2023 Kia Sportage vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

The 2023 Kia Sportage emerged with a completely redesigned look that was both exciting and exotic, reminiscent of French automotive styling. Its distinctive features, such as the bright boomerang-shaped daytime running lights and textured metal trim on the D Pillar, added a touch of class to this compact crossover. The Sportage was available in seven trim levels, including the new X-Line, X-Pro, and X-Pro Prestige trims. Inside, Kia opted for synthetic leather upholstery, which, while durable and animal-friendly, lacked the luxurious feel of genuine leather. The cabin featured a large display dominating the dash, though it was offset by the presence of hard-wearing plastic and piano-black surfaces that attracted fingerprints.

In contrast, the 2023 Lincoln Aviator presented itself as a luxurious three-row midsize SUV with a modern Lincoln face. The Aviator's design was complemented by the Lincoln Embrace lighting sequence and electric, light-touch door handles, which added to its premium feel. Inside, the Black Label Grand Touring trim was lavishly appointed with patterned metal trim, chrome accents, and rich caramel-hued leather seats. However, some chrome detailing appeared cheap, and the key fob felt too lightweight for a vehicle of this caliber. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Aviator's interior was undeniably fancy, with high-end materials and a swanky simulated suede headliner.

The 2023 Kia Sportage offered a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive, the Sportage's engine was slightly more powerful and fuel-efficient than its predecessor, achieving 25 mpg city and 32 mpg highway with FWD. However, the absence of a turbocharged engine option, which was available in previous models, left the Sportage feeling less spirited. The X-Pro trims provided off-road capabilities with all-terrain tires and specific drive modes, but the naturally aspirated engine struggled to keep up with turbocharged competitors.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, a plug-in hybrid, boasted an impressive 494 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque, thanks to its twin-turbo V6 engine and electric motor. It offered 21 miles of electric driving range and averaged 23 mpg in hybrid mode. The Aviator's driving modes, including Pure EV and Preserve EV, allowed for efficient use of the battery charge. Despite its power, the drivetrain was sometimes unpredictable, with inconsistent acceleration and braking behavior. The Aviator's Dynamic Handling Package and adaptive-damping suspension provided a smooth ride, but the SUV's heavy steering and lack of communication from the road made it less engaging to drive.

The 2023 Kia Sportage, now larger than its predecessor, offered impressive interior space with 41.3 inches of rear-seat legroom and 39.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. The front seats provided ample storage, but the touch-sensitive HVAC controls were frustrating to use. The dual-functionality of these controls, which switched between climate and navigation functions, added to the complexity.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator prioritized comfort with features like a four-zone automatic climate control system, heated and ventilated seats, and massaging front seats. However, the third-row seat was cramped and difficult to access, making it unsuitable for adults. With the third row in use, the Aviator offered 18.3 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 41.8 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The Aviator's interior was luxurious, but the third-row limitations and complex steering wheel controls detracted from its overall functionality.

The 2023 Kia Sportage impressed with its 12.3-inch touchscreen interface and panoramic driver information display, offering a high-tech experience. However, the wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay on higher trims, along with similar-looking icons, made navigation challenging. Despite these quirks, the Sportage offered wireless charging, rear USB-C ports, and a Harman Kardon stereo on higher trims, providing excellent value for its price.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator was equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Alexa integration. However, the outdated Sync 3 software struggled with voice recognition, leading to frustrating experiences. The Aviator's 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system delivered exceptional sound quality, and the Phone As A Key digital key system added convenience. The head-up display was visible even with polarized sunglasses, showcasing Lincoln's attention to detail.

The 2023 Kia Sportage came standard with a comprehensive suite of collision-avoidance tech and advanced driver assistance systems, including automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added features like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. However, the Sportage had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator offered a range of driver aids through its Co-Pilot360 collections, including adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. While the tech performed well on straight highways, it struggled in dense traffic and curves. The Aviator's steering wheel controls were unnecessarily complex, adding to user frustration. 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.