2024 Toyota RAV4 vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator presented a sophisticated and luxurious appearance, with a focus on comfort and elegance. It featured a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, available in both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive. The Grand Touring and Black Label Grand Touring models added a hybrid system with a 75-kilowatt electric motor and a 13.6-kilowatt-hour battery pack, offering standard all-wheel drive. The Aviator's pricing ranged from $53,340 to $89,280, excluding a destination charge, with the Black Label Grand Touring model reaching $91,225. The Aviator's design was generally appealing, though some wheel designs were considered too plain for the price point. The interior was lavish, with a mix of high-end materials and a somewhat busy design, featuring patterned metal trim, chrome accents, and rich leather seats. However, some elements, like the chrome detailing and stitching, felt less premium. The Aviator's key fob was also criticized for its lightweight and plasticky feel, though the Phone As A Key technology offered a modern alternative.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota RAV4 aimed for a rugged and tough appearance, with aggressive styling elements like angular body cladding and dual exhaust outlets. The TRD Off-Road model, priced at $38,295 plus a destination charge, featured off-road suspension tuning, an underbody skid plate, and all-terrain tires. The RAV4's interior focused on practicality and utility, with storage shelves, rubberized control knobs, and easy-clean surfaces. The TRD Off-Road trim included SofTex artificial leather upholstery and an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat. The RAV4's cabin was comfortable, with good outward visibility and a digital rearview mirror. It offered ample space for four adults, with a rear seat that provided decent legroom and footroom. The cargo area was spacious, with 37.6 cubic feet of space, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Overall, the RAV4's design emphasized functionality and versatility, catering to those seeking a practical and capable SUV.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, a plug-in hybrid, delivered impressive performance with its twin-turbo V6 engine and electric motor, generating 494 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque. Despite the added weight from the hybrid system, the Aviator offered 21 miles of electric driving range and an average of 23 mpg in hybrid mode. Various driving modes, including Pure EV, Preserve EV, Conserve, Normal, and Excite, allowed for tailored performance and efficiency. During testing, the Aviator achieved 22.3 miles on electric power alone, with a fuel economy equivalent to 163.4 mpg. The SUV's handling was enhanced by the Dynamic Handling Package, providing a smooth and stable ride. However, the Aviator's drivetrain and braking system exhibited some unpredictability, and its steering was heavy and numb. While the Aviator excelled in comfort and isolation, it lacked the engaging driving experience of sportier SUVs.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The TRD Off-Road model came with standard all-wheel drive, off-road suspension tuning, and all-terrain tires. Multi-Terrain Select offered Normal, Snow, Mud & Sand, and Rock & Dirt driving modes. Despite its off-road capabilities, the RAV4's ground clearance and approach/departure angles were not significantly improved. The RAV4 handled daily commutes well, with a suspension that absorbed bumps and imperfections. However, the engine was loud and unrefined, and the RAV4 was noisy at freeway speeds. The TRD Off-Road model achieved an average of 26.6 mpg during testing, slightly below its EPA rating of 28 mpg. While the RAV4 offered decent power for its class, it lacked the refinement and performance of more powerful SUVs.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator prioritized comfort and luxury, featuring a four-zone automatic climate control system, heated and ventilated seats, and massaging 30-way Perfect Position front seats. The second-row captain's chairs were spacious and supportive, with a center console for storage and controls. However, the third-row seat was cramped and difficult to access, making it unsuitable for adults. The Aviator offered 18.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row in use, expanding to 41.8 cubic feet with the seats folded, and a maximum of 77.7 cubic feet. The Aviator's interior was designed for comfort, but its third-row limitations and cargo space were less competitive.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 emphasized practicality and utility, with a focus on storage and functionality. The TRD Off-Road trim featured SofTex upholstery and an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat. The RAV4's cabin was comfortable, with good visibility and a digital rearview mirror. It accommodated four adults comfortably, with decent rear legroom and footroom. The cargo area offered 37.6 cubic feet of space, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The RAV4's interior was designed for versatility, making it a practical choice for those seeking a functional SUV.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Black Label Grand Touring was equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Alexa integration, and a WiFi hotspot. However, it ran on the outdated Sync 3 software, which struggled with voice recognition and navigation accuracy. The Aviator also included a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system, wireless charging, and a Phone As A Key digital key system. The digital instrumentation and head-up display were user-friendly, but the Active Parking Assist 2.0 system was not tested. Overall, the Aviator's technology was comprehensive but hindered by the outdated software.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 featured the Toyota Audio Multimedia system, with an 8-inch or optional 10.5-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system included various connected services, such as Service Connect, Safety Connect, Remote Connect, and Drive Connect, offering features like cloud-based navigation and a digital voice assistant. The RAV4's infotainment system was sophisticated, but lacked a multi-panel Home screen and had some usability issues. The test vehicle did not have the JBL premium audio system, but the standard speakers were adequate. The RAV4's technology was modern and functional, with a focus on connectivity and convenience.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator was equipped with Co-Pilot360 1.5, 1.5 Plus, and 2.0 driver-assistance systems, depending on the trim level. The test vehicle included features like adaptive cruise control, road-sign recognition, pedestrian detection, and forward-collision warning. It also had blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and evasive steering assist. The Aviator's safety tech performed well, though the steering wheel controls were unnecessarily complicated. 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 was not rated.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 (TSS 2.5), offering a range of driver-assistance features. However, the base LE trim lacked blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. TSS 2.5 performed adequately, with adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist working better on straighter highways. The RAV4's safety tech was generally reliable, but it lost its Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS due to updated testing criteria. The RAV4's safety performance was affected by its aging design, highlighting the need for a new model.