2022 Honda Odyssey vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

The 2022 Honda Odyssey was a minivan that catered to families with its practical design and thoughtful features. Its sliding side doors made it easy to load children into car seats, even in tight parking spaces. The Odyssey offered a comfortable third-row seat, making it ideal for family outings or carpools. With ample cargo space, it could transform into a cargo hauler by folding down or removing seats. Despite its utilitarian nature, the Odyssey managed to maintain a sense of style, especially in the Elite trim with its dark gray 19-inch aluminum wheels. The interior was spacious, with a low console and plenty of storage, though the center stack's switchgear placement required some getting used to.

In contrast, the 2023 Lincoln Aviator exuded luxury and sophistication. It featured a modern Lincoln face and a sleek design, though the wheel designs on the Black Label Grand Touring model were considered plain. The Aviator's interior was a blend of high-end materials, including rich caramel-hued leather seats and a simulated suede headliner. However, some chrome detailing felt cheap, and the key fob was bulky and plasticky. The Aviator's cabin was a visual feast, with patterned metal trim and gloss black surfaces, but it might have been overwhelming for those who preferred a more minimalist style. Despite these quirks, the Aviator aimed to provide a comfortable and quiet ride.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It was a front-wheel-drive minivan with a 10-speed automatic transmission. While it lacked all-wheel drive and electrified powertrains, it offered a combined fuel economy of 22 mpg. The Odyssey was enjoyable to drive, with responsive handling and quick acceleration. However, its brakes tended to heat up during downhill driving, leading to pedal vibration and noise. Despite this, the Odyssey remained a delightful vehicle for daily commutes and family trips.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, a plug-in hybrid, delivered impressive performance with its twin-turbo V6 engine and electric motor, generating 494 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque. It offered 21 miles of electric driving range and averaged 23 mpg in hybrid mode. The Aviator's powertrain was powerful, but its response could be unpredictable, with occasional delays in acceleration. The regenerative braking system required careful attention for smooth stops. The Aviator's handling was commendable, thanks to its adaptive suspension, but it wasn't particularly engaging to drive. It excelled in providing a quiet and smooth ride, making it ideal for long highway journeys.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey offered easy access with wide-opening doors and a low ride height. Inside, it featured quality leather seats, tri-zone climate control, and ample storage space. The second-row Magic Slide seats allowed for flexible configurations, enhancing passenger comfort and safety. The third-row seat was spacious enough for adults, and the Odyssey provided 32.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind it. Folding the third-row seat expanded cargo capacity to 88.8 cubic feet, and removing the second-row seats created a massive 144.9 cubic feet of space.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator prioritized comfort with its four-zone climate control, heated and ventilated seats, and massaging front seats. However, its third-row seat was cramped and challenging to access, making it less suitable for adults. With the third-row seats in use, the Aviator offered 18.3 cubic feet of cargo space, which expanded to 41.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. Maximum cargo capacity was 77.7 cubic feet, making it less spacious than the Odyssey.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey Elite was equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a premium audio system. However, its infotainment features were considered outdated compared to rivals. The Odyssey offered CabinWatch and CabinTalk technologies for monitoring and communicating with rear passengers. The rear-seat entertainment system included a single 10.2-inch display, but it lacked modern streaming options. Overall, the Odyssey's technology package needed an upgrade.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Black Label Grand Touring featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system. However, it ran on the older Sync 3 software, which struggled with voice recognition. The Aviator offered wireless charging, a digital key system, and a comprehensive head-up display. While the infotainment system had its quirks, the audio system and smartphone integration were highlights.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey came with Honda Sensing, a suite of driver-assistance features including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. However, the system lacked refinement, occasionally issuing false warnings or reacting abruptly. The Odyssey received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator was equipped with Co-Pilot360 driver aids, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. While the system performed well on highways, it struggled in dense traffic. The Aviator's steering wheel controls were unnecessarily complex. The standard Aviator received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, but the Grand Touring model had not been rated.