2024 Genesis GV80 vs 2025 Lincoln Aviator

The 2024 Genesis GV80 presented itself as a luxury SUV with a choice between a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6. In Canada, both engines were available with the Advanced trim, while the Prestige trim was exclusive to the V6. The pricing ranged from $76,000 to $92,500, inclusive of five years of scheduled maintenance and at-home concierge service. The GV80 3.5T test vehicle arrived in the U.S. Prestige Signature trim, which was not available in Canada. The Prestige trim offered six exterior colours and stylish 22-inch wheel designs, with interior features like diamond-stitched Nappa leather, a suede headliner, and metallic-finish accents. Ambient lighting, a 3D digital instrument cluster, and a wide touchscreen display underscored its luxury status. Despite its opulence, the Prestige Signature trim did not seem to offer anything exceptional over the regular Prestige trim.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator, built on a rear-wheel-drive platform shared with the Ford Explorer, boasted classic design proportions with a blunt nose, short front overhang, and a tapered roofline. While the design was appealing, the 2025 styling appeared less elegant, especially with the optional Jet Appearance Package. Inside, the Aviator offered a plush interior with a classic architectural sensibility, avoiding an overload of screens. However, the remote keyless entry fob was a letdown, being lightweight and made of cheap plastic. In Canada, the Aviator was available in Premiere and Reserve trims, with prices from $79,595 to $81,695, including destination charges. The test vehicle in Reserve trim featured extra-cost Whisper Blue paint and several option packages, bringing the MSRP to $96,295. The Reserve 201A package added features like upgraded lighting, 30-way-adjustable front seats with massage, and a 28-speaker Revel Ultima audio system.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, and a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 producing 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The GV80 3.5T provided a rewarding driving experience with swift acceleration and commendable grip from its P265/40R22 all-season tires. However, it was thirsty on the road, with observed fuel consumption of 13.7 L/100 km. The GV80 was capable of towing up to 2,720 kg and featured an adaptive damping suspension and upgraded front brakes for enhanced performance.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator came with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque through a 10-speed automatic transmission. It offered multiple driving modes, including Excite and Normal, with an optional adaptive air suspension. Despite its power, the Aviator was not particularly exciting to drive, focusing instead on comfort and composure. The fuel economy was rated at 11.9 L/100 km, but the test vehicle recorded 13.3 L/100 km. The Aviator provided clear sightlines and a 360-degree camera view for urban driving, though the ride quality was affected by its heavy 22-inch wheels and thin tires.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 3.5T Prestige offered a third-row seat, with standard features like heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and triple-zone climate control. However, the seats were uncomfortable for long trips, and second-row legroom was limited. The GV80 provided 988 litres of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 2,378 litres with the seats folded.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator featured Perfect Position front seats with 30-way adjustments, heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain’s chairs were roomy and supportive, though the third-row seats were less accommodating for adults. The Aviator offered excellent storage space, with a centre console, deep door pockets, and a large compartment under the load floor. Cargo space measured 466 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,131 litres with the seats folded, and a maximum of 2,149 litres.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a Lexicon premium sound system. It included a navigation system, SiriusXM, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The GV80 also offered a digital key system and a head-up display showing blind-spot warnings.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator had a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster and a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system powered by Lincoln Digital Experience. It supported Google Built-in, Alexa Built-in, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the Google Assistant was unresponsive in the test vehicle. The Aviator featured a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D sound system and an impressive head-up display with lane departure and blind-spot warnings.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 came with advanced driving-assistance systems, including a Blind-Spot View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Highway Driving Assist. It received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though the frontal-impact test earned four stars for driver and passenger positions.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator included the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Drive 2.0 suite, with features like active blind-spot monitoring, intersection assist, and BlueCruise hands-free driving assistance. It earned five-star ratings from the NHTSA and Good ratings from the IIHS, indicating strong safety performance.