2024 Ford Bronco vs 2025 Lincoln Aviator

The 2024 Ford Bronco embraced a retro design reminiscent of the 1960s, particularly in its two-door variant, which was more successful in capturing the nostalgic aesthetic than the four-door model. The Sasquatch Package, a notable upgrade, enhanced the Bronco's rugged appearance with a suspension lift and 35-inch mud-terrain tires, giving it a wide stance and a purposeful look. Without this package, the Bronco's standard tires appeared awkwardly small within the fender flares. The Bronco offered nine trim levels, including the Raptor performance model, with prices ranging from $41,525 to $91,930, including destination charges. Our test vehicle, a four-door Big Bend trim with the Sasquatch Package, was priced at $55,415. Inside, the Bronco featured an 8-inch digital display and a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with a dashboard design echoing the original 1960s model. The interior was more refined than its primary rival, the Jeep Wrangler, offering better visibility and a more comfortable driving experience.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator, built on a rear-wheel-drive platform shared with the Ford Explorer, boasted classic design proportions with a blunt nose, short front overhang, and a tapered roofline. While the 2025 styling was less elegant than previous models, the Aviator maintained a fundamentally appealing design. Inside, the Aviator offered a plush interior with a traditional approach to technology, avoiding an overload of screens. The test vehicle's Reserve trim included optional all-wheel drive, Whisper Blue paint, and several option packages, bringing the MSRP to $83,550. The Reserve II Package added features like 30-way-adjustable front seats with massage, a 28-speaker Revel Ultima audio system, and 22-inch wheels. Despite some shortcomings, such as the oversized and cheaply made key fob, the Aviator's interior comfort and storage solutions were impressive, making it a strong contender in the luxury SUV segment.

The 2024 Ford Bronco Big Bend came equipped with a standard turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, producing 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. It offered a choice between a seven-speed manual transmission with a low first gear for rock crawling or a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Bronco's towing capacity was 3,500 pounds. An optional 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine delivered 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, requiring the 10-speed automatic transmission. The Raptor model featured an exclusive 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 with 418 hp and 440 lb-ft, boasting a higher 4,500-pound tow rating. The Bronco offered a part-time four-wheel-drive system as standard, with an advanced system available as an upgrade. Off-roading technologies like Trail Control, Trail One-Pedal Drive, and Trail Turn Assist enhanced its capability on challenging terrain. However, the Bronco's fuel efficiency was lacking, with an EPA rating of 18 mpg in combined driving for the Big Bend Sasquatch. During testing, it averaged 16.9 mpg, highlighting the need for an electrified version.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator featured 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 driving modes like Excite, Conserve, Normal, Slippery, and Deep Conditions, with adaptive air suspension firming up in Excite mode. Despite its power, the Aviator prioritized comfort over excitement, excelling in Normal mode. The EPA rated its fuel economy at 20 mpg in combined driving, but testing revealed a lower 17.7 mpg. The Aviator provided clear sightlines and a 360-degree camera view for urban driving. However, its 22-inch wheels and thin tires affected ride quality on rough surfaces, generating noticeable road noise. The Aviator's adaptive Air Glide suspension effectively controlled body motions, ensuring a composed and calming ride. While capable of speed, the Aviator's driving character didn't encourage aggressive driving, aligning with Lincoln's focus on comfort and luxury.

The 2024 Ford Bronco, particularly in the Big Bend Sasquatch trim, required some effort to enter and exit due to its lifted stance and lack of optional running boards. However, once inside, it offered comfort in both two-door and four-door body styles. The four-door variant provided more room than a Jeep Wrangler, with no rollbar obstructing rear-seat passengers. The marine-grade vinyl upholstery, while durable, trapped moisture, making cloth seats in the Heritage Edition a preferable option. The Bronco's two-door model featured a standard hardtop with removable roof panels, while the four-door had a standard fabric soft top with an optional hardtop. Interior storage was ample, with MOLLE panels on the front seat backs for customizable storage solutions. The two-door Bronco offered 22.4 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 53.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The four-door version provided 38.3 cubic feet with the soft top and 83 cubic feet with the seats down, slightly reduced with the hardtop.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator excelled in interior comfort, with available Perfect Position front seats offering 30-way adjustments, heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain's chairs were roomy and supportive, with heating and ventilation, though lacking massage features. The quad-zone automatic climate control system ensured personalized comfort for all passengers. However, the third-row seat was less accommodating, with low, flat cushions and limited legroom, making it more suitable for children. Storage space was excellent, with a center console featuring a smartphone charging pad, cupholders, and a sizable bin under the armrest. The Aviator provided 19.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 42.7 cubic feet with the seats folded. Maximum cargo capacity was 78.6 cubic feet, offering practicality for family trips.

The 2024 Ford Bronco featured a 12-inch touchscreen Sync 4 infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, FordPass Connect services, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a seven-speaker stereo system. Higher trims included a connected navigation system and a Bang & Olufsen premium sound system. However, the Sync 4 technology experienced connectivity issues with Apple CarPlay and inconsistent voice recognition performance. The Bronco Trail App provided access to trail maps and information, enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator boasted a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster and a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system powered by Lincoln Digital Experience technology. It included Google Built-in, Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. However, the Google Assistant struggled with voice prompts, though wireless Apple CarPlay and Siri worked seamlessly. The Aviator featured an Elevated Journey app with mindfulness coaching and a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D sound system. The available head-up display provided comprehensive data, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2024 Ford Bronco Big Bend came with standard safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, automatic high-beam headlights, and a backup camera. The Mid Package added Ford Co-Pilot360 technologies, including lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Bronco received favorable ratings from the IIHS, except for its headlight performance, and a four-star frontal-impact rating from the NHTSA.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator included the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Drive 2.0 suite, featuring active blind-spot monitoring, intersection assist, evasive steering assist, and reverse braking assist. Adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist were standard, with BlueCruise offering hands-free driving on approved highways. The Aviator earned five-star ratings from the NHTSA and Good ratings from the IIHS, indicating strong safety performance.