2025 Lincoln Aviator vs 2025 Jeep Wrangler

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, despite being an SUV. The tapered roofline and greenhouse added allure, though they compromised third-row passenger space. The 2025 styling tweaks, especially with the optional Jet Appearance Package, made it appear less elegant and more generic. 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 it encouraged 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. Our test vehicle, in Reserve trim, featured extra-cost Whisper Blue paint and several option packages, bringing its MSRP to $96,295.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler Sport S, encountered during a rental experience, was a black-on-black-on-black hardtop with dark grey wheels, a less-than-ideal choice for a tropical climate. Despite the colour, the Wrangler’s design, rooted in a World War II military vehicle, remained fundamentally appealing. In Canada, the Wrangler was offered in various trims, including Sport, Sport S, Willys, Sahara, Rubicon, and Rubicon X, with prices ranging from $42,995 to $80,085. Our Sport S model, priced at $66,070, included options like black paint, a black hardtop, a Convenience Group, and a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The Wrangler’s interior was functional, with a focus on utility over luxury, featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a decent eight-speaker stereo. Despite its lack of sophistication compared to modern cars, the Wrangler’s capability to go almost anywhere made it popular.

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. 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 wasn’t 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 parking. However, the ride quality suffered on rough roads due to the heavy 22-inch wheels and thin tires, generating noticeable road noise. The adaptive Air Glide suspension effectively controlled body motions, ensuring a composed and calming ride.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler offered a standard 3.6-litre V6 engine with a six-speed manual transmission or an optional turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The four-cylinder produced 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, slightly less horsepower but more torque than the V6. The turbocharged engine felt livelier at higher elevations and was marginally more fuel-efficient, with a rating of 11.0 L/100 km in combined driving. Our evaluation of the four-cylinder model resulted in an average fuel economy of 12.3 L/100 km. The Wrangler’s standard four-wheel drive, high ground clearance, and generous approach and departure angles made it capable off-road. However, the ride was rough, with a steady stream of jiggles and jolts, and the steering felt disconnected. The Wrangler’s three-star rollover resistance rating was a concern, requiring caution when driving laterally across slopes.

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 functions. The third-row seats were less accommodating, with low, flat cushions and limited legroom. Storage space was excellent, with a smartphone charging pad, cupholders, and a sizeable bin under the armrest. The Aviator provided 466 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,131 litres with the seats folded down, and a maximum of 2,149 litres.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler posed challenges for entry and exit due to its high ground clearance and narrow door openings. The front seats were comfortable, with cloth upholstery and optional heated seats and steering wheel. Rear-seat legroom was adequate, but taller passengers risked banging their knees on plastic hooks. Storage space was limited, with small bins and flimsy door nets. Cargo access was cumbersome, requiring the tailgate and rear window to be opened separately. The four-door model offered 897 litres of cargo space, expandable to 2,050 litres with the rear seats folded.

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 Aviator’s 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D sound system was impressive, and the head-up display provided valuable information.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler’s Uconnect 5 infotainment system included a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio preparation. The Convenience Group added a 7-inch digital display, passive entry, and remote engine start. The touchscreen remained bright and easy to use, even with the roof panels removed. The Wrangler offered optional navigation and Jeep Connect services for off-road navigation.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator came with Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Drive 2.0, featuring advanced driver assistance systems like active blind-spot monitoring, intersection assist, and evasive steering assist. BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assistance system, was standard, offering proactive control handover. The Aviator earned five-star ratings from the NHTSA and Good ratings from the IIHS, indicating strong safety performance.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler added side curtain airbags as standard equipment. Optional safety features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, with adaptive cruise control and automatic high-beam headlights available on higher trims. The Wrangler received a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA. The IIHS rated it Good for side-impact protection but Marginal for small overlap frontal-impact.