2023 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator presented itself as a sophisticated three-row, midsize SUV, offering a choice between a standard twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine and a plug-in hybrid variant. The Aviator's design was marked by a modern Lincoln face, though the wheel designs on the Black Label Grand Touring model were considered too plain for its price point. The interior was luxurious, featuring high-end materials like soft leather and a simulated suede headliner, but some elements, such as chrome detailing and stitching, were criticized for appearing less premium. The cabin was filled with ambient lighting and advanced features, though the electronic door latches required careful handling.

In contrast, the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox was an attractive crossover with a restrained design, highlighted by a chunky front end that made the grille appear smaller. The Equinox offered four trim levels, each available with front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The interior, while not as upscale as some competitors, was practical and user-friendly, with a focus on simplicity. The Premier trim featured two-tone leather upholstery and standard heated front seats, though the overall design felt somewhat dated. Despite this, the Equinox was praised for its practicality, with a well-sorted suspension and a straightforward PRNDL shift lever.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, a plug-in hybrid, delivered an impressive 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 driving modes allowed for a mix of electric and gasoline power, optimizing efficiency. During testing, the Aviator demonstrated a fuel economy equivalent to 163.4 mpg when relying heavily on electric power. The SUV's handling was commendable, thanks to its adaptive-damping Active Glide suspension, though it wasn't particularly engaging to drive. The Aviator prioritized a quiet, smooth ride over sporty dynamics.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox was powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 175 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. While adequate for city driving, the Equinox struggled with acceleration at higher speeds. Its six-speed automatic transmission, though less advanced than competitors' offerings, contributed to the powertrain's noise. The Equinox's AWD system required manual engagement, but its electronically assisted brake-by-wire system and well-engineered suspension provided a comfortable and controlled ride. The steering was tight and accurate, making the Equinox enjoyable to drive in most situations.

The 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, but the third-row seat was cramped and difficult to access. With the third row in use, the Aviator offered 18.3 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 77.7 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The Chevrolet Equinox offered 29.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 63.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. While not the largest in its class, the Equinox provided ample passenger space, with good headroom and legroom. The interior featured higher-quality plastic components, plenty of storage options, and a nearly silent power liftgate on the Premier trim.

The Lincoln Aviator Black Label Grand Touring was equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a navigation system. However, it ran on the outdated Sync 3 software, which struggled with voice recognition. The Aviator also boasted a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system and smartphone-related tech like wireless charging and a Phone As A Key system. The digital instrumentation and head-up display were well-executed, though the Active Parking Assist 2.0 system was not tested.

The Chevrolet Equinox's technology was straightforward, with a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen depending on the trim. The system was easy to use, with good voice recognition and customizable icons. All trims featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a wireless charging pad standard on the Premier trim. The driver-information display, though simple, offered useful features.

The Lincoln Aviator came with Co-Pilot360 driver aids, including adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. The Aviator's safety tech performed well on highways, though it struggled in dense traffic. The standard Aviator received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.

The Chevrolet Equinox included standard safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance. While it received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, it scored poorly in some IIHS crash tests, with a Poor rating in the moderate overlap front crash test and a Marginal score in the side-impact test.