2025 Lincoln Aviator vs 2025 Porsche Cayenne

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 other Lincoln models. 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 Porsche Cayenne was available as a standard SUV or a sporty Cayenne Coupe, with trim levels ranging from the base Cayenne to the high-performance Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid. The GTS trim, which was the focus of this review, featured high gloss black trim, a specific front fascia with larger air intakes, and tinted headlights. Red brake calipers and 21-inch wheels in anthracite gray added to its sporty appeal. Inside, the Cayenne offered extensive customization options, from colour choices to trim and seat belts, though pricing could become steep. The cabin layout was well thought out, with mechanical controls for important features and a shifter toggle mounted on the dashboard for additional storage space.

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, with an optional adaptive air suspension that firmed up in Excite mode. 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 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 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a range of engines, with the base 3.0-litre V6 producing 348 horsepower and 368 lb-ft of torque. The Cayenne S featured a V8 with 468 hp, while the Turbo GT boasted 650 hp, available only as a coupe. Plug-in hybrid options offered up to 729 hp. The GTS trim, with a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8, delivered 493 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed transmission. The Cayenne GTS was quick, with a 0-100 km/h time of 4.4 seconds and a top speed of 275 km/h. It offered precise steering, a low centre of gravity, and an agile driving experience, with Sport and Sport Plus modes enhancing performance. The optional carbon ceramic brakes provided ample stopping power, while Normal mode transformed the GTS into a comfortable commuter.

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, though the third-row seats were less accommodating for adults. 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 third row folded, and a maximum of 2,149 litres.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne, while lacking a third row, offered a comfortable second row with ample headroom. The base model featured eight-way power-adjustable seats, with options for 14- or 18-way seats. The Cayenne could tow up to 3,500 kilograms and accommodate over 635 kilograms of payload. Cargo space in the standard Cayenne was 772 litres, expanding to 1,708 litres with the rear seats folded. The coupe version offered 576 and 1,486 litres, respectively, while the PHEV models had slightly reduced cargo space.

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, with Google Built-in and Alexa Built-in, as well as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the Google Assistant was unresponsive in the test vehicle. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D sound system provided excellent audio quality, and the head-up display offered a widescreen presentation of data.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne boasted a curved 12.6-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen display with Porsche Communication Management, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. An optional 10.9-inch passenger screen allowed for navigation and media control. The Cayenne featured a head-up display, night-vision assist, and four high-speed USB-C charging ports, with a cooled wireless charging area as standard.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator came equipped with Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Drive 2.0, offering advanced driver assistance systems such as active blind-spot monitoring, intersection assist, and evasive steering assist. BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assistance system, was standard, with a four-year subscription included. The Aviator received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and Good ratings from the IIHS.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered standard parking sensors, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring, but adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist were optional. The Cayenne had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS.