2025 Lincoln Aviator vs 2025 Toyota Sienna

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 allure, despite a tapered roofline that compromised third-row passenger space. 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 remote keyless entry fob, however, was a letdown due to its cheap plastic construction, though the Phone as a Key technology and touchpad entry system offered modern alternatives. In Canada, the Aviator was available in Premiere and Reserve trims, with prices ranging from $79,595 to $81,695, including destination charges. Our test vehicle, a Reserve trim with several option packages, carried an MSRP of $96,295.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna, while attempting to break away from the typical minivan design, still retained its box-on-wheels practicality. Its trapezoidal grille and upswept body lines added some style, but the minivan essence remained. The Sienna's Platinum package introduced new flower-petal wheel designs, yet it still looked like a minivan. For those seeking seating for up to eight in a more fashionable package, the Toyota Grand Highlander was the alternative. Our test vehicle, the top-of-the-line Limited with the Platinum package, was priced at $73,753, including destination charges. Toyota updated the Sienna's interior for 2025, but the new woodgrain finish received mixed reviews. While the interior looked better than before, the Sienna's practicality and functionality remained its strongest attributes.

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. The optional adaptive air suspension firmed up in Excite mode, but the Aviator's mission was more about comfort than excitement. The V6 provided ample power for acceleration and passing, though fuel economy was a concern, with an observed 13.3 L/100 km on a mountainous testing loop. The Aviator's sightlines were clear, aided by thin windshield pillars and large side mirrors. However, the ride quality suffered on rough roads due to the heavy 22-inch wheels and thin tires, generating noticeable road noise. The adaptive Air Glide suspension excelled at maintaining composure, ensuring a calming cruising experience.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and a CVT, producing a net 245 horsepower. Front-wheel drive was standard, with an available AWD system. While the Sienna's power output seemed modest, the electric assist motor provided immediate torque, preventing it from feeling sluggish. The hybrid system prioritized fuel economy, with an official rating of 6.6 L/100 km in combined driving, though our test model averaged 8.9 L/100 km. The Sienna's handling was predictable but not particularly engaging, with squishy steering and brakes that struggled during hard braking. The standard suspension offered a smooth, absorbent ride, and the cabin remained impressively quiet on the highway.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator's Perfect Position front seats offered 30-way adjustability, heating, ventilation, and massage, ensuring exceptional comfort. The second-row captain's chairs were roomy and supportive, with available heating and ventilation. However, the third-row seats were less accommodating, with low, flat cushions and limited legroom. 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 seats folded, and a maximum of 2,149 litres.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna prioritized practicality, with power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats. However, the cushions felt hard after extended driving. The second-row captain's chairs with ottoman-style leg rests were a hit, and the third-row seat accommodated adults comfortably. Storage was generous, though finding secure spots for large water bottles was challenging. The Sienna offered 949 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,129 litres with the seats stowed, and a maximum of 2,860 litres. However, the Sienna's cargo capacity was less than rivals due to its non-removable second-row seats.

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, though Apple CarPlay and Siri worked well. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D sound system delivered excellent audio quality. The Aviator's head-up display provided comprehensive data, including lane departure and blind-spot warnings.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna's higher-spec models featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch touchscreen for the Toyota Audio Multimedia (TAM) system. The Limited trim included a four-zone climate control system, a 10-inch head-up display, and a digital rearview mirror. The TAM system offered connected services with varying subscription periods, and the digital assistant responded well to commands. The 12-speaker JBL premium audio system provided decent sound quality, though excessive bass was noted. The four-zone climate control and digital rearview camera were appreciated features.

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

The 2025 Toyota Sienna featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, with forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. While not the latest version, TSS 2.0 provided a more straightforward experience. The Sienna added a rear-seat reminder system for 2025. It received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though its frontal crash-test result was four stars, and it scored three stars for driver protection in a frontal impact.