Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs Lincoln Aviator

When buyers approached the 2023 Lincoln Aviator, their first decision was related to the powertrain. A twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine came standard with the Standard, Reserve, and Black Label trims, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and either rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). The Aviator Grand Touring and Black Label Grand Touring combined that twin-turbo V6 with a 10-speed hybrid automatic transmission featuring a 75-kilowatt electric motor and a 13.6-kilowatt-hour battery pack. The Grand Touring plug-in hybrid versions had standard AWD.

The pricing for the Aviator ranged from $53,340 to $89,280, excluding a destination charge of $1,195. The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Black Label Grand Touring, the top-of-the-line model, featured an optional $750 paint job and had an MSRP of $91,225, including the destination charge.

The Aviator was a three-row, midsize SUV, noted for its successful execution of the modern Lincoln design. However, the wheel designs significantly impacted its overall look, and on the Black Label Grand Touring, they appeared too plain. Preferred were the wheels on the base Grand Touring and the standard Black Label. The test vehicle's multi-spoke machined-finish rims, paired with white paint, did not justify the high price tag.

At night, the Aviator Black Label Grand Touring's Lincoln Embrace lighting sequence acknowledged the keyfob's presence, illuminating to invite entry. Electric, light-touch door handles and soft-close doors conveyed an effortless luxury, with welcome and ambient cabin lighting enhancing the interior glow. However, users had to be cautious not to pinch their fingers while using the electronic door latches.

Inside, the Black Label Grand Touring offered a fancy aesthetic with patterned metal trim, gloss black surfaces, chrome accents, exposed stitching, and rich caramel-hued perforated leather seats. Yet, the combination of elements might have seemed overdone for some, with a preference for cleaner designs.

High-end materials, including soft leather and padded surfaces, contributed to a luxurious feel, and a swanky simulated suede headliner wrapped around a panoramic glass sunroof added to the charm. However, some chrome detailing looked cheap, and the stitching on the seats needed improvement. The key fob's design was also criticized, pushing a preference for using the SUV's Phone As A Key digital key technology.

In contrast, when the Toyota RAV4 was redesigned in 2019, it adopted a more substantial and blocky appearance. The trapezoidal grille, adapted from Toyota's truck line, added a robust feel, with beveled and angled bodywork framing the headlights. Initially, the restyling stood out, but over the years, other manufacturers followed suit, like with the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-50.

The angular theme extended to the RAV4 Hybrid's interior, featuring a multi-tiered dashboard with beveled cutouts. Though the basic layout was common for vehicles of the time, with an infotainment touchscreen atop the dash and numerous physical buttons and knobs for primary controls, the material quality was deemed average. There were plenty of hard plastics, but surfaces that users touched frequently were lightly padded.

The base model and the new Woodland trim omitted the leather-wrapped steering wheel, opting for a downmarket urethane wheel and center armrest, which felt rubbery and cheap. Fortunately, other trim levels included a leather cover. The build quality was strong, with no creaks or squeaks detected when driving over rough pavement.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring boasted a plug-in hybrid powertrain designed not just for efficiency. Despite adding over 800 pounds due to the electric motor and battery, it delivered impressive figures: 494 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 630 pound-feet of torque at 2,250 rpm.

The EPA estimated the Aviator Grand Touring could supply 21 miles of electric driving range, and then average 23 mpg combined in hybrid mode. To drive solely on electricity, users could select the Pure EV driving mode. For conserving battery charge for later, the Preserve EV mode was available. Lincoln claimed that using a 240-volt Level 2 charging station, the battery could recharge in under four hours.

Driving modes, including Conserve, Normal, and Excite, allowed the powertrain to switch between electricity and gasoline automatically. For specific conditions, there were Slippery, Deep Conditions, and Tow/Haul modes.

During an evaluation, the Aviator managed 22.3 miles in Normal mode, nearly matching the battery's electric range. With the help of electric power, fuel economy averaged the equivalent of 163.4 mpg initially. Over a longer distance of 94.7 miles, it covered 34.8 miles on electricity, averaging 24.3 mpg overall.

Charging the Aviator Grand Touring at home, work, or while shopping could enable mostly electric driving for daily commutes. For road trips, it remained efficient, and there was plenty of power available. However, its drivetrain sometimes felt unpredictable, with occasional delay or over-eagerness in acceleration.

The brake pedal could produce inconsistent behavior, requiring deliberate care for smooth stops. Its regenerative braking system played a part in this behavior, frequent among electrified vehicles.

Despite its weight, the Aviator Black Label Grand Touring’s Dynamic Handling Package and adaptive-damping suspension provided a flat, predictable cornering stance. It managed challenging roads comfortably, although it was better for smooth, refined drives rather than sportiness. The steering felt heavy and numb, with minimal communication from the road, aligning with Lincoln's goal for a quiet, smooth-riding experience.

In comparison, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor/generator. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) driving the front wheels, and a second electric motor between the rear axle provided AWD. This combination produced 219 horsepower and accelerated the RAV4 to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds. This was useful for merging with highway traffic or managing steep uphill ramps.

Compared to other RAV4 models, the Hybrid was about half a second quicker than the standard variant, though the plug-in hybrid RAV4 Prime achieved a faster 0-60 mph time of 5.5 seconds. Within the compact hybrid SUV class, the Kia Sportage hybrid was a bit faster, while the Honda CR-V Hybrid took around 8 seconds for the same sprint.

