2025 Lincoln Aviator vs 2024 Kia Sorento

The 2024 Kia Sorento underwent a significant visual update, aligning more closely with its Kia siblings like the Telluride and EV9. The redesign featured a robust new front end with vertically stacked LED projector-beam headlights and wing-like amber LED daytime running lights, giving it a more imposing presence. The rear updates were subtler, with higher trims receiving elegant LED taillights and new bumpers across all versions. The Sorento's trims in Canada included LX, EX, X-Line, X-Line Limited, and the new X-Pro, each offering distinct visual elements like blacked-out wheels and earth-tone paint colours. Inside, the Sorento boasted a new dashboard with a vast horizontal expanse, combining the gauge cluster and infotainment displays under a single pane of glass. The materials used in the cabin were upgraded, with faux open-pore wood grain and quality stitching on the optional leather-wrapped steering wheel and seats, enhancing the overall upscale feel.

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. However, the 2025 styling was perceived as 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 an over-reliance on screens. The remote keyless entry fob was criticized for its cheap plastic construction, but the Aviator's Phone as a Key technology and touchpad entry system provided modern conveniences. The Aviator was available in Premiere and Reserve trims in Canada, with the Reserve trim offering features like upgraded exterior lighting, 30-way-adjustable Perfect Position front seats with massage, and a 28-speaker Revel Ultima audio system.

The 2024 Kia Sorento retained most of its mechanical components, with the base engine being a 2.5-litre four-cylinder producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, but its performance was considered underwhelming. The EX and higher models featured a turbocharged 2.5-litre engine delivering 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, mated to a dual-clutch eight-speed automatic transmission. The turbocharged Sorentos offered lively acceleration and ample passing power, with zero-to-100 times in the mid-seven-second range. All Sorentos in Canada came with all-wheel drive, and the X-Line and X-Pro trims provided increased ground clearance. The Sorento's handling was confident, with well-weighted steering and effective brakes. The X-Pro trim, with its all-terrain tires, excelled in off-road conditions and offered a towing capacity of 2,040 kilograms.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator featured a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine producing 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Aviator offered various driving modes, including Excite, Conserve, Normal, Slippery, and Deep Conditions. The optional adaptive air suspension provided a firm ride in Excite mode, but the Aviator's primary focus was on comfort rather than sporty driving. The V6 engine delivered strong acceleration, but the observed fuel economy was 13.3 litres per 100 kilometres, higher than the official rating of 11.9 L/100 km. The Aviator's sightlines were clear, aided by thin windshield pillars and large sideview mirrors. The ride quality was generally pleasant, but the 22-inch wheels and thin tires struggled with rough surfaces, generating noticeable road noise. The Aviator's adaptive Air Glide suspension effectively controlled body motions, ensuring a composed and calming driving experience.

The 2024 Kia Sorento's cabin was modern and comfortable, with ample space in the first two rows but limited room in the third row. The Sorento offered advantages over smaller models with optional third-row seats, providing 1,052 millimetres of front legroom and 1,060 mm in the second row. The third row had 752 mm of legroom, suitable for children but not adults. The Sorento's cargo space was compromised with the third row in use, offering 357 litres, but folding it down increased capacity to 1,090 to 1,274 litres, depending on the trim. With all seats down, the Sorento provided up to 2,139 litres of cargo space. The Sorento's controls were ergonomic, and higher trims featured noise-insulating acoustic glass and a power liftgate.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator's Perfect Position front seats offered exceptional comfort with 30-way adjustability, heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain's chairs were roomy and supportive, with available heating and ventilation. The third-row seats were less accommodating, with low, flat cushions and limited legroom. The Aviator excelled in storage space, with a smartphone charging pad, cupholders, and a sizeable bin under the armrest. The Aviator provided 466 litres of cargo space with the third row in use, expanding to 1,131 litres with the third row folded. Maximum cargo capacity was 2,149 litres, offering practicality for family road trips.

The 2024 Kia Sorento featured a single-pane, twin-screen setup with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and a redesigned infotainment system called "Connected Car Navigation Cockpit" (CCnC). The system prioritized popular features on the home screen and offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The Sorento's infotainment system received over-the-air updates, and higher trims included a Bose 12-speaker surround sound system. The X-Line Limited and X-Pro models offered Digital Key 2.0, allowing certain smartphones to lock, unlock, and drive the vehicle without a key.

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, featuring Google Built-in and Alexa Built-in. However, the Google Assistant struggled with voice prompts in the test vehicle. The Aviator's wireless Apple CarPlay and Siri worked effectively, and the 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D sound system provided excellent audio quality. The Aviator's head-up display offered a widescreen presentation of data, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2024 Kia Sorento offered an extensive suite of active safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward automatic emergency braking, lane-following assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The Sorento's adaptive cruise control systems learned from driver behaviour and maintained precise distances between vehicles. Optional features included surround-view cameras and a rear-view camera mirror. The Sorento received "Good" ratings in IIHS tests but had an "Acceptable" rating for its LATCH system. NHTSA had not yet evaluated the 2024 model.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator featured the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Drive 2.0 suite, including active blind-spot monitoring, intersection assist, and evasive steering assist. The Aviator's BlueCruise system offered hands-free driving assistance on approved highways. The Aviator received five-star ratings from NHTSA and "Good" ratings from IIHS, indicating strong safety performance.