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. The design leaned more towards a sports wagon than a traditional SUV, though the 2025 styling updates were perceived as 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 overwhelming screens found in other Lincoln models. However, the remote keyless entry fob was criticized for its cheap plastic construction, contrasting with the otherwise luxurious feel of the vehicle.

In contrast, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe, available in five trims, maintained its chunky, boxy design from its 2024 debut. The three-row SUV featured a long wheelbase, flat hood, and snub nose, with pixelated H-shaped LED headlamps fitting Hyundai's design aesthetic. The rear design, however, suffered from mismatched proportions, with taillights positioned too low for visual balance. Each trim offered specific wheel sizes, with the off-road-focused XRT trim adding chrome and black trim. Inside, the Santa Fe accommodated seven passengers, except for the top Calligraphy trim, which featured captain's chairs. The interior fit and finish were generally good, though some squeaks and rattles were noted. The inclusion of physical dials for HVAC temperature was appreciated, though the fan speed buttons were less user-friendly.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque through a 10-speed automatic transmission. It offered various driving modes, including Excite, Conserve, Normal, Slippery, and Deep Conditions. The adaptive air suspension 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 17.7 mpg compared to the EPA's 20 mpg rating. The Aviator offered clear sightlines and a 360-degree camera view for urban driving, though the ride quality suffered on rough surfaces due to the heavy 22-inch wheels and thin tires. The adaptive Air Glide suspension effectively controlled body motions, ensuring a composed and calming ride.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe featured a standard 2.5-liter turbocharged engine with 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available across the lineup, except for the XRT trim, which was AWD only. 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 acclimation. The XRT trim included 30-inch all-terrain tires and 8.3 inches of ground clearance, improving off-road geometry. While not a rugged rock crawler, the Santa Fe handled graded dirt roads and small obstacles well, with a towing capacity of 4,500 pounds for the XRT trim.

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 roomy and supportive, though lacking massage functions. The third-row seats were less accommodating for adults, with low, flat cushions and limited legroom. Storage space was excellent, with a smartphone charging pad, tray for keys, and cupholders in the center console, along with deep door panel storage pockets. The Aviator provided 19.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 42.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 78.6 cubic feet.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe, starting with the base SE trim, offered a hands-free liftgate and dual-zone climate control. The XRT trim added heated front seats, a sunroof, and a 115-volt outlet. The top Calligraphy trim featured heated second-row seats, a heated steering wheel, and a premium audio system. The Santa Fe boasted the most third-row legroom in its class, with adjustable second-row seat cushions. Cargo space was generous, with 14.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 40.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 79.6 cubic feet. The widened liftgate opening facilitated loading larger items, and most trims could tow 3,500 pounds, with the XRT trim capable of 4,500 pounds.

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 Apple CarPlay and Siri worked well. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D sound system provided excellent audio quality. The Aviator's 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 for infotainment, with the top trims also featuring a digital gauge cluster. The system was user-friendly, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard. Upper trims offered Amazon Music, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and Hyundai Pay. Charging options included multiple USB-C ports and wireless charging. The digital key feature allowed unlocking and starting the car via smartphone or Apple Watch. The Santa Fe also offered a digital rearview mirror and a head-up display on higher trims. Bluelink app connectivity provided remote access to vehicle functions 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. BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assistance system, was standard, with a four-year subscription included. The Aviator earned 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, and forward-collision avoidance assist. Higher trims added features like rear parking collision avoidance assist and Highway Drive Assist. The top trims included a Blind-View Monitor and an expanded driver monitor system. 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.