2024 Kia Telluride vs 2025 Lincoln Aviator

In Canada, the 2024 Kia Telluride was available in three core trim levels: EX, SX, and SX Limited, along with two rugged variants, the X-Line and X-Pro trims. All trims came standard with all-wheel drive (AWD). The X-Line trim was primarily an appearance package, adding 1 centimetre of ground clearance, improved approach and departure angles, a tow mode, and unique styling elements like a distinctive grille and blacked-out wheel designs. The X-Pro trim enhanced off-road capabilities with 18-inch matte-black wheels, all-terrain tires, and heavy-duty engine cooling, increasing the towing capacity to 2,495 kilograms. Prices ranged from $53,433 for the base EX to $66,133 for the X-Pro trim, including a destination charge. The Telluride's design, with its attractive proportions and styling updates, continued to draw buyers, although opinions on the updates varied. The interior featured premium Nappa leather seats, with various appealing colour options complementing the simulated open-pore wood trim. However, the presence of shiny plastic in the interior was a downside, especially in the higher trims.

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 design was 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 appearance. In Canada, the Aviator was offered in Premiere and Reserve trims, with prices ranging from $79,595 to $81,695, including the destination charge. The Reserve trim, equipped with standard AWD, featured extra-cost Whisper Blue paint and several option packages, bringing the MSRP to $96,295. The Reserve 201A package added numerous desirable features, including upgraded lighting, 30-way-adjustable front seats with massage, heated and ventilated second-row seats, a 28-speaker Revel Ultima audio system, and 22-inch wheels.

The 2024 Kia Telluride was powered by a 3.8-litre V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms, with the X-Pro trim increasing it to 2,495 kilograms. The Telluride featured a locking centre differential and various driving modes, including Snow, Comfort, Sport, and Smart. Ground clearance was 20.3 centimetres, rising to 21.3 centimetres in the X-Line and X-Pro trims. The Telluride provided good acceleration and passing power but was not fuel-efficient, averaging 12.4 L/100 km on a mountainous loop and 13.4 L/100 km in city driving. Despite its firm ride at lower speeds, the Telluride offered a smooth and compliant ride at higher velocities, absorbing road undulations effectively. Off-road, it demonstrated more capability than expected, though not on par with a Jeep.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator featured a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine delivering 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. It offered driving modes like Excite, Conserve, Normal, Slippery, and Deep Conditions. The optional adaptive air suspension firmed up in Excite mode, though the Aviator was not particularly exciting to drive. The Aviator excelled in Normal mode, providing ample power for acceleration and passing. Its fuel economy was rated at 11.9 L/100 km, but it averaged 13.3 L/100 km during testing. 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, generating noticeable road noise. The Aviator's adaptive Air Glide suspension effectively controlled body motions, ensuring a composed and calming ride.

The 2024 Kia Telluride offered a comfortable interior, especially in higher trims. The test vehicle featured premium Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and second-row captain’s chairs. The third-row seat accommodated adults, and a dual sunroof added light to the interior. The Telluride's controls were oriented horizontally, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system and physical controls. Thoughtful details included a digital instrumentation panel with scenic landscape views and generous storage space. The hands-free power liftgate was standard, providing convenience, though it could be turned off if needed. The Telluride offered 594 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,302 litres with the seats folded, and a maximum volume of 2,463 litres.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator's Perfect Position front seats offered exceptional comfort with 30-way adjustments, heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain’s chairs were roomy and supportive, with available heating and ventilation. However, the third-row seat was less accommodating for adults, with low cushions and limited legroom. Storage space was excellent, with a smartphone charging pad, trays, and deep door panel pockets. The Aviator provided 466 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,131 litres with the seats folded, and a maximum capacity of 2,149 litres.

The 2024 Kia Telluride came equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, requiring a cable for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A Kia Connect trial subscription was included for three years, with various plans available afterward. Standard features included satellite radio, wireless smartphone charging, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The Telluride offered thoughtful features like a blue-light filter, Quiet Mode, and a digital key function. A camera-based rearview mirror and a 10-inch head-up display were available, along with a 360-degree camera system.

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 in the test vehicle was unresponsive, though Apple CarPlay and Siri worked well. The Aviator included an app called Elevated Journey with mindfulness coaching. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D sound system provided excellent audio quality. The head-up display offered a widescreen presentation of data, including lane departure warnings and blind-spot alerts.

The 2024 Kia Telluride impressed with its standard driver assistance features, including collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and Highway Driving Assist. Safety feature upgrades varied by trim, with options like front parking sensors, junction cross-traffic alert, and a Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Telluride received a five-star overall crash test rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator included the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Drive 2.0 suite of advanced driver assistance systems, featuring active blind-spot monitoring, intersection assist, and reverse braking assist. BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assistance system, was standard, offering a four-year subscription. The Aviator earned five-star ratings from the NHTSA and Good ratings from the IIHS, indicating strong safety performance.