2023 Jeep Wrangler vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator presented a sophisticated and modern design, characterized by its sleek lines and luxurious features. 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 exterior was marked by its elegant Lincoln face, although the wheel designs on the Black Label Grand Touring model were considered too plain for its price point. The interior was lavish, with a mix of high-end materials and a design that leaned towards Art Deco, featuring rich caramel-hued leather seats and a panoramic glass sunroof. However, some chrome detailing and the key fob's quality were seen as less impressive.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler embraced a rugged, utilitarian aesthetic with its boxy shape and iconic seven-slot grille. Available in both two-door and four-door configurations, the Wrangler allowed for a customizable open-air experience with removable doors and a fold-down windshield. The design was simple and functional, with wide fenders and optional half doors for enhanced visibility. The Wrangler's interior was practical, with easy-to-clean materials and a straightforward layout. While it lacked some luxury features, it offered a body-colored dash and chunky controls, emphasizing its off-road capability and adventurous spirit.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, a plug-in hybrid, delivered impressive performance with its 494 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque. Despite its added weight from the electric motor and battery, the Aviator offered a smooth and quiet ride, with various driving modes to optimize efficiency and performance. It provided 21 miles of electric driving range and averaged 23 mpg in hybrid mode. The Aviator's handling was commendable, thanks to its adaptive-damping suspension, but it wasn't particularly engaging to drive. The regenerative braking system required careful attention for smooth stops, and the steering was heavy and numb.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler, known for its off-road prowess, offered a range of engine options to suit different needs. The standard V6 engine produced 285 horsepower, while the turbocharged four-cylinder offered 270 horsepower. For those seeking more power, the Wrangler Rubicon 392 featured a 6.4-liter V8 with 470 horsepower. The Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid provided 21 miles of electric range. The Wrangler excelled off-road with its solid axles, differential lockers, and various transfer cases. However, the 392 model's brakes and steering were less refined for on-road driving, requiring early braking and careful steering input.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator prioritized comfort with features like a four-zone climate control system, heated and ventilated seats, and massaging front seats. The second-row captain's chairs were spacious, but the third-row seat was cramped and difficult to access. Cargo space was limited with the third row in use, offering 18.3 cubic feet, but expanded to 77.7 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler's interior was practical but lacked some luxury features. The front seats were comfortable, but rear seating was tight, especially in the four-door models. Storage space was limited, with small glove boxes and center consoles. The Wrangler offered 72.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. The hard top and soft top options provided flexibility for open-air driving, with the Sky One-Touch power soft top being the most convenient.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator was equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. 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 and a digital key system. The head-up display was effective even with polarized sunglasses, and parking sensors and a surround-view camera aided in parking.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler featured a Uconnect infotainment system with a standard 7-inch touchscreen, while the tester had an 8.4-inch screen. The system was intuitive, offering off-road pages with detailed information. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, but the Wrangler lacked advanced tech features like a digital key. The forward-facing camera and auxiliary switches were practical additions for off-road enthusiasts.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator came with a comprehensive suite of driver aids, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. However, the controls were unnecessarily complex, and the lane-keeping system struggled in curves. The Aviator received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler's safety features were limited, with only a rearview camera and stability control standard. Advanced features like blind-spot monitoring and forward collision warning were optional. The Wrangler received mixed ratings from the IIHS and a four-star frontal crash test rating from the NHTSA.