2025 Lincoln Aviator vs 2024 Hyundai Venue

In Canada, the 2024 Hyundai Venue was available in Essential, Preferred, and Ultimate trim levels, with prices ranging from $23,581 to $28,081, including the destination charge. The Venue Preferred, priced at $25,581, was recommended for its enhanced exterior appearance and added convenience and safety features. The test vehicle, equivalent to the U.S. Ultimate trim, featured Ecotronic Grey paint, bringing the MSRP to $28,331. While the grey colour lent a mature and subdued look, the Venue's design was generally appealing, offering a sense of genuine style uncommon in affordable cars. Inside, the Venue's interior, despite its hard plastic, did not appear cheap. Unexpected style elements included seat stripes and piping, and white trim around the dashboard air vents and transmission shifter. The digital instrumentation and 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display were highlights, with controls exhibiting typical Hyundai quality.

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 2025 styling was less elegant than before, the Aviator's design was fundamentally appealing, resembling a sports wagon more than an SUV. The interior exuded a classic architectural sensibility, with electronic door releases and a plush cabin. The Aviator's remote keyless entry fob, however, was criticized for its cheap plastic and chrome detailing. In Canada, the Aviator was offered in Premiere and Reserve trims, with prices from $79,595 to $81,695, including the destination charge. The test vehicle, in Reserve trim with extra-cost Whisper Blue paint and several option packages, had an MSRP of $96,295. The Reserve 201A package added features like upgraded exterior lighting, 30-way-adjustable front seats with massage, and a 28-speaker Revel Ultima audio system.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue was equipped with a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine producing 121 horsepower and 113 pound-feet of torque. Weighing between 1,200 to 1,250 kilograms, the Venue's power was maximized by a continuously variable transmission (CVT), making it suitable for city and suburban driving. Its small size, nimble handling, and excellent visibility were advantageous in urban settings. However, the Venue's suspension, with MacPherson strut front and torsion-beam rear axle, resulted in a busy ride quality on rough pavement. On highways, the Venue could maintain traffic pace but struggled with additional weight. The Venue lacked all-wheel-drive (AWD), with power directed to the front wheels, but offered 17 centimetres of ground clearance. Its fuel economy was rated at 7.5 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, though it averaged 7.8 L/100 km on a mountainous testing loop.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator featured a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, delivering 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 optional adaptive air suspension firmed up in Excite mode, though the Aviator was not particularly exciting to drive. The V6 provided ample power for acceleration and passing, but the observed fuel economy was 13.3 L/100 km, higher than the official rating of 11.9 L/100 km. The Aviator offered clear sightlines and a 360-degree camera view for parking. In urban settings, the ride was pleasant, but larger bumps affected comfort due to the 22-inch wheels and thin tires. On highways, the adaptive air suspension couldn't entirely filter road noise, though the Aviator remained quiet inside. The Dynamic Handling Package improved ride and handling, but the Aviator's character was more about comfort than athleticism.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue's increased ground clearance made entry and exit easier. Despite its small size, comfort was decent, with a manual height-adjustable driver's seat and tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel. The front seats featured fabric inserts, artificial leather bolsters, and heated cushions. The back seat technically accommodated three people, but two were more comfortable. Taller passengers disliked the hard plastic front seatbacks, and rear storage space was limited. In front, there was decent storage, including a dashboard shelf. Cargo room was 528 litres, expanding to 902 litres with the back seat folded.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator's Perfect Position front seats offered 30-way adjustments, heating, ventilation, and massage, providing exceptional comfort. The second-row captain's chairs were roomy and supportive, with available heating and ventilation. The quad-zone climate control system allowed individual temperature settings. 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, tray, and cupholders. The Aviator offered 466 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,131 litres with it folded, and a maximum of 2,149 litres.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display with modern graphics and logical menus. It included Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and a six-speaker sound system. However, the Venue's stereo speakers could have been better, considering its target audience.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator's 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster and 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system were powered by Lincoln Digital Experience technology. It included Google Built-in, Alexa Built-in, 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 was impressive, and the head-up display provided valuable information.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue came with standard forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and a driver monitoring system. The Venue Preferred added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The lane-keeping assist system had some inaccuracies, and the forward-collision warning issued one incorrect alert. The Venue received Good ratings in three IIHS crash tests and an Acceptable rating for its LED headlights. The NHTSA gave it an overall rating of four stars.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator included the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Drive 2.0 suite of advanced driver assistance systems, with features like active blind-spot monitoring, intersection assist, and evasive steering assist. The reverse braking assist system was overly sensitive, but adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist worked well. BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assistance system, was standard, with a four-year subscription. The Aviator earned five-star ratings from the NHTSA and Good ratings from the IIHS.