2024 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator presented a sophisticated and modern aesthetic, characterized by its sleek design and luxurious features. It offered a choice between a standard twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine and a plug-in hybrid variant, both paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Aviator's exterior was marked by its elegant Lincoln face, although the wheel design on the Black Label Grand Touring model was considered too plain for its price point. The interior was lavish, with a mix of high-end materials and a design that leaned towards Art Deco, featuring rich caramel-hued leather seats and a panoramic glass sunroof. However, some chrome detailing and the key fob's design were seen as less premium than expected.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser embraced a classic, boxy design reminiscent of its iconic predecessors. The J250 model featured a flat roof and a heritage grille, with LED lighting adding a modern touch. The Land Cruiser's interior varied by trim, with the base model offering cloth seats and the top-tier First Edition boasting real leather. The cabin was designed for comfort and practicality, with heated front seats standard across all trims and a focus on off-road capability. The Land Cruiser's design was both nostalgic and functional, appealing to those who value a rugged yet refined aesthetic.

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, the Aviator offered a 21-mile electric driving range and an average of 23 mpg in hybrid mode. The SUV featured multiple driving modes, including Pure EV, Preserve EV, and Excite, allowing drivers to optimize performance and efficiency. However, the drivetrain's responsiveness was sometimes unpredictable, and the regenerative braking system required careful handling for smooth stops. The Aviator's Dynamic Handling Package and adaptive suspension provided a comfortable ride, but the vehicle lacked the engaging driving experience of sportier SUVs.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, equipped with the i-Force MAX hybrid powertrain, combined a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-hp electric motor, producing a total of 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. The Land Cruiser featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard full-time 4WD, with an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case. Its off-road capabilities were enhanced by Toyota's Multi-Terrain Select system, automatic limited-slip differential, and a push-button disconnect for the front sway bar. The updated CRAWL control function provided low-speed cruise control for challenging terrains, operating silently and effectively during off-road testing.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator prioritized comfort with features like a four-zone automatic climate control system, heated and ventilated seats, and massaging front seats. The second-row captain's chairs offered ample space and storage, but the third-row seating was cramped and difficult to access. With the third row in use, the Aviator provided 18.3 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 77.7 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, designed as a two-row SUV, offered 36.1 inches of front headroom and 33.0 inches of front legroom. The center console housed controls for off-road features, while the cargo area provided 37.5 cubic feet of space with a raised load floor. The Land Cruiser's interior was practical and comfortable, with a focus on usability and easy access to essential controls.

The 2023 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, the outdated Sync 3 software struggled with voice recognition, leading to frustrating user experiences. The vehicle also included a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system, wireless charging, and a digital key system. The head-up display and parking assistance features added convenience, though the Active Parking Assist 2.0 system was not tested.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser's higher trims featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen display with the Multi-Terrain Monitor system, enhancing off-road visibility. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with USB-C ports for both front and rear passengers. The middle trim offered a 10-speaker sound system, with an optional upgrade to a 14-speaker JBL system. The Premium Package added a head-up display and digital rear-view mirror for enhanced functionality.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator came with Co-Pilot360 driver aids, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. The vehicle received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. However, the steering wheel controls were unnecessarily complex, detracting from the user experience.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser featured Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and Proactive Driving Assist. The Premium Package added lane-keep assist and front cross-traffic alert. While the Land Cruiser had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, Toyota's safety reputation provided confidence in its protective capabilities.