2025 Lincoln Aviator vs 2025 INFINITI QX80

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 INFINITI QX80 underwent its first redesign since 2017, growing slightly in length and width while maintaining its height. Retaining its body-on-frame architecture, the QX80 boasted improved torsional and lateral stiffness. The styling updates were most notable at the front, with a larger grille and a stacked-headlight setup that gave the SUV a distinctive look. The rear end retained its general shape but featured full-width taillights with over 300 LEDs. The interior received a high-tech makeover with a large horizontal display and 64-color ambient lighting, though the shiny black plastic trim detracted from the premium feel. The QX80 offered various trim levels, with the Autograph model featuring semi-aniline leather across all three rows.

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 multiple 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 exciting to drive. The twin-turbo V6 provided ample power for acceleration and passing, but the observed fuel economy was a disappointing 17.7 mpg compared to the EPA rating of 20 mpg. The Aviator offered clear sightlines and a 360-degree camera view for parking, though the ride quality suffered on rough roads due to the heavy 22-inch wheels and thin tires.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80 featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, replacing the previous 5.6-liter V8. The new engine produced 450 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The QX80 felt more energetic than its predecessor, though the active sound enhancement added an artificial noise to the cabin. The air suspension and adaptive damping provided a compliant ride, with the ability to adjust ride height for off-road or aerodynamic purposes. Despite its reinforced frame, the QX80's handling was average for a large body-on-frame SUV, and the air suspension couldn't completely erase bumps.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator offered 30-way adjustable Perfect Position front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, providing exceptional comfort. The second-row captain's chairs were roomy and supportive, though the third-row seats were less accommodating for adults. Storage space was excellent, with a smartphone charging pad, cupholders, and a sizable bin under the armrest. 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 with both rows down.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80's redesign increased cargo space by 6%, 17%, and 28% behind the first, second, and third rows, respectively. It offered 22 cubic feet with all rows in place, 59 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 101 cubic feet with both rows down. The QX80 featured a power liftgate and power-folding second- and third-row seats, with controls in the cargo area and on the infotainment touchscreens. Passenger space was generous, with increased legroom in the first and third rows. The QX80 also boasted a maximum towing capacity of 8,500 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 in the test vehicle. The Aviator's 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D sound system provided excellent audio quality, and the head-up display offered a widescreen presentation of data.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80's cabin featured dual 14.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment, with a smaller 9-inch touchscreen for additional controls. It was the first Infiniti model with Google built-in apps, including Google Maps for navigation. The dual-screen setup looked impressive, but the graphics were reminiscent of Nissan vehicles. The QX80 offered Klipsch sound systems, with a 14-speaker system for Pure and Luxe models and a 24-speaker version for Sensory and Autograph models. The 360-degree camera system provided eight different angles, including a 170-degree front wide view.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator came standard with Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Drive 2.0, offering advanced driver assistance systems such as active blind-spot monitoring, intersection assist, evasive steering assist, and reverse braking assist. BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assistance system, was also standard, with a four-year subscription included. The Aviator earned five-star ratings from the NHTSA and Good ratings from the IIHS.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80's crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of publication. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a trailer blind-spot warning system. The QX80 offered ProPilot Assist, with adaptive cruise control and automated lane centering, and the more advanced ProPilot Assist 2.1 for hands-free driving and automated lane changes.