2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid vs 2025 Lincoln Aviator

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid, with its base price of $33,700, was the most affordable electrified version of the SUV. It featured sporty black 18-inch wheels and a blacked-out exterior trim, though the interior was relatively basic. The Sport-L Hybrid offered an interior upgrade starting at $36,700, while the Sport Touring Hybrid topped the lineup at $39,850. Our test vehicle, a Sport Touring Hybrid, came in Canyon River Blue paint and had an MSRP of $41,175, including the destination charge. Its conservative styling, with a technical face resembling an angry robot, was expected to age well, though it carried too much visual weight over its front wheels. The best viewing angle was from the rear quarter, where Volvo-adjacent taillights and a tidy design gave the CR-V an upscale appearance. Inside, the Sport Touring featured leather seats with orange contrast stitching and numerous details that imparted a sense of quality.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator, built on a rear-wheel-drive platform shared with the Ford Explorer, benefited from classic design proportions. It featured a blunt nose, a short front overhang, and a tapered roofline that created an alluring silhouette, though it compromised third-row passenger room. The Aviator's design was more like a sports wagon than an SUV, but the 2025 styling was less elegant and more generic, especially with the optional Jet Appearance Package. Inside, the Aviator offered a plush interior with a classic architectural sensibility, avoiding the screen-heavy approach of other Lincoln models. 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 prices ranging from $60,990 to $89,090. Our test vehicle, in Reserve trim with optional AWD and Whisper Blue paint, had an MSRP of $83,550. The Reserve II Package added numerous desirable features, including upgraded exterior lighting, 30-way-adjustable front seats with massage, and a 28-speaker Revel Ultima audio system.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a fourth-generation Honda two-motor hybrid drive system, combining an Atkinson-cycle 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors. This setup delivered 204 horsepower to the front or all four wheels. The EPA estimated 37 mpg in combined driving for the CR-V Sport Touring, but our test vehicle returned 32.4 mpg on a mountainous Southern California loop. The CR-V was relatively quiet on the road, with a compliant ride quality and predictable handling traits. The brakes withstood heavy use, and the steering had an unusually heavy effort level even in Normal mode. Overall, the CR-V was easy to drive, though it wasn't designed for off-road adventures or spirited driving.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator came with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, producing 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. This power was delivered to the rear or all four wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission. Drivers could choose between various driving modes, including Excite and Normal. The Aviator's adaptive air suspension firmed up in Excite mode, but the SUV wasn't particularly exciting to drive. The EPA rated it at 20 mpg in combined driving, but our test vehicle achieved 17.7 mpg. The Aviator offered clear sightlines and a 360-degree camera view for parking. However, the ride quality suffered on rough roads due to the heavy 22-inch wheels and thin tires. The adaptive Air Glide suspension controlled body motions, ensuring a composed and calming ride.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid excelled in form and function, offering quality materials, intuitive controls, and comfortable seats. All CR-V Hybrids included a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, while the front passenger seat had limited adjustments. The test vehicle featured heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, along with dual-zone climate control. The CR-V's back seat was roomy and comfortable, with generous legroom and adjustable backrest angles. The cargo area measured 34.7 cubic feet in the Sport Touring, expanding to 76.5 cubic feet with the back seat folded down.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator's Perfect Position front seats offered 30 ways of adjustment, heating, ventilation, and massage. The second-row captain's chairs were roomy and supportive, with heating and ventilation. However, the third-row seat was low and unsupportive, with limited legroom. Storage space was excellent, with a smartphone charging pad, cupholders, and a sizable bin under the armrest. The Aviator provided 19.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 78.6 cubic feet with the third row folded down.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid came with a 7-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Sport-L and Sport Touring trims offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The voice recognition system was basic, and the walk-away automatic locking feature provided peace of mind.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator featured 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 struggled with voice prompts. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D sound system delivered impressive audio quality. The Aviator's head-up display provided a widescreen presentation of data, including lane departure warnings.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid included Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems. It featured forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and more. The CR-V earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS for 2023, though NHTSA ratings were not available.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator came with Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Drive 2.0, offering active blind-spot monitoring, intersection assist, evasive steering assist, and reverse braking assist. BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assistance system, was standard with a four-year subscription. The Aviator earned five-star ratings from NHTSA and Good ratings from IIHS.