2024 Toyota Sequoia vs 2025 Lincoln Aviator

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia shared its platform with the Tundra pickup, and this connection was evident in its design. It featured hexagonal grilles, wheel arches, strong fender creases, and a muscular stance. The exterior colour significantly influenced its appearance, with the Capstone model showcasing more chrome brightwork. Our tester, in Celestial Silver, appeared somewhat dated, reminiscent of a "cop car." Inside, the Sequoia mirrored the Tundra's blocky, geometric dashboard layout, complete with physical dials and buttons for volume and climate control. The Capstone trim boasted semi-aniline leather upholstery, while other trims offered SofTex leatherette or standard leather. The Sequoia provided power-adjustable front seats across the lineup and a power-tilt and -slide moonroof, enhancing its interior appeal.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator, built on a rear-wheel-drive platform shared with the Ford Explorer, exhibited classic design proportions. It featured a blunt nose, short front overhang, and a tapered roofline, creating an alluring silhouette. However, the 2025 styling appeared less elegant and more generic, especially with the optional Jet Appearance Package. Inside, the Aviator exuded a classic architectural sensibility, with a focus on traditional design rather than overwhelming screens. The remote keyless entry fob, though lightweight, felt cheap, encouraging the use of the Aviator's Phone as a Key technology. In Canada, the Aviator was available in Premiere and Reserve trims, with our test vehicle in Reserve trim featuring extra-cost Whisper Blue paint and several option packages, resulting in a price of $96,295.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia was exclusively offered in a hybrid format, utilizing Toyota's iForce MAX hybrid powertrain. This system combined a twin-turbo V6 engine with an electric motor, delivering 427 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque. This marked an increase of 46 hp and 182 lb-ft over the previous V8 model. Fuel economy improved significantly, with a rating of 11.7 L/100 km combined with 4WD. The Sequoia featured a part-time 4WD system with a selector for 4Hi, 4Lo, and 2WD. The 10-speed automatic transmission operated smoothly, and the on-road handling was adequate. The SR5 TRD Off-Road model offered adventure-readiness with unique tires, off-road suspension, and driver-assist features. The Sequoia's maximum towing capacity was 4,137 kilograms, with towing-related upgrades available.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator featured a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, producing 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. Power was delivered to all four wheels 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 twin-turbo V6 provided ample power for acceleration and passing, though fuel economy was observed at 13.3 L/100 km. The Aviator offered clear sightlines and a 360-degree camera view for urban driving. On highways, the adaptive air suspension couldn't entirely filter road imperfections, and the oversized tires generated noticeable road noise. The Aviator's adaptive Air Glide suspension ensured a composed and calming ride.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia Capstone featured automatic power-deploying running boards, aiding shorter individuals in entering the vehicle. Inside, the Sequoia offered a maximum of 2,460 litres of cargo space with both second- and third-row seats folded. Behind the second row, there were 1,387 litres, and behind the third row, it ranged from 325 to 631 litres. The second-row seats didn't slide fore and aft but were easy to move for third-row access. The third-row seats folded at the push of a button but didn't create a flat load floor due to the hybrid powertrain's battery pack. Headroom was reduced, and legroom varied across rows. Second-row captain's chairs were available on higher trims, providing wide but flat seating.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator's 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 seats were low and unsupportive, with limited legroom. Storage space was excellent, with a centre console featuring a smartphone charging pad, cupholders, and a sizeable bin. The Aviator provided 466 litres of cargo space behind the third row, with a large compartment under the load floor. Folding the third row created 1,131 litres of cargo space, and maximum capacity was 2,149 litres.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia Capstone was equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, accessible through an 8-inch touchscreen on the SR5 trim and a 14-inch touchscreen on higher trims. The Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system prioritized functionality over flashiness. The Sequoia featured a full-colour 12.3-inch driver information display and a Panoramic View monitor on Platinum and Capstone trims. A 10-inch colour head-up display was standard on Capstone, and a 14-speaker JBL Premium Audio system was available on Limited and standard on Platinum and Capstone.

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, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. However, the Google Assistant struggled with voice prompts in our test vehicle. The Aviator's 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D sound system delivered excellent audio quality. The available head-up display provided a widescreen presentation of data, including lane departure warnings and blind-spot alerts.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 2.5 suite, including a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure alert with steering assist, adaptive cruise control, and road-sign recognition. Front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. The only optional driver aid was a trailer backup guide with Straight-Path Assist on Platinum and Capstone trims. The Sequoia hadn't been rated by IIHS or NHTSA, but the similar 2024 Toyota Tundra earned a Top Safety Pick+ designation.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator featured the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Drive 2.0 suite, including active blind-spot monitoring with trailer coverage, intersection assist, evasive steering assist, and reverse braking assist. Adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist were standard, with BlueCruise providing hands-free driving assistance on approved highways. The Aviator earned five-star ratings from NHTSA and Good ratings from IIHS, indicating strong safety performance.