2025 Lincoln Aviator vs 2025 Land Rover Defender

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, though the tapered roofline and greenhouse slightly compromised third-row passenger space. The 2025 styling updates, particularly with the optional Jet Appearance Package, made the Aviator 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 the Phone as a Key technology and touchpad entry system offered modern alternatives. In Canada, the Aviator was available in Premiere and Reserve trims, with our test vehicle in Reserve trim featuring extra-cost Whisper Blue paint and several option packages, bringing its MSRP to $96,295.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender, with its rugged appeal, offered a variety of customization options. The Defender 110 four-door was considered the design sweet spot, while the Defender 90 appeared stubby and the 130 carried too much visual mass. In Canada, base prices ranged from $79,050 to $160,720, with the Defender OCTA priced at $198,460. Our test vehicle, a Defender 130 in X trim, featured black exterior elements, upgraded interior materials, and comprehensive off-roading technology, with an MSRP just over $130,000. The test model, dressed in Gondwana Stone paint, lacked the new matte paint protection film, and its colour clashed with the orange brake calipers and delicate-looking wheels. Inside, the Defender X featured premium Windsor hides and Kvadrat fabric, with an industrial-themed cabin that emphasized purpose over luxury.

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 disappointing at 13.3 L/100 km compared to the official rating of 11.9 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 and thin tires. The adaptive Air Glide suspension ensured a composed and calming ride, but the Aviator's driving character didn't encourage spirited driving.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid system, producing 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. It was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD with a low-range setting for off-roading. The Defender 130 X accelerated to 100 km/h in 6.6 seconds and had a maximum tow rating of 3,720 kilograms. The adaptive air suspension, hill descent control, and Terrain Response 2 driving modes enhanced its off-road capabilities. Despite its off-road prowess, the Defender 130 was primarily driven on pavement, where it handled urban environments with ease. The 20-inch wheels and adaptive air suspension provided a comfortable ride, though the Defender's weight and steering limited its on-road agility. Fuel economy was observed at 14.5 L/100 km, slightly higher than the expected 13.0 L/100 km.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator offered luxurious 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, with available heating and ventilation. However, the third-row seats were less accommodating for adults, with low cushions and limited legroom. 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.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender 130 offered spacious seating across three rows, with 12-way power-adjustable front seats featuring heating and ventilation. The Defender's tall seating position provided excellent visibility, though the square side mirrors seemed undersized. The panoramic sunroof and large windows created an open and airy feel. The second-row captain's chairs were heated and ventilated, with inboard adjustable armrests. The Defender 130 excelled in third-row accessibility and comfort, with heated and supportive seats. Cargo space was limited to 433 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,237 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,520 litres.

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 commands, though wireless Apple CarPlay and Siri worked well. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D sound system provided excellent audio quality, and the head-up display offered comprehensive data presentation.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender was equipped with the Pivi Pro infotainment system, featuring an 11.4-inch touchscreen and a configurable digital driver display. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and connected services. Pivi Pro's response to voice commands was slower than desired, but its accuracy was impressive. The user experience was more intuitive, and the Meridian premium sound system delivered excellent audio. The Defender also featured a head-up display, ClearSight digital rearview mirror, and a surround-view camera system.

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

The 2025 Land Rover Defender included driver aids such as automatic high beam headlights, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assist. The lane keep assist was decisive, though it occasionally misinterpreted road markings. Crash-test ratings were unavailable at press time.