasticky. Despite these minor flaws, the Aviator's interior was undeniably fancy, with a panoramic glass sunroof adding to the upscale feel.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer resembled a smaller version of the Chevrolet Blazer, striking a balance between SUV toughness and upscale details like intricate lighting elements and dark chrome trim. The Activ and RS models had unique styling elements, with the Activ featuring a rugged look and the RS sporting a boy-racer aesthetic. The RS and Activ models also offered contrasting roofs in red, black, or white, depending on the exterior color. The Activ test car, with a white roof and Nitro Yellow paint, had a distinctive and retro look. Inside, the Activ model featured a leather-wrapped steering wheel, leatherette upholstery, and a power-adjustable driver's seat, with a mix of copper-toned and sparkly black plastic trim. The cabin design included grab handles around the center console and a creased dashboard, adding to its distinctive look.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, a plug-in hybrid, generated an impressive 494 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 630 pound-feet of torque at 2,250 rpm. Despite its 800+ pounds of extra weight, the Aviator offered 21 miles of electric driving range and averaged 23 mpg combined in hybrid mode. The Pure EV mode allowed for electric-only driving, while Preserve EV mode saved battery charge for later use. Conserve, Normal, and Excite driving modes optimized efficiency, and Slippery, Deep Conditions, and Tow/Haul modes were also available. During an extended evaluation drive, the Aviator covered 22.3 miles on electricity, achieving a fuel economy equivalent to 163.4 mpg. Over 94.7 miles, it averaged 24.3 mpg, demonstrating the technology's efficiency.

The Aviator's twin-turbo V6 provided plenty of power, but the drivetrain's response was sometimes unpredictable. The brake pedal also exhibited inconsistent behavior, common with regenerative braking systems. The Aviator's Dynamic Handling Package, with an adaptive-damping Active Glide suspension, managed the SUV's weight well, providing a smooth and predictable ride. However, the Aviator wasn't particularly fun to drive, with heavy and numb steering. It excelled in providing a quiet, isolating, and smooth ride, making it ideal for highway cruising rather than spirited driving.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer shared its platform and powertrains with the Buick Encore GX. The standard 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine produced 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, while the optional 1.3-liter turbo-three increased output to 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. The 1.2-liter engine was available only with front-wheel drive (FWD), while the 1.3-liter engine could be paired with either FWD or all-wheel drive (AWD). FWD models had a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while AWD models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission.

The Trailblazer Activ test car, with AWD and the 1.3-liter engine, provided a decent amount of power and a pleasing exhaust note. The nine-speed automatic, though, exhibited some rough shifts. The Activ model's dampers, tuned for gravel roads, worked well on pavement, offering good ride quality despite some bouncing over road imperfections. The Trailblazer's selectable AWD system required manual engagement, unlike competitor systems that did this automatically. The Trailblazer also offered Normal, Sport, and Snow drive modes, though Sport mode's impact on steering and shifting was minimal.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator prioritized comfort with features like a four-zone automatic climate control system, a heated power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, and heated and ventilated front and second-row seats. The massaging, 30-way Perfect Position front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, while the second-row captain's chairs were roomy and supportive. However, the third-row seat was cramped and difficult to access, making it unsuitable for adults. With the third-row seats 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 a maximum of 77.7 cubic feet.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer, though one of the smallest SUVs, offered decent utility. It matched the Kia Seltos on front and rear headroom and provided more rear legroom than the Hyundai Kona and Buick Encore GX. The rear seats were comfortable for short trips but less so for long journeys due to flat cushions. The Trailblazer's cargo space measured 25.3 cubic feet with the second-row seats in place and 54.4 cubic feet with the seats folded, respectable for the segment but behind the Kia Seltos. The Trailblazer's towing capacity was limited to 1,000 pounds. Up front, the Trailblazer featured a covered storage bin, a deep tray, cupholders, and a phone storage tray, though a small carve-out above the dashboard's function was unclear.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Black Label Grand Touring was loaded with technology, including a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Alexa integration, Lincoln Connect, SiriusXM satellite radio, and navigation. However, it ran the outdated Sync 3 software, which struggled with voice recognition. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system was spectacular, and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra-recorded chimes added a unique touch. Smartphone-related tech included wireless charging and the Phone As A Key digital key system. The digital instrumentation and head-up display were also notable features. The front and rear parking sensors and surround-view camera system were useful, though the Active Parking Assist 2.0 system was not tested.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer's standard infotainment system included a 7-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Optional features included an 8-inch touchscreen, a 4.2-inch instrument cluster screen, navigation, a Bose audio system, rear-seat USB ports, and wireless phone charging. While the Trailblazer's tech might not satisfy the most tech-savvy buyers, it was adequate for most. The 8-inch touchscreen was well-sized for the dashboard, with easy-to-read graphics and logical menus. The combination of a smaller instrument cluster screen and analog gauges effectively conveyed information.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator came equipped with Co-Pilot360 1.5, Co-Pilot360 1.5 Plus, and Co-Pilot360 2.0 driver aids, depending on the trim level. Our test vehicle included features like 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's safety tech performed well, though the lane-keeping system struggled in curves. The steering wheel controls were unnecessarily complicated. The standard Aviator received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer's standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and a Teen Driver system. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Trailblazer earned a 2022 Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with high marks in crash tests and front-crash prevention tech.