2025 Lincoln Aviator vs 2025 Hyundai Kona

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, despite being an SUV. The tapered roofline and greenhouse added allure, though they compromised third-row passenger space. 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 other Lincoln models. However, the remote keyless entry fob was criticized for its cheap plastic construction, contrasting with the brand's luxury image. 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 extra-cost Whisper Blue paint and several option packages, bringing its MSRP to $96,295.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona retained its fresh appearance from the 2024 model, standing out in the crossover class with its futuristic design elements like the flush grille and ultra-slim LED light bars. The Kona's increased size, about 15 centimetres longer than its predecessor, enhanced interior space and gave it a more assertive stance. The Kona N Line, with its sportier design, further emphasized this. The interior remained unchanged from 2024, offering a solid and airy feel with ample tech features. The Kona's trims, Essential and Preferred, progressively added visual enhancements, while the N Line offered sportier features. The interior boasted excellent storage options, and the drive selector's relocation created a sense of space. The Kona's upholstery options varied across trims, with heated front seats standard in Canada. The climate control system ranged from basic single-zone air conditioning to dual-zone automatic climate control in higher trims.

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's driving character was more about comfort than excitement. The V6 provided ample power for acceleration and passing, but fuel economy was a concern, with an observed 13.3 L/100 km on a mountainous testing loop. The Aviator's sightlines were clear, aided by thin windshield pillars and large side mirrors. In urban settings, the ride quality was pleasant, though larger bumps affected comfort due to the heavy 22-inch wheels. On highways, road noise from the oversized tires was noticeable, but the Aviator remained quiet inside. The adaptive Air Glide suspension excelled at maintaining composure, ensuring a secure and calming ride.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered two gas-powered engine options. The Essential and Preferred trims featured a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with Hyundai's Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). This setup prioritized fuel efficiency but lacked performance excitement. The Kona N Line, with a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine producing 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, provided a more engaging driving experience. The eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission offered conventional gear ratios, enhancing performance. All-wheel drive (AWD) was available for Essential and Preferred trims and standard on the N Line, providing active on-demand drive to the rear axle. AWD models featured a more sophisticated multi-link rear suspension, improving ride and handling. The Kona's performance was competent, with the turbo engine offering adequate power, though it could feel flat at low revs.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator's Perfect Position front seats offered 30 ways of adjustment, providing exceptional comfort with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain's chairs were roomy and supportive, though lacking massage features. The third-row seats were less accommodating for adults, with limited legroom and low cushions. Storage space was excellent, with a smartphone charging pad, cupholders, and a sizeable bin in the centre console. The Aviator offered 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. The absence of side window sunshades was noted as an odd omission for a luxury SUV.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona provided 723 litres of cargo capacity with the rear seats in place, expanding to 1,803 litres when folded. Rear legroom measured 970 millimetres, with 972 mm of headroom, offering decent space for passengers. The front seats featured a generous range of movement, and the steering wheel was adjustable for reach and height. The drive selector's relocation created a sense of space, and in-car storage was excellent, with numerous compartments. Upholstery options varied across trims, with heated front seats standard in Canada. The climate control system ranged from basic single-zone air conditioning to dual-zone automatic climate control in higher trims.

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 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 praised for its quality. The head-up display provided a widescreen presentation of data, including lane departure warnings and blind-spot alerts.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered a 12.3-inch central touchscreen infotainment display across all trims, with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard. The N Line trim featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, providing more customization options. The N Line with the Ultimate package included an eight-speaker Bose premium audio system and built-in navigation. Hyundai's Bluelink connectivity allowed for over-the-air software updates, ensuring features remained up to date.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator came equipped with Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Drive 2.0, offering advanced driver assistance systems like active blind-spot monitoring, intersection assist, and evasive steering assist. BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assistance system, was standard, providing a four-year subscription. The Aviator received five-star ratings from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Good ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The 2025 Hyundai Kona impressed with its standard safety features, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and Blind-Spot Collision Warning. The N Line with the Ultimate package added advanced features like Highway Driving Assist and Blind Spot View Monitor. The Kona was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS).