2025 Hyundai Santa Fe 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 an appealing dash-to-axle ratio, complemented by a tapered roofline that, while compromising third-row passenger room, created an alluring silhouette. Despite its SUV classification, the Aviator's design leaned more towards a sports wagon aesthetic. However, the 2025 styling updates were perceived as 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, though 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 Hyundai Santa Fe, available in XRT, Luxury, and Ultimate Calligraphy trims, debuted its fifth generation in 2024. The three-row SUV had a chunky, boxy design with a long wheelbase, flat hood, and snub nose, featuring H-shaped LED headlamps that aligned with Hyundai's design aesthetic. The rear design, however, suffered from mismatched proportions, with taillights positioned too low for visual balance. Each trim had specific wheel sizes, with the XRT trim adding chrome and black trim for an off-road focus. Inside, the Santa Fe offered seating for seven, except in the Ultimate Calligraphy trim, which featured second-row captain's chairs. The interior had a good fit and finish, though some squeaks and rattles were noted. The inclusion of physical dials for HVAC temperature was appreciated, though fan speed buttons were less user-friendly.

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 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.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe came with a standard 2.5-litre turbocharged engine, producing 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. All-wheel drive was standard across the lineup. The Santa Fe Hybrid, a separate model, combined a 1.6-litre engine with an electric motor for 231 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque. The Santa Fe felt stable in corners with responsive steering, though turbo lag and delayed downshifts were noted. The gear selector, located on a stalk, required some getting used to. The XRT trim featured 30-inch all-terrain tires and increased ground clearance for better off-road capability, though it was not suited for rugged terrain. The Santa Fe's off-road geometry was adequate for its class, but larger SUVs were better suited for more challenging conditions.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator offered luxurious comfort with its Perfect Position front seats, adjustable in 30 ways 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 low cushions and limited legroom. Storage space was excellent, with a centre console featuring a smartphone charging pad, tray, and cupholders. 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. The test vehicle included an optional console between the second-row seats for additional storage.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe excelled in interior space, offering the most third-row legroom in its class. The second-row seats had adjustable cushion angles, and both the second and third rows could be folded for increased cargo space. With the third row folded, the Santa Fe provided 1,148 litres of space, expanding to 2,267 litres with the second row down. With all seats in use, 413 litres of cargo space remained. The rear opening was widened to 127.5 cm, with a height of 81 cm, facilitating the loading of large items. The Santa Fe's towing capacity varied by trim, with the XRT capable of towing 2,040 kilograms.

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 and Alexa Built-in, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. However, the Google Assistant struggled with voice prompts, though Apple CarPlay and Siri functioned well. The Aviator's 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D sound system provided excellent audio quality. The head-up display offered a widescreen presentation of data, including lane departure warnings and blind spot alerts.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system and digital gauge cluster, except for the base Preferred trim. The system was user-friendly, with clear graphics and quick response times. Navigation was available on Luxury and Ultimate Calligraphy trims, but wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard. Charging options included multiple USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad. The digital key feature allowed phone or Apple Watch use for unlocking and starting the car. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim offered a digital rearview mirror and head-up display. Bluelink app connectivity provided remote vehicle management and over-the-air updates.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator came equipped with Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Drive 2.0, offering a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems. Notable features included active blind-spot monitoring with trailer coverage, intersection assist, evasive steering assist, and reverse braking assist. Adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist were standard, with BlueCruise providing hands-free driving assistance on approved highways. The Aviator received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and Good ratings from the IIHS, indicating strong safety performance.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a range of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward collision avoidance assist. Additional features like rear parking collision avoidance assist and Highway Drive Assist were available on higher trims. The Santa Fe received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and Good ratings from the IIHS, with some areas rated as Acceptable.