2023 Ford Bronco vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator presented a sophisticated and luxurious appearance, with its modern Lincoln face being a standout feature in the automaker’s lineup. It offered a choice between a standard twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine and a plug-in hybrid version, both paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Aviator's design was elegant, though the wheel designs on the Black Label Grand Touring model were considered too plain for its price point. The interior was lavish, featuring a mix of high-end materials and a plethora of design elements, though some details like the chrome switchgear and stitching were less impressive. The cabin was equipped with ambient lighting and electric door handles, adding to the luxurious feel, but the electronic door latches required careful handling.

In contrast, the 2023 Ford Bronco was a celebration of retro-cool styling combined with modern engineering. Its blocky, upright shape, wide grille, and round headlights were unmistakable, and the various trims, from the basic Base to the robust Raptor, offered distinct personalities. The Bronco's interior was rugged, with durable materials designed for off-road adventures. It featured sealed switches and drain plugs for easy cleaning, and the design was more about functionality than luxury. The Bronco's styling was not just for show; it included practical elements like cleats for securing cargo and a mesh grid for attaching accessories. While the interior was not as refined as typical SUVs, it was quieter and more comfortable than its direct competitor, the Jeep Wrangler.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring was a plug-in hybrid that delivered impressive power, generating 494 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque. Despite its additional weight from the electric motor and battery, it offered a 21-mile electric driving range and averaged 23 mpg in hybrid mode. The Aviator featured multiple driving modes, including Pure EV for electric-only driving and Excite for a more aggressive experience. However, the drivetrain's responsiveness was inconsistent, and the regenerative braking system required careful handling for smooth stops. The Aviator's suspension provided a smooth ride, but its handling was not particularly engaging, making it more suited for comfortable cruising than spirited driving.

The 2023 Ford Bronco offered three engine options, starting with a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower, a 2.7-liter V6 with 330 horsepower, and the top-tier Raptor's 3.0-liter V6 delivering 418 horsepower. All engines came with four-wheel drive and a two-speed transfer case, making the Bronco a capable off-roader. The base engine was adequate for most driving scenarios, while the Raptor's power was exhilarating. The Bronco's ride was bouncier than a typical SUV but more stable than a Jeep Wrangler, and it handled highway driving with ease. While its high-riding stance required careful handling on curvy roads, the Bronco felt more confident than expected, aided by its advanced camera systems and off-road features.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator prioritized comfort with features like a four-zone climate control system, heated and ventilated seats, and massaging front seats. The second-row captain’s chairs were spacious, but the third-row seating was cramped and difficult to access, making it unsuitable for adults. Cargo space was limited with the third row in use, offering just 18.3 cubic feet, but expanded to 77.7 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2023 Ford Bronco's boxy design maximized interior space, with ample room in both the two-door and four-door models. The four-door version offered easier access to the rear seats and more cargo space, with up to 77.6 cubic feet available. The Bronco featured practical storage solutions, like netted door pockets and a rubberized tray for securing items. While the rear seats didn't fold flat, the Bronco's design allowed for easy customization, including removable fenders and doors for off-road enthusiasts.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator was equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system. However, it ran on the outdated Sync 3 software, which struggled with voice recognition and navigation tasks. The Aviator also offered wireless charging and a digital key system, along with comprehensive parking aids and a head-up display.

The 2023 Ford Bronco integrated technology to enhance its off-road capabilities, with G.O.A.T. drive modes and numerous camera views for navigating challenging terrain. It featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an optional 12-inch touchscreen for improved usability. The Bronco's tech suite included Trail Turn Assist and predictive lines for precise off-road maneuvering, making it accessible for both novice and experienced off-roaders.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator came with a suite of driver aids, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. However, its safety ratings were not available for the Grand Touring model, though the standard Aviator received high marks from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2023 Ford Bronco's safety features included forward collision warning, hill-start assist, and optional driver assistance packages with blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. Its safety ratings were mixed, with the four-door model receiving four stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for rollover protection from the NHTSA, and mostly "Good" scores from the IIHS.