2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid vs 2025 Lincoln Aviator

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid presented a more affordable option for those seeking an electrified SUV experience, with its base price set at $48,909, including destination and other fees. The EX-L Hybrid trim featured sporty black 18-inch wheels and a blacked-out exterior, though the interior remained basic. The Touring Hybrid, priced at $50,909, offered a more upscale appearance with its Canyon River Blue paint and exclusive 19-inch gloss black wheels. Despite its conservative styling, the CR-V Hybrid's design was criticized for its visual weight over the front wheels and tusks framing the lower air intake. However, the rear quarter view, with Volvo-adjacent taillights, provided an upscale look. Inside, the Touring trim boasted leather seats with orange contrast stitching and a sophisticated cabin feel, thanks to details like the soft-touch dashboard and metal mesh air vent covers.

In contrast, 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 Aviator's design was fundamentally appealing, the 2025 styling updates were seen as less elegant. The interior exuded a classic architectural sensibility, with a focus on traditional luxury rather than overwhelming technology. However, the remote keyless entry fob was criticized for its cheap plastic construction. In Canada, the Aviator was available in Premiere and Reserve trims, with prices ranging from $79,595 to $81,695. Our test vehicle, in Reserve trim, featured extra-cost Whisper Blue paint and several option packages, bringing its MSRP to $96,295. The Reserve 201A package added numerous desirable features, including upgraded lighting, 30-way-adjustable front seats with massage, and a 28-speaker Revel Ultima audio system.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid offered a unique hybrid powertrain with a fourth-generation two-motor hybrid drive system. It combined a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, delivering 204 horsepower to all four wheels. Despite the complexity, the system worked transparently, with only minor quirks like low-speed electric vehicle noise and engine droning on hills. The CR-V Hybrid's fuel economy was rated at 6.4 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, but our test vehicle returned 8.7 L/100 km on a mountainous loop. The CR-V Hybrid Touring provided a quiet and compliant ride with predictable handling, though it wasn't particularly exciting to drive.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator, powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, delivered 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque through a 10-speed automatic transmission. Drivers could choose from various driving modes, including Excite and Normal. The Aviator's adaptive air suspension firmed up in Excite mode, but the SUV's mission was more about comfort than excitement. The V6 engine provided ample power for acceleration and passing, though fuel economy was disappointing at 13.3 L/100 km on our test loop. The Aviator offered clear sightlines and a 360-degree camera view for urban driving, but the ride quality suffered on rough roads due to the heavy 22-inch wheels and thin tires. The adaptive Air Glide suspension excelled at maintaining composure, ensuring a secure and calming driving experience.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid excelled in form and function, offering quality materials, intuitive controls, and comfortable seating. The 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat provided excellent support, while heated front and rear seats and a heated steering wheel enhanced comfort. The CR-V's back seat was spacious and comfortable, with generous legroom and adjustable backrest angles. The cargo area offered 1,028 litres of space, expanding to 2,030 litres with the back seat folded down, making it one of the most commodious in its class.

In the 2025 Lincoln Aviator, the Perfect Position front seats offered 30 ways of adjustment, heating, ventilation, and massage, ensuring exceptional comfort. The second-row captain's chairs were roomy and supportive, with available heating and ventilation. However, the third-row seat was less accommodating, with low, flat cushions and limited legroom. Storage space was excellent, with a centre console featuring a smartphone charging pad and deep door panel storage pockets. The Aviator provided 466 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,131 litres with the third row folded down, and a maximum of 2,149 litres with all seats down.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid came equipped with a 9-inch infotainment display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless smartphone charging. The Touring trim added navigation and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. While the voice recognition system was basic, 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 included Google Built-in, Alexa Built-in, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the Google Assistant struggled with voice prompts, though Apple CarPlay and Siri worked well. The Aviator's 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D sound system delivered impressive audio quality, and the head-up display provided valuable information.

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 but did not achieve the top award due to a poor rating in the updated moderate overlap front test.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator came with Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Drive 2.0, offering a comprehensive set of safety features. Highlights included active blind-spot monitoring, intersection assist, evasive steering assist, and reverse braking assist. BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assistance system, was also standard. The Aviator received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and Good ratings from the IIHS, indicating strong safety performance.