2025 Acura MDX vs 2025 Lincoln Aviator

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator, built on a rear-wheel-drive platform shared with the Ford Explorer, showcased classic design proportions. Its blunt nose, short front overhang, and appealing dash-to-axle ratio contributed to its sports wagon-like appearance, though the tweaked 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 Lincoln models. However, the remote keyless entry fob was a letdown, made of cheap plastic and oversized, though the Aviator's Phone as a Key technology and touchpad entry system offered modern alternatives.

In contrast, the 2025 Acura MDX received minor styling updates, including a new grille, revised front bumper, and darkened headlights and taillights, enhancing its sporty and performance-oriented look. The interior saw more significant changes with a new touchscreen infotainment system replacing the previous touchpad interface, adding more storage. The MDX Platinum Elite A-Spec trim featured seats from the previous MDX Type S model, while the Type S received a new seat design. Acura also improved cabin quietness with added sound insulation and acoustic laminated window glass, though the gloss black plastic trim on the dashboard was prone to collecting dust and smudges.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque through a 10-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels. It offered various driving modes, including Excite, Conserve, Normal, Slippery, and Deep Conditions, with an optional adaptive air suspension firming up in Excite mode. Despite its power, the Aviator was not particularly exciting to drive, focusing instead on providing a composed and calming cruising experience. The SUV's fuel economy was rated at 11.9 L/100 km in combined driving, though real-world testing showed a less impressive 13.3 L/100 km. The Aviator's ride quality was generally pleasant, but the 22-inch wheels and thin tires struggled with larger road imperfections, generating noticeable road noise on highways.

The 2025 Acura MDX, known for its performance-oriented design, offered a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine in the Type S model, producing 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. However, most buyers opted for the standard 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 290 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque through a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The MDX's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system was standard in Canada, providing good power and handling for a midsize three-row SUV. The MDX offered Comfort, Normal, Sport, Snow, and Individual driving modes, with the Sport mode providing the best powertrain response. Fuel economy was rated at 11.2 L/100 km in combined driving, though testing showed an average of 15.3 L/100 km. The MDX excelled in typical driving situations, offering a smooth, quiet, and comfortable ride, though it was not designed for off-roading.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator offered luxurious comfort with its Perfect Position front seats, featuring 30-way adjustability, heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain's chairs were roomy and supportive, though lacking massage functions. The third-row seats were less accommodating for adults, with low, flat cushions and limited legroom. Storage space was excellent, with a smartphone charging pad, cupholders, and a sizeable bin under the armrest. 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 2025 Acura MDX Platinum Elite A-Spec trim featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage programs, wrapped in perforated, piped, and quilted leather. The second row could be configured as a bench seat or individual bucket seats, with the middle section folding down for cupholders and storage. The third-row seat was less comfortable for adults, with limited leg support and space. In-cabin storage was adequate, with a new centre console tray and wireless smartphone charging pad. The MDX offered 512 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,367 litres with the third row folded and a maximum of 2,690 litres with all seats down.

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 technology. It included Google Built-in, Alexa Built-in, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the Google Assistant struggled with voice prompts, though wireless Apple CarPlay and Siri worked well. The Aviator's 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D sound system was impressive, and the head-up display provided comprehensive data, though blind-spot warnings were not included.

The 2025 Acura MDX introduced a new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Alexa Built-in and Google Built-in, eliminating the previous True Touchpad Interface. The system was intuitive and easy to use, though SiriusXM satellite radio required streaming through a phone app. AcuraLink connected services and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot were standard, with sound provided by a Bang & Olufsen audio system. The infotainment system paired with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display, and a 10.5-inch head-up display showed comprehensive data, though blind-spot monitoring alerts were absent.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator came equipped with 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. 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.

The 2025 Acura MDX featured the AcuraWatch collection of driver assistance features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The MDX Type S Ultra added front cross-traffic alert, evasive steering warning, and active lane-change assist. The MDX received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, demonstrating its safety credentials.