2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV vs 2025 Lincoln Aviator

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV presented a familiar silhouette reminiscent of its internal combustion engine counterpart, yet with subtle distinctions that set it apart. Its design featured more decisive lines, a thicker body-colored C-pillar, and a sleeker grille. The front fascia was dominated by body color, and the rear design echoed the front with a light bar, replacing shield shapes with hexagons. Standard 19-inch aluminum wheels adorned the 1LT and 2LT trims, while the higher trims boasted 21-inch versions. The Equinox EV offered vibrant color options like "Red Hot" and "Riptide Blue Metallic," which added a youthful flair, while two-tone paint jobs provided a sophisticated touch. Inside, the base model was limited to black, but higher trims introduced options like black with blue accents or Sky Cool Gray, with sportier choices available for the 2RS and 3RS trims.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator, built on a rear-wheel-drive platform shared with the Ford Explorer, showcased classic design proportions with a blunt nose, short front overhang, and a tapered roofline. While the 2025 styling appeared less elegant than before, the Aviator retained its fundamentally appealing design, resembling a sports wagon more than an SUV. Inside, the Aviator exuded a classic architectural sensibility, with a plush interior that favored a traditional approach over excessive screens. However, the remote keyless entry fob was a disappointment, made of cheap plastic with chrome detailing. The Aviator was available in Premiere, Reserve, and Black Label trims, with our test vehicle in Reserve trim featuring optional all-wheel drive, Whisper Blue paint, and a center console between the second-row captain’s chairs. The Reserve II Package added desirable features like upgraded exterior lighting, 30-way-adjustable front seats with massage, and a 28-speaker Revel Ultima audio system.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV offered a hands-free start feature, which, while not universally favored, was becoming more common in EVs. The vehicle allowed for one-pedal driving, managed through a standalone regenerative braking setting or drive modes like Tour, Sport, Snow/Ice, and My Mode. The Equinox EV delivered a comfortable ride, with the single-motor, front-wheel-drive variant producing 213 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. The all-wheel-drive version boasted a dual-motor powertrain with 288 horsepower and 333 lb-ft of torque, capable of towing up to 1,500 pounds. The EPA estimated a range of 319 miles for FWD models and 285 for AWD, with an 85-kWh battery contributing to these impressive figures. The Equinox EV supported DC fast charging at up to 150 kW, regaining about 77 miles of range in 10 minutes, and Level 2 charging added up to 34 miles of range per hour.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator featured a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque through a 10-speed automatic transmission. Drivers could choose from Excite, Conserve, Normal, Slippery, and Deep Conditions driving modes, with adaptive air suspension firming up in Excite mode. The Aviator excelled in acceleration, with the transmission swiftly downshifting for passing maneuvers. However, the official EPA fuel economy rating was 20 mpg in combined driving, and our test observed 17.7 mpg. The Aviator offered clear sightlines, aided by thin windshield pillars and large sideview mirrors. In urban settings, the ride quality was pleasant, though larger bumps affected comfort. On freeways, the adaptive air suspension struggled with oversized tires generating road noise. The Aviator's adaptive Air Glide suspension ensured a composed and calming ride, though it lacked athleticism.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV, starting at the 2LT trim, included heated front seats, steering wheel, and outside mirrors as standard. The 2LT trim also added an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and optional panoramic moonroof, while the 3LT trim introduced power adjustments for the passenger seat, front-seat ventilation, and heated rear seats. The Equinox EV provided 39.15 inches of front headroom and 38.49 inches in the second row, with 41.65 inches of front legroom. Cargo space measured 26.4 cubic feet with all seats in place, expanding to 57.2 cubic feet with the second row folded down. Roof rails were standard on all but the base trim.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator offered Perfect Position front seats with 30-way adjustments, heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain’s chairs were roomy and supportive, with heating and ventilation, while the quad-zone automatic climate control system ensured personalized comfort. The third-row seat was less accommodating for adults, with low, flat cushions and limited legroom. Storage space was excellent, with a smartphone charging pad, tray for keys, and cupholders in the center console. The Aviator provided 19.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 42.7 cubic feet with the third row folded down, and a maximum of 78.6 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV featured a driver-oriented cockpit with a 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen and an 11-inch driver-information screen. Google Built-In was standard, offering Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play Store. An eight-year OnStar Remote Access Plan subscription was included, essential for the MyChevrolet app, which provided navigation, route planning, and battery pre-conditioning.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator boasted a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster and a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system powered by Lincoln Digital Experience. The system included Google Built-in, Alexa Built-in, and supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the Google Assistant struggled with voice prompts in our test vehicle. The Aviator featured an app called Elevated Journey, offering mindfulness coaching for the road. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D sound system delivered excellent audio quality, and the available head-up display provided comprehensive data.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, forward collision alert, and more. Additional features included rear park assist, reverse automatic braking, blind-zone steering assist, and adaptive cruise control. Super Cruise, a hands-free highway-driving assist system, was available starting with the 2LT trim.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator featured Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Drive 2.0, with active blind-spot monitoring, intersection assist, evasive steering assist, and reverse braking assist. Adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist were standard, with BlueCruise offering hands-free driving assistance on approved highways. The Aviator earned five-star ratings from the NHTSA and Good ratings from the IIHS, indicating strong safety performance.