2023 Kia Telluride vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

When shopping for a new Lincoln Aviator, buyers first had to decide on the powertrain. The standard option was a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, available in rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) across the Standard, Reserve, and Black Label trims. The Aviator Grand Touring and Black Label Grand Touring models combined this V6 with a 10-speed hybrid automatic transmission, a 75-kilowatt electric motor, and a 13.6-kilowatt-hour battery pack, offering standard AWD. Prices ranged from $53,340 to $89,280, excluding a $1,195 destination charge. The top-tier Black Label Grand Touring model, fully loaded and with an optional $750 paint job, had an MSRP of $91,225.

The Aviator was a stylish three-row, midsize SUV, often praised for its modern Lincoln design. However, the wheel designs on the Black Label Grand Touring were considered too plain, especially when paired with white paint. The Lincoln Embrace lighting sequence, electric door handles, and ambient cabin lighting added a touch of luxury. Inside, the Black Label Grand Touring featured high-end materials and a swanky design, though some chrome detailing and stitching were criticized for looking cheap. The key fob also felt too lightweight and plasticky for a vehicle of this caliber, making the Phone As A Key digital key technology a more appealing option.

During our time in Texas, we sampled the new 2023 Kia Telluride X-Line and X-Pro models. All Tellurides received updated front and rear styling, new headlights and taillights, and fresh wheel designs. New paint colors included Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Green, while interior options expanded to Terracotta, Navy, and Sage Green. The X-Line replaced the Nightfall Edition, featuring a unique grille, raised roof rails, body-color door handles, and black 20-inch wheels. The X-Pro added exclusive 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, enhancing its off-road appeal.

Interior updates were subtle but significant. The most notable change was the available digital instrumentation panel and the standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, housed under a curved 24-inch piece of glass. Other changes included new colors, minor trim updates, a redesigned steering wheel, and a more functional center console. The X-Line and X-Pro trims had their names embossed on the front seatbacks. Prices started at $35,690 for the LX with front-wheel drive (FWD) and went up to $52,785 for the SX Prestige X-Pro with AWD, excluding a $1,335 destination charge. We tested two SX Prestige models, one with X-Line trim and one with X-Pro trim, priced at $54,120 and $55,120, respectively.

The Aviator Grand Touring, a plug-in hybrid, was not just about efficiency. Despite adding over 800 pounds to the curb weight, the drivetrain produced an impressive 494 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 630 pound-feet of torque at 2,250 rpm. The EPA estimated a 21-mile electric driving range and 23 mpg combined in hybrid mode. The Pure EV mode allowed for electric-only driving, while Preserve EV mode saved battery charge for later use. The battery could recharge in under four hours using a 240-volt Level 2 charging station.

Driving modes included Conserve, Normal, and Excite, which automatically switched between electricity and gasoline to maximize efficiency. Additional modes were Slippery, Deep Conditions, and Tow/Haul. During an extended evaluation drive, the Aviator covered 22.3 miles on electric power alone, achieving an equivalent of 163.4 mpg. Over 94.7 miles, it averaged 24.3 mpg, demonstrating the technology's efficiency. The Aviator Grand Touring offered plenty of power, though the drivetrain could be unpredictable, sometimes leaping forward unexpectedly or responding with a delay. The brake pedal also required careful handling for smooth stops.

The Aviator's Dynamic Handling Package, with an adaptive-damping Active Glide suspension, managed the extra weight well, providing a flat, predictable cornering stance. However, despite its commendable handling, the Aviator wasn't particularly fun to drive, even in Excite mode. The steering was heavy and numb, and the SUV prioritized a quiet, smooth ride over driver engagement.

Mechanically, the 2023 Kia Telluride remained largely unchanged, featuring a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Drivers could choose from Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow driving modes, with the AWD system offering a low-speed Lock setting for even power distribution. The V6 easily motivated the Telluride, averaging 24.1 mpg in the X-Line during a drive that included heavy traffic, twisty roads, and highway stretches. The X-Pro, which included off-roading, returned 20.4 mpg. The EPA rated the AWD Telluride at 21 mpg combined.

Kia raised the suspension by 10mm, increased ground clearance to 8.4 inches, improved approach and departure angles, and modified the traction control system for better off-road performance. The new Downhill Brake Control system worked well, though it initially allowed the SUV to pick up more speed than expected. The X-Pro, designed for off-roading, featured 18-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, an improved cooling system, and a self-leveling rear air suspension.

Off-roading in Texas hill country, the Telluride showcased its AWD Lock mode, all-terrain tires, ground clearance, wheel articulation, Downhill Brake Control system, forward camera view system, and stability on slopes. While not as capable as a Jeep or Land Rover, the Telluride X-Pro exceeded most owners' expectations. On highways, the Telluride offered a soft, smooth ride, with some wind noise at higher speeds. The all-terrain tires made the SUV feel a bit squishier in turns, and the steering in Sport mode was overly firm. Overall, the 2023 Telluride was delightful to drive.

