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 a sleek dash-to-axle ratio, complemented by a tapered roofline that, while compromising third-row passenger space, created an alluring silhouette. The design leaned more towards a sports wagon aesthetic, though the 2025 styling updates were perceived as less elegant, 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. In Canada, the Aviator was available in Premiere and Reserve trims, with the test vehicle in Reserve trim featuring several option packages, bringing its MSRP to $96,295.

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 new frame improved torsional and lateral stiffness significantly. The QX80's styling updates were most notable at the front, with a larger grille and a stacked-headlight setup that gave it a distinctive look. The rear retained its general shape but featured full-width LED taillights. The interior received a high-tech makeover with a large horizontal display and 64-colour ambient lighting, though shiny black plastic trim detracted from the premium feel. In Canada, the QX80 was offered in Luxe, Sensory, and Autobiography trims, with standard 22-inch wheels and a panoramic moonroof. The Autograph models featured semi-aniline leather across all three rows, enhancing the luxury experience.

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 was more about comfort than excitement. The V6 provided ample power for acceleration and passing, but fuel economy was a concern, with observed consumption at 13.3 L/100 km. The Aviator offered clear sightlines and a 360-degree camera view for urban driving, though the ride quality suffered on rough roads due to the heavy 22-inch wheels. The adaptive Air Glide suspension ensured a composed ride, but the Aviator's driving character was not particularly athletic.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80 featured a new twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, replacing the previous V8. It produced 450 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD in Canada. The new powertrain provided a more energetic feel, though active sound enhancement added an artificial noise to the cabin. The QX80 came with standard air suspension and adaptive damping, allowing for real-time adjustments and varying ride heights. Despite these features, the QX80's ride quality was still affected by its weight and body-on-frame construction. Handling was average for a large SUV, and the reinforced frame didn't feel as solid as unibody vehicles. The QX80's off-road setting increased ground clearance to 25.4 cm, and it could lower itself for improved aerodynamics or easier entry and exit.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator offered exceptional comfort with its Perfect Position front seats, adjustable in 30 ways with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain's chairs were also comfortable, though less adjustable. The third-row seats were less accommodating for adults, with limited legroom and low cushions. Storage space was excellent, with a well-organized centre console and deep door pockets. 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 with both rear rows down.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80's redesign increased cargo space significantly, offering 623 litres with all seats in place, 1,670 litres with the third row folded, and 2,860 litres with both rear rows down. The QX80 featured a power liftgate and power-folding second- and third-row seats, though second-row movement was sometimes restricted by the driver's seat position. Passenger space was generous, with increased legroom in the first and third rows. The QX80 offered heated, ventilated, and massaging seats in the front and second rows, with a heated third row. It boasted a maximum towing capacity of 3,855 kilograms, surpassing most full-size luxury SUVs.

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

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 and Google Assistant for voice recognition. The infotainment system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though the graphics were reminiscent of Nissan's non-luxury vehicles. The QX80 offered Klipsch sound systems, with a 14-speaker system in Luxe models and a 24-speaker version in Sensory and Autograph models. The 360-degree camera system provided multiple viewing angles, and additional features included a digital rearview camera, dash cam, and in-car camera.

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. The Aviator also featured adaptive cruise control, lane-centring assist, and BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assistance system for approved highways. The Aviator earned five-star ratings from the NHTSA and Good ratings from the IIHS, indicating strong safety performance.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, though NHTSA ratings were unavailable. 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 centring, and the more advanced ProPilot Assist 2.1 for hands-free driving and automated lane changes. Lane changes required driver initiation, avoiding unpredictable behaviour.