2025 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2025 Lincoln Aviator

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator, built on a rear-wheel-drive platform shared with the Ford Explorer, showcased classic design proportions. It featured a blunt nose, a short front overhang, and a sleek dash-to-axle ratio, complemented by a tapered roofline that, while compromising third-row passenger space, created an alluring silhouette. Despite its SUV classification, the Aviator's design leaned more towards a sports wagon aesthetic. However, the 2025 styling updates appeared less elegant and more generic, particularly 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. The traditional design was appreciated, although the remote keyless entry fob was criticized for its cheap plastic construction. In Canada, the Aviator was available in Premiere and Reserve trims, with prices ranging from $79,595 to $81,695, including destination charges. The test vehicle, in Reserve trim, featured several option packages, bringing its MSRP to $96,295.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse impressed with its exterior styling, consistent with Chevrolet's recent SUV designs. The interior design was also appealing, featuring digital instrumentation and a Google-based infotainment system. However, the quality of materials, particularly the hard, glossy plastic and Evotex artificial leather, detracted from the overall impression. Available in LT, Z71, and RS trims in Canada, the Traverse's base prices ranged from $54,333 to $70,333, including destination charges. The test vehicle, a Z71 off-road version, featured Radiant Red paint, a panoramic sunroof, and an Enhanced Driving Package, with an MSRP of $68,681. Despite its attractive design, the Traverse's material quality was a letdown, especially for a vehicle in its price range.

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. Drivers could select from various driving modes, including Excite, Conserve, Normal, Slippery, and Deep Conditions. The test vehicle featured an optional adaptive air suspension, which firmed up in Excite mode, though the Aviator was not particularly thrilling to drive. The V6 provided ample power for acceleration and passing, but fuel economy was disappointing, with an observed 13.3 L/100 km compared to the official 11.9 L/100 km rating. The Aviator offered clear sightlines and a 360-degree camera view for urban driving, though the ride quality suffered on rough roads due to the heavy 22-inch wheels and thin tires. The adaptive air suspension helped control body motions, ensuring a composed and calming ride, but the Aviator's driving character did not encourage spirited driving.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse featured a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. In front-wheel-drive mode, the engine exhibited torque steer, but engaging all-wheel drive provided controlled and satisfying acceleration. The Z71 trim, designed for off-road use, offered increased ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and a Twin Clutch AWD system. The Traverse handled trails and rough terrain well, with the suspension absorbing bumps and the Terrain mode moderating power application. On regular roads, the Z71's tires and suspension provided a smoother ride, though the Traverse felt large and unwieldy on narrow roads. The all-terrain tires performed better than expected, with minimal noise and decent handling. The Traverse's fuel economy was rated at 11.2 L/100 km, but the test vehicle achieved 10.9 L/100 km, beating the official estimate.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator offered exceptional comfort with its Perfect Position front seats, featuring 30-way adjustability, heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain's chairs were also comfortable, with available heating and ventilation. However, the third-row seats were less accommodating, with low cushions and limited legroom. Storage space was excellent, with a smartphone charging pad, cupholders, and a sizeable bin in the centre console. The Aviator provided 466 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,131 litres with the seats folded, and a maximum of 2,149 litres. Despite its practicality, the Aviator lacked side window sunshades, an odd omission for a luxury SUV.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse boasted a spacious interior, with ample width and an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat. The heated front seats and steering wheel were effective in cold weather, and the Evotex artificial leather provided comfort. The Traverse offered eight-passenger seating with a second-row bench seat, though the test vehicle had captain's chairs. The third-row seats were comfortable but lacked a view due to the rear window design. Storage space was adequate, with 648 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,603 litres with the seats folded, and a maximum of 2,764 litres. However, folding the third row required adjusting the second-row seats, and the Traverse lacked some family-friendly features like easily reachable USB ports and cupholders.

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. The system included Google Built-in, Alexa Built-in, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the Google Assistant struggled with voice commands, though Apple CarPlay and Siri worked well. The Aviator also offered a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D sound system and an excellent head-up display with comprehensive data presentation.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse came with a standard 17.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Google Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. The system was user-friendly, with effective Google Assistant voice recognition. The Traverse also had an 11-inch digital instrumentation panel with customizable views. Optional features included a digital rearview mirror and a high-definition surround-view camera system, enhancing convenience and safety.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator was equipped with Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Drive 2.0, offering a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems. Notable features included active blind-spot monitoring, intersection assist, evasive steering assist, and reverse braking assist. The Aviator also featured adaptive cruise control, lane-centring assist, and BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assistance system. The Aviator received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and Good ratings from the IIHS, indicating strong safety performance.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse offered a robust set of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. The test vehicle added a high-definition surround-view camera system and a traffic sign recognition system. The Enhanced Driving Package included Super Cruise, a hands-free driving aid, and remote-parking technology. The Traverse received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" award from the IIHS.