2025 Lexus RX Hybrid 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 screen-heavy approach of its siblings. However, the remote keyless entry fob was criticized for its cheap plastic construction, though this might encourage the use of the Aviator’s Phone as a Key technology.

In contrast, the 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly the RX 500h F Sport Black Line, was priced at $90,000 and featured an exclusive Incognito paint job with orange brake calipers. Despite these unique touches, the RX's design was considered unremarkable, with a large front grille and dramatic rear haunches. The RX lineup included three models: the RX 350h, RX 500h, and RX 450h+, each offering different power outputs and fuel efficiencies. The RX 500h stood out with its turbocharged engine and sport-tuned features, but the overall design was dependent on the version and colour/wheel combination. Inside, the RX offered a contemporary interior with quality materials and ambient lighting, though the controls were a mix of baffling and brilliant.

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 and Conserve, and featured an optional adaptive air suspension. Despite its power, the Aviator was not particularly exciting to drive, focusing instead on comfort and composure. The fuel economy was rated at 11.9 L/100 km, though real-world testing showed 13.3 L/100 km. The Aviator provided clear sightlines and a 360-degree camera view for urban driving, but the ride quality was affected by large wheels and thin tires, generating road noise on highways.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid offered three models with varying power outputs. The RX 350h was the least powerful but most efficient, with 246 hp and a hybrid powertrain. The RX 450h+ PHEV provided 304 hp and a 0-100 km/h time of 6.5 seconds, while the RX 500h featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre engine with 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds. The RX 500h included a sport-tuned adaptive damping suspension and Direct4 AWD system, but its fuel economy was disappointing at 13.5 L/100 km. The RX 500h excelled in straight-line acceleration but lacked dynamic capability and communication between the driver and the road.

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 the third-row seats were less accommodating for adults. The Aviator provided excellent storage space, including a smartphone charging pad, cupholders, and a sizeable bin under the armrest. Cargo space was generous, with 466 litres behind the third row and up to 2,149 litres with seats folded.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid focused on occupant comfort and practical cargo space. The RX 500h’s front seats were snug with enhanced bolstering, but the rear seats were comfortable and spacious. Interior storage was practical, though the rear centre armrest lacked lining. The RX Hybrid offered 838 litres of cargo space, with hooks for grocery bags and a small storage area under the load floor. Folding the second row increased cargo volume to 1,308 litres, though it was less than some midsize 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 included Google Built-in and Alexa Built-in, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the Google Assistant was unresponsive in the test vehicle. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D sound system was praised, and the head-up display provided comprehensive data.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid was equipped with digital key functionality, a camera-based digital rearview mirror, and a hands-free power liftgate. The Lexus Interface infotainment system featured a 14-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system worked well, though there was an intermittent glitch with satellite radio. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system sounded great, but the steering wheel controls were distracting and difficult to use.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator came with Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Drive 2.0, including active blind-spot monitoring, intersection assist, and reverse braking 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.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid included Safety Connect and Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, with features like forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist was mostly agreeable, and the surround-view camera was a valuable addition. The RX earned a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA, but the IIHS gave it a Poor rating in a frontal-impact test.