2025 Lincoln Aviator vs 2025 Nissan Pathfinder

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 over-reliance on screens seen in other models. However, the remote keyless entry fob was criticized for its cheap plastic construction, though this might encourage the use of the Aviator’s advanced Phone as a Key technology.

In contrast, the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder, particularly in the Rock Creek trim, was tested during a significant snowstorm, showcasing its capability with 3-Peak Mud-and-Snow-rated tires and standard all-wheel drive. Redesigned for the 2022 model year, the Pathfinder presented an assertive, upright front end with tasteful protective cladding and a stylishly slanted C-pillar. The Rock Creek trim further enhanced its adventurous look with a V-Motion grille, stacked LED lighting elements, and a metal roof rack. Despite its rugged appearance, the Pathfinder was a unibody crossover, lacking additional ground clearance or protective skid plates. Inside, the Pathfinder offered a mix of leatherette-and-cloth upholstery with bright orange “Rock Creek” logos, and while the interior was generally comfortable, it didn’t exude luxury or cutting-edge technology.

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 multiple 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 providing a composed and calming cruising experience. The fuel economy was rated at 11.9 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, though real-world testing showed a less impressive 13.3 L/100 km. The Aviator’s ride quality was generally pleasant, though the 22-inch wheels and thin tires struggled with rougher road surfaces, generating noticeable road noise.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder, on the other hand, was equipped with a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque in most trims, with the Rock Creek trim offering a slight increase to 295 hp and 270 lb-ft. A nine-speed automatic transmission replaced the previous CVT, providing decisive shifts and unobtrusive operation. The Pathfinder’s towing capacity was impressive, especially in the Platinum and Rock Creek trims, which could tow up to 2,720 kilograms. The Pathfinder’s suspension was soft, providing a comfortable ride on bumpy roads but resulting in a floaty feel on twisty roads. Fuel economy for the Rock Creek trim was rated at 11.9 L/100 km in the city and 10.0 on the highway, with real-world testing averaging 13.6 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 also comfortable, though less adjustable, and the quad-zone climate control ensured personalized comfort for all passengers. However, the third-row seats were less accommodating, with limited legroom and low, flat cushions. The Aviator excelled in storage space, with a well-organized centre console and generous door panel storage. Cargo space was ample, with 466 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,131 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,149 litres.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder, while not offering as much cargo capacity as some competitors, provided ample interior space for real-world needs. During a ski trip with four adults, the Pathfinder comfortably accommodated passengers and gear. Cargo space measured 470 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,274 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,279 litres. The Pathfinder featured three-zone climate control and comfortable seating, with 10-way power adjustment for the driver’s seat in the Rock Creek trim. The EZ Flex Seating System allowed for easy access to the third row without removing car seats, a practical feature for families.

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, which included Google Built-in and Alexa Built-in, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the Google Assistant struggled with voice prompts in the test vehicle, though Apple CarPlay and Siri worked well. The Aviator also offered an app called Elevated Journey, providing mindfulness coaching for the road. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D sound system delivered excellent audio quality, and the head-up display was praised for its widescreen presentation of data.

In contrast, the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder’s infotainment system lagged behind competitors, with an older interface and smaller screens (8 inches in lower trims, 9 inches in SL and Platinum). The software was functional but not particularly fast, and the graphics appeared dated. The Pathfinder offered a 6-speaker stereo as standard, with a 13-speaker Bose system in the Platinum trim. NissanConnect supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though wireless projection was limited to Apple devices on the 9-inch screen. The Pathfinder also featured voice recognition, Bluetooth connectivity, and SiriusXM satellite radio, with navigation available only on higher trims.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator came equipped with the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Drive 2.0 suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including active blind-spot monitoring, intersection assist, evasive steering assist, and reverse braking assist. Adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist were standard, along with BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assistance system. The Aviator received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and Good ratings from the IIHS, indicating strong safety performance.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It featured a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, and rear automatic braking. Adaptive cruise control and ProPilot Assist were also standard, with traffic sign recognition available on higher trims.