2025 Lincoln Aviator vs 2024 Kia Sorento

The 2024 Kia Sorento underwent a significant visual update, aligning more closely with its siblings like the Telluride and EV9. The redesign featured a robust new front end with vertically-stacked LED projector-beam headlights and wing-like amber LED daytime running lights, giving it a more imposing presence. The rear updates were subtler, with higher trims receiving elegant LED taillights and new bumpers. The Sorento's interior saw a transformation with a new dashboard that offered a cleaner look, combining the gauge cluster and infotainment displays under a single pane of glass. The materials used in the cabin were upgraded, providing a more upscale feel, with options for luxurious faux open-pore wood grain and quality stitching on leather-wrapped steering wheels and seats.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator, built on a rear-wheel-drive platform shared with the Ford Explorer, boasted classic design proportions with a blunt nose and a tapered roofline. However, the 2025 styling was 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 an overload of screens. The Perfect Position front seats provided exceptional comfort with 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 ample, with thoughtful features like a smartphone charging pad and deep door panel storage pockets.

The 2024 Kia Sorento retained most of its mechanical components, with the base engine being a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. This engine struggled with the Sorento's weight, resulting in a sluggish performance. The EX and higher models featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine delivering 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, providing a more spirited drive. The Sorento offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The X-Line and X-Pro trims enhanced off-road capabilities with increased ground clearance and all-terrain tires. The Sorento's ride was comfortable, and its handling was confident, making it suitable for light off-road adventures.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator came equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, generating 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain provided ample acceleration and passing power, though fuel economy was a concern, with an observed 17.7 mpg during testing. The Aviator offered various driving modes, including Excite, Conserve, and Normal, with adaptive air suspension enhancing ride quality. However, the Aviator's driving character was more focused on comfort than sportiness, with a heavy feel to the steering and a lack of athleticism. The adaptive Air Glide suspension ensured a composed and calming ride, making the Aviator a comfortable cruiser.

The 2024 Kia Sorento's cabin was modern and comfortable, with ample legroom in the first two rows. The third row was tight, but it offered advantages over smaller models like the Mitsubishi Outlander and Volkswagen Tiguan. The Sorento provided 41.4 inches of front legroom and 41.7 inches in the second row, making it more spacious than some two-row SUVs. The third row offered 29.6 inches of legroom, suitable for occasional use by children. Cargo space was limited with the third row in use, but folding it down provided up to 72.1 cubic feet of storage. The Sorento's controls were ergonomic, and higher trims featured noise-insulating acoustic glass and a power liftgate.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator excelled in comfort with its Perfect Position front seats, offering 30-way adjustability, heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain's chairs were roomy and supportive, while the third row was less suitable for adults. Storage space was excellent, with features like a smartphone charging pad and deep door panel storage pockets. The Aviator provided 19.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 42.7 cubic feet with the third row folded. Maximum cargo capacity was 78.6 cubic feet, offering practicality for family road trips.

The 2024 Kia Sorento featured a single-pane, twin-screen setup with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and a redesigned software system called "Connected Car Navigation Cockpit" (CCnC). The system prioritized popular features and offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The SX and SX-Prestige models included a second 12.3-inch digital display. The Sorento's infotainment system was user-friendly, though voice commands were a weak point. The SX-Prestige models boasted a Bose 12-speaker surround sound system, and Digital Key 2.0 allowed for keyless access and sharing.

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. The system included Google Built-in and Alexa Built-in, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the Google Assistant struggled with voice prompts during testing. The Aviator's 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D sound system provided excellent audio quality. The available head-up display offered a widescreen presentation of data, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2024 Kia Sorento came equipped with Kia's Drivewise suite of active safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The Sorento also offered advanced options like Highway Driving Assist 2 with automated lane changes. The IIHS awarded the Sorento "Good" ratings in several tests, though the LATCH system received an "Acceptable" rating. The NHTSA had not yet evaluated the 2024 model.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator featured the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Drive 2.0 suite, including active blind-spot monitoring, intersection assist, and evasive steering assist. The Aviator's adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist worked effectively, and BlueCruise provided hands-free driving assistance on approved highways. The Aviator earned five-star ratings from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings from the IIHS, indicating strong safety performance.