2025 Dodge Durango 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, 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, particularly with the optional Jet Appearance Package, were perceived as less elegant and more generic. Inside, the Aviator offered a plush interior with a classic architectural sensibility, avoiding the screen-heavy approach of its siblings. The remote keyless entry fob, though, was criticized for its cheap plastic construction, contrasting with the otherwise luxurious feel of the vehicle.

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, a Reserve trim, featured standard AWD, Whisper Blue paint, and several option packages, bringing its 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 2025 Dodge Durango, on the other hand, offered a more aggressive and performance-oriented design, especially in the SRT Hellcat variant. The Silver Bullet special edition package added visual flair with a satin black hood, unique wheels, dark badges, and black exhaust tips, enhancing the SUV's attitude. Inside, the SRT Hellcat featured dark red premium Nappa leather seats, a suede headliner, and forged carbon fibre trim, though some plastic surfaces detracted from the overall luxury feel. The Durango's pricing in Canada started at $56,511 for the base GT with a V6 engine, while the SRT Hellcat with a supercharged V8 engine reached $151,915, including discounts and fees.

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. The optional adaptive air suspension firmed up in Excite mode, though the Aviator was not particularly thrilling to drive. The SUV excelled in providing a composed and calming cruising experience, with the adaptive Air Glide suspension effectively managing body motions. However, the Aviator's fuel economy was disappointing, with an observed 13.3 L/100 km on a mountainous testing loop, compared to the official rating of 11.9 L/100 km.

The 2025 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat, in contrast, boasted a supercharged 6.2-litre Hemi V8 engine, producing 710 horsepower and 645 lb-ft of torque. It accelerated to 96 km/h in 3.5 seconds, reached a top speed of 290 km/h, and could tow up to 3,945 kilograms. Despite its power, the Durango's fuel economy was poor, with a combined rating of 17.4 L/100 km and an observed 23.2 L/100 km on the testing loop. The Durango's performance was enhanced by a competition-tuned adaptive damping suspension, performance steering, and Brembo brakes, making it feel track-ready. It offered a thrilling driving experience, with immediate braking capability and outstanding grip, though it lacked the precision of some German competitors.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator offered a luxurious and comfortable interior, with available 30-way-adjustable Perfect Position front seats featuring heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain's chairs were roomy and supportive, though the third-row seats were less accommodating for adults. The Aviator provided excellent storage space, with a centre console featuring a smartphone charging pad, cupholders, and a sizeable bin. Cargo space was generous, with 466 litres behind the third row and a maximum capacity of 2,149 litres.

The 2025 Dodge Durango excelled in form and function, offering a roomy and comfortable interior with heated and ventilated front seats in Nappa leather. The second-row captain's chairs provided good leg support, though they felt low in the cabin. The Durango's third-row seat was surprisingly spacious, with a high seating position and thoughtful carve-outs for feet. Cargo space was ample, with 487 litres behind the third row and a maximum capacity of 2,409 litres. The Durango also featured a large centre console with plenty of storage and rear climate controls.

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, though Apple CarPlay and Siri worked well. The Aviator's 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D sound system was impressive, and the available head-up display provided valuable information.

The 2025 Dodge Durango came with a Uconnect 5 infotainment system, featuring a 10.1-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a native navigation system. It included SiriusXM 360L, Dodge Connect, and SiriusXM Guardian services, along with dual-phone Bluetooth pairing and wireless smartphone charging. The SRT Hellcat featured SRT Performance Pages for tracking performance metrics. The 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system delivered excellent sound quality.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator was equipped with Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Drive 2.0, offering advanced driver assistance systems such as active blind-spot monitoring, intersection assist, and evasive steering assist. BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assistance system, was standard, providing a proactive approach to driver control. The Aviator earned five-star ratings from the NHTSA and Good ratings from the IIHS.

The 2025 Dodge Durango's safety features were limited, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring among the standard offerings. The Durango received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a concerning performance in the IIHS small overlap frontal-impact test.