2025 Lincoln Aviator vs 2025 Toyota 4Runner

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 compromised third-row passenger space. The 2025 styling updates, particularly with the optional Jet Appearance Package, were seen as 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 criticized for its cheap plastic construction, contrasting with the Aviator's otherwise luxurious feel.

In contrast, the 2025 Toyota 4Runner represented a significant evolution rather than a complete redesign. Its exterior featured a bulkier, industrial personality with deep beveled creases and flared wheel arches, giving it a broad-shouldered stance. The design paid homage to previous generations, with elements like the slanted rearmost window. Inside, the 4Runner shared similarities with the Tacoma pickup truck, featuring a beveled styling motif throughout the cabin. While hard plastics were abundant, the materials were of higher quality than those in a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco, though not as refined as a Land Rover Defender.

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, Conserve, Normal, Slippery, and Deep Conditions. Despite its power, the Aviator was not particularly exciting to drive, focusing instead on providing a composed and calming cruising experience. The adaptive air suspension helped manage body motions and roll, though the ride quality suffered on rough surfaces due to the heavy 22-inch wheels and thin tires. The Aviator's fuel economy was rated at 11.9 L/100 km in combined driving, but real-world testing showed a less impressive 13.3 L/100 km.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner offered two engine options. The standard 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder produced 317 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The more potent Hybrid i-Force Max powertrain combined the four-cylinder engine with a 1.87-kWh battery pack and an electric motor, delivering 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. The Hybrid variant provided stronger power at lower speeds, beneficial for off-roading. The 4Runner's handling was more composed on pavement compared to its predecessor, with improved steering and reduced body roll. Off-road capabilities remained impressive, with various packages offering different levels of off-road prowess.

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. The third-row seats were less accommodating, with limited legroom and low, flat cushions. Storage space was excellent, with a well-organized centre console and deep door panel 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 Toyota 4Runner, measuring nearly 13 centimetres longer than its predecessor, offered minimal passenger space gains. The front seats provided ample room, but the middle row was less accommodating. A third row was available on non-hybrid models, though it was cramped and lacked thigh support. The cockpit was well-organized, with oversized climate control knobs and grouped off-road controls. Storage included door pockets, a dashboard tray, and a centre armrest bin. Cargo capacity was 1,371 litres behind the second row, reduced to 1,206 litres in the Hybrid due to the raised floor for the batteries.

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 supported Google Built-in, Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. However, the Google Assistant struggled with voice prompts in the test vehicle. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D sound system provided excellent audio quality. The Aviator also offered a head-up display with comprehensive data presentation.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner came with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a larger 14-inch option available. Both supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a charging pad offered. Off-road models featured external camera views and specific on-screen menus for off-road information. A 14-speaker JBL premium audio system was available, along with a portable centre speaker. Remote monitoring and control were possible through a smartphone app, with a digital key function replacing the key fob.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator included the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Drive 2.0 suite of advanced driver assistance systems, featuring active blind-spot monitoring, intersection assist, evasive steering assist, and reverse braking assist. BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assistance system, was standard, offering proactive control handover. The Aviator received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and Good ratings from the IIHS.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner's crash test results were not available, but the Tacoma pickup on which it is based was a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS. The 4Runner included Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, with features like frontal collision warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Proactive Driving Assist was also included, though it could be intrusive.