2024 Jeep Wrangler vs 2025 Lincoln Aviator

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler retained its iconic rugged appearance, characterized by a burly, body-on-frame design that appealed to off-road enthusiasts. Despite the variety of powertrains and off-road systems available, the Wrangler maintained a consistent look across its lineup. Notable changes included a redesigned grille, which was shorter and wider, enhancing airflow to the engine bay. The integration of the antenna into the windshield was a thoughtful upgrade, preventing it from snagging on branches during off-road adventures. Additionally, the Wrangler offered ten new wheel designs and various roof options, including soft-top, hard-top, and power-retractable sunroof configurations, allowing for a customizable open-air experience.

In contrast, the 2025 Lincoln Aviator presented a more refined and classic design, reminiscent of a sports wagon rather than a traditional SUV. Built on a rear-wheel-drive platform shared with the Ford Explorer, the Aviator featured a blunt nose, short front overhang, and a tapered roofline, creating an alluring silhouette. However, the 2025 styling updates were perceived as less elegant, especially with the optional Jet Appearance Package. Inside, the Aviator boasted a plush interior with a classic architectural sensibility, avoiding the trend of overwhelming screens. The Aviator's interior was designed for comfort, though the remote keyless entry fob was criticized for its cheap appearance. The Aviator was available in Premiere and Reserve trims in Canada, with the Reserve trim offering a host of luxurious features and options.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler offered a range of powertrains, catering to different driving preferences. The lineup included a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, a plug-in hybrid variant producing 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, a 3.6-litre V6 engine with 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, and a powerful 6.4-litre V8 engine delivering 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. The Wrangler's off-road capabilities were enhanced by various transfer cases, including the Command-Trac, Selec-Trac, and Rock-Trac systems, each offering different levels of off-road prowess. The 4xe PHEV model stood out with its 35-kilometre all-electric range and impressive torque, making it a favourite among testers. The Wrangler's solid axles provided excellent articulation, while the addition of sound-deadening material improved cabin quietness. The availability of a factory-installed WARN winch on Rubicon models further enhanced its off-road credentials.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, producing 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. While the Aviator offered various driving modes, including Excite and Conserve, it was primarily evaluated in Normal mode. The V6 engine provided ample power for acceleration and passing, though fuel economy was a concern, with observed consumption at 13.3 L/100 km. The Aviator's adaptive air suspension contributed to a comfortable ride, though the large 22-inch wheels and thin tires affected ride quality on rough surfaces. Despite its power, the Aviator was not designed for sporty driving, focusing instead on providing a composed and calming cruising experience. The adaptive Air Glide suspension effectively managed body motions, ensuring a secure and comfortable ride.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler saw a significant improvement in towing capacity, now rated at 2,268 kilograms (5,000 pounds) for specific four-door Rubicon models. This enhancement was made possible by a full-float solid rear axle. Inside, the Wrangler offered heated seats and a heated steering wheel, with new 12-way power-adjustable front seats that remained functional even when submerged. The 4xe model featured a 30-amp Power Box, allowing for the use of various accessories powered by the vehicle's battery.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator excelled in interior comfort, particularly with its Perfect Position front seats, offering 30-way adjustability, heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain's chairs were also comfortable, though lacking massage features. The third-row seats were less accommodating for adults, with limited legroom and support. Storage space was a highlight, with ample room in the centre console, door pockets, and an optional second-row console. The Aviator provided 466 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,131 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,149 litres with all seats down.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system running Uconnect5, with optional navigation. The system was praised for its speed and user-friendly interface, particularly when accessing Off-Road Pages. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless hotspot, dual Bluetooth phone pairing, and the ability to store multiple user profiles.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator offered a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster and a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system powered by Lincoln Digital Experience. While the system supported Google Built-in and Alexa Built-in, the test vehicle experienced issues with voice recognition. However, wireless Apple CarPlay and Siri functioned well. The Aviator's 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D sound system delivered excellent audio quality, and the available head-up display provided valuable driving information.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler introduced first- and second-row side-curtain airbags, enhancing safety. Forward collision warning was standard on most models, while advanced driver aids like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control were optional. The Wrangler had not yet been rated for 2024, but previous models received mixed ratings from NHTSA and IIHS.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator came equipped with Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Drive 2.0, offering a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems. Notable features included active blind-spot monitoring, intersection assist, and BlueCruise hands-free driving assistance. The Aviator received high safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, indicating strong performance in crash tests.