The Lincoln Aviator prioritized comfort with features like a four-zone automatic climate control system, a heated power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, and automatic heated and ventilated front and second-row seats. The 30-way Perfect Position front seats, while requiring some adjustment, were extremely comfortable. The second-row captain's chairs were roomy and supportive, with a center console offering ample storage and controls for the panoramic sunroof's shade.

However, the third-row seat was not suitable for adults. The power-release second-row captain's chairs didn't slide forward much, making access to the third row difficult. Once seated, passengers found limited kneeroom and legroom, with a flat bottom cushion offering no leg support. The third-row seat was best folded down, providing 41.8 cubic feet of cargo space, compared to just 18.3 cubic feet when in use. Maximum cargo space was 77.7 cubic feet.

The 2023 Kia Telluride accommodated seven or eight passengers, depending on the second-row seating configuration. Our test vehicles featured premium Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front and second-row captain's chairs. The SX Prestige trim included a heated steering wheel. Both front seats were comfortable, with a new power lumbar stabilization system to keep drivers alert on long trips.

The second-row seats were also comfortable, with manual side-window sunshades, adjustable armrests, USB ports on the front seatbacks, and storage pockets. Overhead controls for the triple-zone climate system allowed rear-seat passengers to adjust their temperature settings. A button on the second-row captain's chairs moved the seat forward for easier access to the third row, which was more comfortable than in many competitors, though not as spacious as the Volkswagen Atlas.

Storage space was plentiful in the front and second rows, and the Telluride offered a "smart" power tailgate with proximity-sensing for easy loading. Cargo space was generous, with 21 cubic feet behind the third row, 46 cubic feet with the third row folded down, and 87 cubic feet with both rear rows folded.

The Lincoln Aviator Black Label Grand Touring was loaded with technology, starting with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Alexa integration, Lincoln Connect services, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a navigation system. However, it ran on Lincoln's outdated Sync 3 software, which struggled with voice recognition. The system had difficulty finding nearby locations and required specific phrasing for addresses. It also couldn't control the climate system via voice commands.

The Aviator featured a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system, wireless charging, and the Phone As A Key digital key system. Digital instrumentation and a comprehensive head-up display were standard, with the latter remaining visible even with polarized sunglasses. Front and rear parking sensors and a surround-view camera system were useful, though we didn't test the Active Parking Assist 2.0 system.

Kia made a new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system standard in all 2023 Telluride models. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, a navigation system, and Kia Connect services with a new Wi-Fi hotspot. The voice recognition system performed well, though it couldn't control the climate system. The Kia Access smartphone app allowed remote control of some vehicle functions via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Over-the-air updates kept the system current, and Bluetooth supported pairing two devices simultaneously. The Telluride had six USB charging ports, Driver Talk and Quiet Mode features, and an optional 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.

New digital-key technology transformed smartphones or smartwatches into vehicle keys, and a Full Display Mirror showed a video view of what's behind the SUV. The Telluride also offered an optional head-up display with a larger, full-color 10-inch viewing area. A Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system notified drivers when the car ahead started moving, a useful feature for distracted drivers.

Lincoln equipped the Aviator with Co-Pilot360 1.5, Co-Pilot360 1.5 Plus, and Co-Pilot360 2.0 driver aids, depending on the trim level. Our test vehicle had automatic high-beam adaptive-pixel headlights, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, a road-sign recognition system, pedestrian detection, and forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking. It also included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert with automatic rear braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. An evasive steering assist system added stability during sudden maneuvers.

The steering wheel controls for these features were unnecessarily complicated, and the lane-keeping system struggled in curves and dense traffic. The Aviator Grand Touring had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the standard Aviator received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

Kia offered a comprehensive list of standard safety features on the 2023 Telluride, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, a new junction turning system, and automatic emergency braking. It also included blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert with automatic braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. A Safe Exit Assist system warned occupants when it wasn't safe to open the doors.

Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability was standard, with a new Intelligent Speed Limit Assist feature. Highway Drive Assist 1.5 combined adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist for semi-autonomous driving, while Highway Drive Assist 2.0 added Lane Change Assist. SX trim and higher included additional collision avoidance features, front parking sensors, low-speed automatic braking while parking, a surround-view camera, and a Blind-Spot View Monitor.

The Telluride also had automatic high-beam headlights, a driver attention warning system, and a Rear Occupant Alert system with ultrasonic sensors. The forward collision warning system worked well, and Highway Drive Assist 2.0 provided smooth, reliable assistance. Crash-test ratings for the 2023 Telluride were not available at the time of review.