2023 Hyundai Palisade vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade, as Hyundai's largest SUV, had a commanding presence on the road, further enhanced by its 2023 styling update. The new front fascia, with its bold strokes and squared-off grille, gave the Palisade a stronger, more assertive look. Standard LED accents, daytime running lights, and headlights added to its modern appeal, while the top Calligraphy trim featured premium rear accent lighting and a unique glossy black and chrome grille. The interior of the Calligraphy trim was stylish and bright, thanks to a dual-pane sunroof, and featured premium Nappa leather seats. The Palisade offered a range of seating configurations, with second-row captain's chairs in higher trims and a bench option for lower trims, accommodating up to eight passengers.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator presented an appealing three-row, midsize SUV with a modern Lincoln face. However, the wheel designs on the Black Label Grand Touring model were considered plain. The Aviator's interior was luxurious, with a focus on comfort and style, featuring patterned metal trim, gloss black surfaces, and chrome accents. The Black Label Flight theme added a rich caramel hue to the perforated leather seats, contrasting with the black interior. The Aviator's materials were mostly high-end, with soft leather and a simulated suede headliner. However, some chrome detailing and stitching were seen as less premium. The Aviator's key fob was lightweight and plastic, but the Phone As A Key digital key technology offered a modern alternative.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This made it more powerful than several competitors, including the Mazda CX-9 and Volkswagen Atlas. The Palisade's eight-speed automatic transmission could be controlled with paddle shifters, and while front-wheel drive was standard, all-wheel drive was available for an additional cost. The Palisade's towing capacity reached up to 5,000 pounds, and it featured a dedicated Tow Mode for AWD models. Fuel economy for the Palisade was competitive, with FWD models achieving 19 mpg city, 27 highway, and 22 combined, while AWD models offered slightly lower figures.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, a plug-in hybrid, combined a twin-turbo V6 with an electric motor, generating an impressive 494 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque. The Aviator offered 21 miles of electric driving range and averaged 23 mpg in hybrid mode. Various driving modes, including Pure EV and Preserve EV, allowed for efficient use of the battery. The Aviator's performance was powerful, but the drivetrain could be unpredictable, with inconsistent acceleration and braking. The Aviator's Dynamic Handling Package and adaptive suspension provided a smooth ride, but the SUV was not particularly engaging to drive, even in the Excite mode.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade offered ample space for passengers, with 44.1 inches of legroom in the front row, 42.4 in the second, and 31.4 in the third. The Palisade's passenger volume measured 155.3 cubic feet, and cargo space ranged from 18 cubic feet with all seats in place to 86.4 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The Palisade featured HVAC vents in all three rows and a hands-free smart liftgate on all but the base trim. The interior layout was intuitive, with physical buttons and knobs for easy control.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator prioritized comfort, with features like a four-zone automatic climate control system and massaging, 30-way Perfect Position front seats. The second-row captain's chairs were spacious and supportive, but the third row 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 Aviator's interior was luxurious, but the third row was not suitable for adults.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade was equipped with advanced technology, including a 12.3-inch color touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation. A premium Harman Kardon sound system was available, and the Palisade offered WiFi hotspot capability as standard. The Bluelink connected vehicle system allowed for remote access and management, and the Digital Key 2 Touch enabled keyless entry and start using compatible devices.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Alexa integration. However, it ran on the older Sync 3 software, which had limitations in voice recognition and navigation accuracy. The Aviator's Revel Ultima 3D audio system was impressive, and the Phone As A Key system provided a modern keyless experience. The Aviator also included digital instrumentation and a comprehensive head-up display.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade was equipped with Hyundai's Smart Sense suite of safety features, including forward collision avoidance, driver attention warning, and lane-keeping assist. Blind-spot collision avoidance and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance were standard, and the Palisade offered Highway Driving Assist I and II for enhanced driving support. The 2022 model earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, and the 2023 model was expected to maintain high safety standards.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator came with Co-Pilot360 driver aids, including adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, and forward-collision warning. The Aviator's safety features performed well, but the lane-keeping system was less reliable in dense traffic. The Aviator received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.