2025 Lincoln Aviator vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE

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 space, created an alluring silhouette. However, the 2025 styling updates made it appear 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 other Lincoln models. The traditional design was appreciated, although the remote keyless entry fob was criticized for its cheap feel. The Aviator was available in Premiere, Reserve, and Black Label trims, with our test vehicle in Reserve trim featuring optional AWD and several packages, bringing its MSRP to $83,550.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE, last redesigned in 2020 and facelifted for 2024, maintained a unique identity among Mercedes SUVs. It had a rounded profile reminiscent of previous generations, with squared-off wheel arches and a wide stance. The GLE Coupe models, like our test vehicle, exaggerated these proportions with a fastback-style roofline. While not the most handsome in the lineup, the GLE's styling adhered to Mercedes' brand orthodoxy. For 2025, new paint colors and Manufaktur interiors were available, adding personalization options. The interior featured a Yacht Blue color scheme, with upscale elements like chunky air vents, mesh speaker grilles, and 64-color ambient lighting, creating a special atmosphere.

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 various driving modes, including Excite and Conserve, with adaptive air suspension enhancing the ride. Despite its power, the Aviator wasn't particularly exciting to drive, focusing instead on comfort and composure. The EPA-rated fuel economy was 20 mpg combined, but our test observed 17.7 mpg. The Aviator provided clear sightlines and a 360-degree camera for urban maneuvering, though the ride quality suffered on rough roads due to the large 22-inch wheels. The adaptive Air Glide suspension excelled at maintaining a smooth ride, but the Aviator's driving character didn't encourage spirited driving.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered six powertrain options, including a plug-in hybrid and AMG variants. The GLE 350 featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 255 horsepower, while the GLE 450 4Matic had a 3.0-liter inline-six producing 375 hp. The GLE 450e 4Matic combined a turbo-four with electric assist for 381 hp and 50 miles of electric range. The GLE 580 4Matic boasted a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 with 510 hp. AMG models included the GLE 53 with 429 hp and the GLE 63 S with 603 hp. The GLE 63 S delivered thrilling acceleration and a classic V8 soundtrack, transforming it into a luxury muscle car. Despite its power, the GLE felt larger than it was, with adaptive air suspension and active anti-roll systems unable to make it nimble in tight spaces.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator offered exceptional 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 heating and ventilation. However, the third-row seats were cramped and uncomfortable for adults. The Aviator excelled in storage space, with a well-organized center console and deep door pockets. Cargo space was generous, with 19.2 cubic feet behind the third row and a maximum of 78.6 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE was available in two-row and three-row configurations, though third-row specs weren't published. The front seats offered a high SUV-like position, but visibility was limited. Second-row passengers enjoyed more space than in many competitors, with ample headroom and legroom. The GLE provided 33.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 74.9 cubic feet with seats folded. Small-item storage was reasonable, and the GLE had a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 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 our test vehicle. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D sound system provided excellent audio quality. The Aviator's head-up display was praised for its widescreen presentation of data.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE had a pair of 12.3-inch screens for the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system, powered by MBUX. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with multiple access methods, including voice recognition. The AMG GLE 63 S Coupe offered additional drive modes and settings, accessible via steering wheel dials. Some models featured off-road displays and a "transparent hood" function for the 360-degree 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, with a four-year subscription. The Aviator earned five-star ratings from NHTSA and Good ratings from IIHS, indicating strong safety performance.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered standard safety features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The optional Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control and other advanced features. The GLE received a 2025 Top Safety Pick+ award from IIHS, though its front-crash prevention tech had mixed ratings. NHTSA ratings were not available at press time.