2024 Genesis GV80 vs 2025 Lincoln Aviator

The 2024 Genesis GV80 presented a choice between two engines: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder and a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6. Buyers could select from Standard, Advanced, Prestige, or Prestige Signature trims, with prices ranging from $57,700 to $81,750, plus a $1,350 destination charge. Our test vehicle, a GV80 3.5T in the Prestige Signature trim, featured an optional Matterhorn White Matte paint, bringing the MSRP to $84,600. The Prestige Signature trim offered exclusive exterior colors and a stylish 22-inch wheel design, though the black paint obscured the wheel details. Inside, the Ultramarine Blue over Dune interior exuded luxury with diamond-stitched Nappa leather, a suede headliner, and a wide touchscreen display. Despite its luxurious appeal, the Prestige Signature trim's exterior was relatively plain, and we found the regular Prestige trim more attractive.

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. However, the 2025 styling appeared 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 an overload of screens. The test vehicle's Reserve trim included optional all-wheel drive, Whisper Blue paint, and a center console between the second-row captain’s chairs. The MSRP was $83,550, including the destination charge. The Reserve II Package added features like upgraded exterior lighting, 30-way-adjustable front seats with massage, and a 28-speaker Revel Ultima audio system. Despite its appealing design, the Aviator's remote keyless entry fob felt cheap, though the Phone as a Key technology offered a modern alternative.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, and a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 producing 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The GV80 3.5T, with its more robust power, included upgraded front brakes and an adaptive damping suspension. It provided a rewarding driving experience, with swift acceleration and commendable grip from its P265/40R22 all-season tires. However, the GV80 3.5T was thirsty, with an observed fuel economy of 17.2 mpg compared to the EPA's 20 mpg estimate. The steering was unremarkable, but the two-spoke design of the steering wheel offered comfort during long drives.

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. Drivers could choose from Excite, Conserve, Normal, Slippery, and Deep Conditions driving modes. The Aviator's adaptive air suspension firmed up in Excite mode, but the SUV was more suited for a composed and calming drive. The EPA rated its fuel economy at 20 mpg in combined driving, but we observed 17.7 mpg. The Aviator offered clear sightlines and a 360-degree camera view for urban driving. However, the ride quality suffered on rough roads due to the heavy 22-inch wheels and thin tires. The Aviator's adaptive Air Glide suspension excelled at controlling body motions, ensuring a secure and composed ride.

In 2024, the Genesis GV80 3.5T Advanced was the only model with a third-row seat, while the Prestige Signature trim offered seating for four with power-adjustable second-row captain’s chairs. The GV80's interior featured artificial, real, or premium leather, depending on the trim level. Standard features included heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power hands-free liftgate. Our test vehicle had a panoramic glass roof, triple-zone climate control, and ventilated front seats with massage programs. However, the seats were uncomfortable on long trips, and second-row legroom was limited. The GV80 offered 34.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 84 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator's Perfect Position front seats offered 30 ways of adjustment, heating, ventilation, and massage, providing exceptional comfort. The second-row captain’s chairs were roomy and supportive, with heating and ventilation. The Aviator's quad-zone climate control allowed individual temperature settings for each passenger. However, the third-row seats were low and unsupportive, with limited legroom. The Aviator excelled in storage space, with a smartphone charging pad, cupholders, and deep door panel pockets. With the third-row seat in use, the Aviator offered 19.2 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 42.7 cubic feet with the seats folded, and a maximum of 78.6 cubic feet.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display, though its distance from the driver encouraged the use of a control dial. The standard infotainment package included navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The GV80 also offered a digital key system and a Lexicon premium sound system, with a head-up display in the Prestige trims. The voice-recognition system was user-friendly, and the infotainment display was graphically pleasing and intuitive.

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. 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 Aviator featured an app called Elevated Journey, offering mindfulness coaching for the road. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D sound system provided excellent audio quality, and the head-up display offered comprehensive data, including blind-spot warnings.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 came equipped with numerous advanced driving-assistance systems, including a Blind-Spot View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Highway Driving Assist. The Blind-Spot View Monitor displayed video feeds within the digital instrument panel, enhancing safety during lane changes. The GV80 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it earned four stars in the frontal-impact test.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator featured the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Drive 2.0 suite, including 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.