The brakes operated smoothly, with initial pedal strokes engaging regenerative braking to charge the battery. Under more aggressive stops or to a full stop, the physical brakes engaged without noticeable transitions.

The suspension managed moderate bumps and potholes well, delivering confident cornering. Despite not being sporty, it excelled at the fundamentals, promising a comfortable drive for most owners. Driving dynamics were adequate, comparable to rivals in the segment, providing a calm and effortless driving experience.

For interior comfort, the 2023 Lincoln Aviator showcased a four-zone automatic climate control system, a heated power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, and automatic heated and ventilated front and second-row seats. The 30-way Perfect Position front seats offered massaging functions, though they required adjustments to achieve ultimate comfort. Second-row captain's chairs were spacious and supportive, complemented by a center console offering storage and controls for the panoramic sunroof’s shade.

However, the third row was cramped, suitable primarily for children. The second-row captain's chairs did not slide much, making access to the third row difficult. Adults would find the third-row foot, knee, and legroom insufficient, with a flat cushion offering minimal support.

In terms of cargo space, the Aviator offered 18.3 cubic feet with the third row in use, 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 77.7 cubic feet when the second row was also down.

Conversely, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid provided ample space for front-seat passengers, while the rear seats comfortably accommodated average-sized adults. Rear headroom slightly surpassed competitors like the Honda CR-V and Kia Sportage, though it fell short in legroom, making accommodations for a rear-facing infant seat more cumbersome. The low rear seat cushion might have left taller passengers desiring more thigh support on longer journeys.

Cargo space behind the seats measured up to 37.5 cubic feet, only marginally less than the non-hybrid RAV4. The battery pack did not compromise cargo capacity. For comparison, the Honda CR-V offered 39.5 cubic feet, and the Kia Sportage 39.3 cubic feet, highlighting a minor difference.

Interior storage in the RAV4 was a strong point, with a wide dashboard shelf for the front passenger and a phone tray in front of the center console. Despite an ongoing chip shortage affecting availability, an optional wireless charging pad was designed for that spot. Cupholders were large enough for sizable drink containers, with an additional spacious center armrest bin and decent-sized door pockets.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Black Label Grand Touring featured a plethora of technology. Its 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Alexa integration, Lincoln Connect connected services (with a WiFi hotspot), SiriusXM satellite radio, and a navigation system. However, it operated on the outdated Sync 3 software, evident in the subpar voice recognition performance. While the voice command button was cleverly integrated into the steering wheel thumb rest, it was sometimes accidentally activated.

Testing Sync 3's voice recognition highlighted several issues, such as providing outdated route information to locations and failing to recognize established points of interest. Runner-up choices like Apple CarPlay or Android Auto were recommended over Sync 3 for reliable navigation and voice command tasks.

A standout feature was the 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D high-end audio system, delivering exceptional sound quality. Lincoln's adoption of Detroit Symphony Orchestra-recorded chimes added a cultural flair to the notification sounds.

Smartphone-related features included wireless charging and Phone As A Key, allowing users to unlock, start, and drive the Aviator using their smartphones. The vehicle's digital instrumentation and a comprehensive head-up display were noted for their good visibility, even with polarized sunglasses.

Parking assistance was enhanced by front and rear parking sensors and a surround-view camera system, while Active Parking Assist 2.0 handled automatic parking. The system’s capabilities were lauded, barring minor steering wheel control complications.

For the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, a new infotainment system marked a significant improvement. Modern, sharp graphics and a logical menu layout defined the new touchscreen. Positioned high on the dashboard, it minimized distraction. Most trims came with an 8.0-inch display, while higher trims upgraded to a 10.5-inch touchscreen, with smaller buttons on the lower display requiring more effort to operate.

Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto facilitated easy smartphone integration, though the wireless charging pad remained an option amid a chip shortage. The system supported over-the-air software updates and included a Wi-Fi hotspot along with remote monitoring features. Higher trims included a fully digital instrument panel.

The standard audio setup included a six-speaker system sufficient for most users, with the Limited trim offering an 11-speaker JBL system for enhanced audio performance.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator came equipped with Lincoln’s Co-Pilot360 suite, encompassing Co-Pilot360 1.5, Co-Pilot360 1.5 Plus, and Co-Pilot360 2.0 driver aids, although feature availability varied by trim. Our fully-loaded test vehicle featured adaptive-pixel headlights, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, road-sign recognition, pedestrian detection, and forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking.

Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert with automatic rear braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane centering assist, and evasive steering assist. The tech performed well, though it preferred straight highways and light traffic. The lane-keeping system tended to hug inside lane markings in curves, creating minor issues.

The steering wheel's illuminated controls were initially confusing, with physical buttons hidden behind touch-sensitive pods. Despite this, overall performance was satisfactory.

While the Aviator Grand Touring had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, the standard Aviator held a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid earned a five-star overall and side crash protection rating from the NHTSA. Its frontal and rollover crash tests received four stars. The IIHS awarded the RAV4 its highest "Good" scores in all tests, barring the "Acceptable" rating in moderate overlap frontal and side-impact tests. It also received a Top Safety Pick designation.

Standard across all models was Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.5 suite, including forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, and a traffic sign reader. The XLE trim added blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, while the Limited trim included front and rear parking proximity sensors with automatic rear braking, along with options for a surround-view camera system and digital rearview mirror.

In practical use, the RAV4's safety systems functioned without false alarms, with the adaptive cruise control notably smooth in throttle and brake inputs.