2025 Lincoln Aviator vs 2025 Hyundai Palisade

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 tapered roofline compromised third-row passenger space. Despite its fundamentally appealing design, the 2025 styling updates made it appear 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 this might encourage the use of the Aviator’s Phone as a Key technology.

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 standard AWD, Whisper Blue paint, and a centre console between the second-row captain’s chairs. It also included the Reserve 201A, Jet Appearance, and Dynamic Handling option packages, bringing the MSRP to $96,295. The Reserve 201A package added numerous desirable features, such as upgraded exterior lighting, 30-way-adjustable Perfect Position front seats with massage, heated and ventilated second-row seats, a 28-speaker Revel Ultima audio system, and 22-inch wheels.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade distinguished itself with bold, unmistakable design, avoiding the rugged off-roader styling cues common in many SUVs. The 2023 refresh gave it a more angular and technical look, enhancing its upscale appearance. Inside, even the base Preferred trim offered a clean, modern, and upscale feel. Higher trims featured premium leather, metal speaker grilles, and luxury cues, though some metallic-surface control markings were hard to read during the day. The Palisade was loaded with thoughtful details, such as USB charging ports in the front seatbacks, second-row smartphone storage pockets, and accessible drink holders.

In Canada, the Palisade was available in four trims: Preferred, Urban, Ultimate Calligraphy, and Ultimate Calligraphy Night Edition, with prices ranging from $53,284 to $63,584, including destination charges. The test vehicle, equivalent to Canada’s Ultimate Calligraphy trim, featured Robust Emerald paint and an MSRP of $62,460. The Palisade’s design and features made it a standout in its segment, offering a luxury feel at a mainstream price.

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 choose from Excite, Conserve, Normal, Slippery, and Deep Conditions driving modes. The test vehicle featured an optional adaptive air suspension, which firmed up in Excite mode, though the Aviator was not particularly exciting to drive. The twin-turbo 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, aided by thin windshield pillars and large sideview mirrors. In urban settings, the 360-degree camera view was appreciated for parallel parking. The ride quality was generally pleasant, though larger bumps and cracks were felt due to the heavy 22-inch wheels and thin tires. On highways, the adaptive air suspension couldn’t entirely filter out road noise from the oversized tires. The Aviator’s driving character didn’t encourage spirited driving, with a heavy, syrupy steering feel and a focus on comfort and composure rather than athleticism.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade featured a 3.8-litre V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD in Canada. The Palisade had a maximum towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms and averaged 11.1 L/100 km in combined driving, according to Natural Resources Canada. Despite its age, the Palisade drove well, with a firm ride at lower speeds and a softer ride on highways. It handled speed humps impressively, performing like a Baja-tuned pickup truck.

The Palisade’s powertrain was satisfying, with smooth and refined operation and a pleasant engine sound. The automatic transmission delivered silky shifts, and the Palisade’s fuel economy was slightly higher than the NRCan estimate, but the refined V6 was worth the extra cost. The steering and suspension offered a reasonable feel for the road, and the brakes were well-calibrated. Overall, the Palisade provided a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator offered luxurious comfort with its available Perfect Position front seats, featuring 30-way adjustability, heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain’s chairs were roomy and supportive, with available heating and ventilation. However, the third-row seats were less accommodating, with low, flat cushions and tight legroom, making them more suitable for children. The Aviator excelled in storage space, with a smartphone charging pad, tray for keys, and cupholders in the centre console, along with deep door panel storage pockets.

Cargo space was generous, with 466 litres behind the third row, 1,131 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,149 litres. The Aviator also featured a large compartment under the load floor for additional storage. Despite its luxury status, the Aviator lacked side window sunshades, an odd omission for a vehicle in this class.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade accommodated adults in all three rows, with a seven-passenger arrangement featuring second-row captain’s chairs in the test vehicle. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim offered Nappa premium leather, eight-way power-adjustable front seats, and a massaging driver’s seat. Heated outboard seats in the first two rows and a heated steering wheel were standard in Canada. The second-row captain’s chairs provided good thigh support and legroom, with heating, ventilation, and standard side window shades.

The third-row seats were suitable for adults with little complaint, though headroom was snug. Third-row passengers had access to USB-C charging ports, drink holders, and air vents. The Palisade’s storage solutions were thoughtful, with adjustable front cupholders, smartphone trays in door panel armrests, and dedicated sleeves for devices in the front seatbacks. The Smart Liftgate provided hands-free access to the cargo area, which offered 509 litres behind the third row, 1,297 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,447 litres.

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 supported Google Built-in, Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. However, the Google Assistant struggled with voice prompts, though wireless Apple CarPlay and Siri worked well. The system included an app called Elevated Journey, offering meditative mindfulness coaching for the road. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D sound system provided excellent audio quality, and the head-up display offered a widescreen presentation of data, including blind spot warnings.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade’s technology was functional, with a 12.3-inch digital driver display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It required a cable for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, but the system was otherwise impressive. Features included two-device Bluetooth support, wireless smartphone charging, SiriusXM satellite radio, a navigation system, voice recognition, and Bluelink+ connected services. The voice recognition system performed well, and the 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system delivered commendable sound. The Palisade also offered a digital rearview mirror and a head-up display with blind spot warnings.

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 with trailer coverage, intersection assist, evasive steering assist, and reverse braking assist. The reverse braking assist system was overly sensitive, but adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist worked well. BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assistance system, was standard, offering proactive control handover and lane change notifications. The Aviator earned five-star ratings from the NHTSA and Good ratings from the IIHS, indicating strong safety performance.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade featured standard driver assistance and collision avoidance technologies, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, intersection turning assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and Highway Driving Assist. The Palisade Urban trim added front parking sensors and a surround-view camera, while the Ultimate Calligraphy trim included evasive steering assist and Remote Smart Parking Assist. The Palisade earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS through 2024, though a Poor rating in a new test prevented the accolade in 2025. The NHTSA awarded the Palisade five-star frontal impact and four-star rollover resistance ratings.