2024 Hyundai Palisade vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator presented a choice of powertrains, with a standard twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine available in various trims, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and options for rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. The Grand Touring and Black Label Grand Touring models enhanced this setup with a hybrid system, adding a 75-kilowatt electric motor and a 13.6-kilowatt-hour battery, standardizing all-wheel drive. Prices ranged from $53,340 to $89,280, excluding a $1,195 destination charge. The Black Label Grand Touring model, with its $750 optional paint, reached an MSRP of $91,225. The Aviator was a stylish three-row SUV, though some wheel designs were less impressive. Its lighting features and interior luxury, with a mix of high-end materials and Art Deco influences, created a sophisticated ambiance, albeit with some design choices that felt less premium.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade stood out with its distinctive styling, offering trims from SE to the new Calligraphy Night Edition, with prices from $36,650 to $53,850, excluding a $1,395 destination charge. The Calligraphy Night Edition, priced at $55,930, featured a blacked-out appearance with dark chrome and gloss black accents, available in Abyss Black or Hyper White. The interior boasted quality materials, including an artificial suede headliner and premium upholstery, giving it a luxury feel. The Palisade's sophisticated design and attention to detail in the cabin made it a compelling choice for those seeking a high-end experience in a mass-market SUV.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, a plug-in hybrid, delivered impressive performance with its drivetrain producing 494 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque. Despite the added weight from the electric motor and battery, it offered 21 miles of electric range and 23 mpg in hybrid mode. Various driving modes, including Pure EV and Preserve EV, allowed for efficient use of the battery. During testing, the Aviator achieved 163.4 mpg equivalent in electric mode and 24.3 mpg overall. The SUV's handling was enhanced by the Dynamic Handling Package, providing a smooth ride and flat cornering, though it lacked excitement in spirited driving. The Aviator excelled in comfort and quietness, making it ideal for relaxed cruising.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade featured a 3.8-liter V6 engine with 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered several driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Sport, Smart, and Snow, with the ability to lock the AWD system for off-road conditions. The Palisade's V6 provided ample power and smooth acceleration, with the transmission always in the right gear. It achieved 21 mpg combined according to the EPA, though testing showed 18.8 mpg in Comfort mode. The Palisade's suspension offered a firm yet comfortable ride, with excellent handling on mountain roads. The brakes performed well under stress, and the SUV's overall driving experience was enjoyable, though real-world fuel economy was a downside.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator prioritized comfort with features like a four-zone climate control system, heated and ventilated seats, and massaging 30-way Perfect Position front seats. The second-row captain's chairs were spacious, but the third row was cramped for adults, with limited legroom and support. Cargo space was 18.3 cubic feet with all seats up, expanding to 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 77.7 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade offered a range of seating options, from cloth in the base SE to premium Nappa leather in higher trims. The Calligraphy Night Edition featured comfortable seats with simulated suede inserts, though only available in black. The Palisade's interior was versatile, with configurable storage and thoughtful features like USB ports and sunshades. The third row was more spacious than many rivals, with standard heating and air conditioning vents. Cargo space was 18 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 45.8 cubic feet with it folded, and 86.4 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator was equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Alexa integration. However, it ran on the outdated Sync 3 software, which struggled with voice recognition. The Aviator also included a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system, wireless charging, and a digital key system. The head-up display was effective even with polarized sunglasses, and parking sensors and a surround-view camera aided in parking.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, Bluetooth for two devices, and Bluelink+ connected services. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a USB-A cable. The Palisade's voice recognition worked well, though it struggled with specific music requests. Bluelink+ offered remote engine start and other features at no cost for original owners. The Harman Kardon audio system provided excellent sound, and the Palisade included a digital key, digital rearview mirror, and semi-autonomous parking system.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator featured Co-Pilot360 driver aids, including adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. The system performed well on highways but struggled in dense traffic. The Aviator received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade was equipped with SmartSense, offering forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and more. Highway Driving Assist worked well, and the rear-seat reminder added safety. The Palisade earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS, though NHTSA ratings were incomplete.