2025 BMW X5 vs 2025 Lincoln Aviator

The 2025 BMW X5 had gracefully evolved from its predecessors, maintaining its distinctive proportions while incorporating intriguing details. The cab-rearward profile, rounded fender arches, and arrow-shaped lighting elements in the headlights and taillights contributed to its modern yet classic look. The front fascia was somewhat busy, but the signature twin-kidney grille remained reasonably sized, avoiding the oversized trend seen in other models. The optional M Sport Package added sportier elements, while the Silver Anniversary Edition celebrated the X5's 25th anniversary with unique trim options and an off-road package. Inside, the X5's interior continued the BMW aesthetic with a curved dashboard display and quality materials, though it lacked the opulence of some competitors.

In contrast, 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 fundamentally appealing, the 2025 styling appeared 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 the screen-heavy approach of other models. However, the remote keyless entry fob felt cheap, contrasting with the otherwise luxurious feel. The Aviator was available in various trims, with the Reserve trim offering numerous desirable features, including upgraded lighting, advanced seating options, and a high-end audio system.

The 2025 BMW X5 offered a range of powertrain options, starting with the RWD X5 sDrive40i and AWD X5 xDrive40i, both powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 375 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque. This setup allowed the X5 to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds. For those seeking more power, the AWD-only X5 M60i xDrive featured a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 with 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, achieving a zero to 60 mph time of 4.2 seconds. The X5 also offered a plug-in hybrid variant, the X5 xDrive50e, with a total system output of 483 hp and 516 lb-ft, providing an all-electric range of up to 39 miles. The Silver Anniversary Edition included the xOffroad Package, enhancing its off-road capabilities, though it compromised on-road dynamics.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator came with a single powertrain option: a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine delivering 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque through a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Aviator offered various driving modes, including Excite, Conserve, Normal, Slippery, and Deep Conditions. While the V6 provided ample power, the Aviator's driving experience was more about comfort than excitement. The adaptive air suspension contributed to a smooth ride, though the large 22-inch wheels and thin tires struggled with rough surfaces. The Aviator's EPA fuel economy rating was 20 mpg combined, but real-world testing yielded 17.7 mpg. Despite its power, the Aviator prioritized a composed and calming driving experience over athleticism.

The 2025 BMW X5 was a two-row, five-seater SUV, offering generous passenger space but not class-leading. It had slightly less first-row legroom compared to some competitors but provided ample headroom. The sport seats in the X5 were appreciated for their bolstering during cornering, though the lack of real leather upholstery and front-seat ventilation was noticeable at its price point. The X5 offered 33.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 72.3 cubic feet with the second row folded. Its split tailgate design was a standout feature, providing convenience for loading and unloading cargo. The X5's towing capacity was 7,200 pounds, competitive for its class.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator excelled in interior comfort, especially 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 the third-row seats were less accommodating for adults. The Aviator provided 19.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 42.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 78.6 cubic feet with all seats down. The Aviator's storage solutions were well-designed, with ample space for small items and a large compartment under the load floor. However, the absence of side window sunshades was a surprising omission for a luxury SUV.

The 2025 BMW X5 featured a curved dashboard display with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, running BMW Operating System 8. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with intuitive controls via a rotary controller, touchscreen, voice recognition, and gesture control. The X5 also offered augmented reality navigation and digital key connectivity, allowing a smartphone to replace the key fob. The instrument cluster layout was distinctive and easy to read, though a more prominent fuel gauge was desired.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator's technology included a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster and a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system powered by Lincoln Digital Experience. It featured Google Built-in, Alexa Built-in, and supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the Google Assistant struggled with voice prompts in the test vehicle, though Apple CarPlay and Siri worked well. The Aviator's 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D sound system delivered excellent audio quality, and the head-up display provided valuable information, including lane departure warnings and blind-spot alerts.

The 2025 BMW X5 came with standard Active Driving Assistant features, including lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and forward collision warning. Adaptive cruise control was available through the Driving Assistance Professional Package, which included Highway Assistant for hands-free driving. The X5 earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in side crash tests.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator featured the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Drive 2.0 suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including active blind-spot monitoring, intersection assist, evasive steering assist, and reverse braking assist. Adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist were standard, and BlueCruise provided hands-free driving on approved highways. The Aviator received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and Good ratings from the IIHS, indicating strong safety performance.