2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar was a testament to Land Rover's long-standing tradition of crafting luxury SUVs. It exuded class and elegance, with a design that was unmistakably Range Rover. The Velar's sporty yet sophisticated appearance, characterized by its long wheelbase, short overhangs, and signature Land Rover grille, made it stand out among small luxury SUVs. Despite concerns about the reliability of its high-tech features, such as pop-out door handles, the Velar's aesthetic appeal was undeniable. The interior, though less opulent than previous models, maintained high-quality materials and an exemplary fit and finish, with a sleek design that mirrored the exterior's sophistication.

In contrast, the 2023 Lincoln Aviator presented a modern take on luxury with its three-row, midsize SUV design. The Aviator's exterior was marked by a successful execution of Lincoln's contemporary design language, though some wheel designs were considered too plain for its price point. Inside, the Aviator Black Label Grand Touring model was lavishly appointed, with a focus on comfort and style. The cabin featured a mix of high-end materials, including soft leather and a simulated suede headliner, though some chrome detailing felt less premium. The Aviator's interior was a visual feast, with a rich caramel-hued leather theme and a plethora of features aimed at enhancing passenger comfort.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, offering a driving experience distinct from previous Land Rover models. Its lower center of gravity and lighter weight contributed to improved handling and braking. The Velar's base engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, producing 247 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. While this setup provided average performance, the optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system delivered up to 395 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque, offering the high performance expected by luxury buyers.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, a plug-in hybrid, combined a twin-turbo V6 with an electric motor, generating an impressive 494 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque. Despite its added weight, the Aviator offered 21 miles of electric driving range and averaged 23 mpg in hybrid mode. The Aviator's driving modes allowed for a blend of electric and gasoline power, optimizing efficiency. While the Aviator was quick and powerful, its drivetrain could be unpredictable, and the brake pedal sometimes produced inconsistent behavior. The Aviator's handling was commendable, though it lacked the fun-to-drive factor, focusing instead on providing a smooth and quiet ride.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's interior was tighter than midsize SUVs, offering slightly more space than compact SUVs. Its stylish design compromised headroom and visibility, with cargo space limited to 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 49 cubic feet with seats folded. The Velar's design choices, such as the lack of a discrete parking brake control, were seen as impractical and potentially dangerous.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator prioritized comfort, featuring a four-zone automatic climate control system and massaging, 30-way adjustable front seats. While the second-row captain's chairs were spacious, the third-row seat was cramped and best suited for children. With the third row in use, the Aviator offered 18.3 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 77.7 cubic feet with seats folded. The Aviator's interior was designed for luxury and convenience, though the third-row space was limited.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system was surprisingly reliable, offering a simplified layout and useful features like voice activation and advanced navigation. Standard features included LED headlights, a 12-speaker Meridian stereo, and adaptive cruise control, though the driving assist display lacked detail compared to competitors.

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 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system. However, the outdated Sync 3 software struggled with voice recognition, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto preferable. The Aviator also offered wireless charging, a digital key system, and a comprehensive head-up display, enhancing the overall tech experience.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar had not been rated by U.S. agencies, but a European-spec model scored five stars in Euro NCAP tests. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring, with optional 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator featured Lincoln's Co-Pilot360 driver aids, including adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. While the steering wheel controls were unnecessarily complex, the safety tech performed well overall. The standard Aviator received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.