2024 Kia Telluride vs 2025 Lincoln Aviator

The 2024 Kia Telluride was available in five core trim levels: LX, S, EX, SX, and SX Prestige. The rugged X-Line treatment could be added to all but the LX and S trims, while the X-Pro package was reserved for the top two trims. The X-Line package equipped the Telluride with standard all-wheel drive (AWD), a center locking differential, increased ground clearance, improved approach and departure angles, unique grille and 20-inch wheel designs, and roof rails. The X-Pro package further enhanced the vehicle with 18-inch matte-black wheels, all-terrain tires, and heavy-duty engine cooling, increasing the maximum towing capacity to 5,500 pounds. Prices ranged from $35,990 for the LX to $53,185 for the SX Prestige with the X-Pro package, excluding the destination charge. The SX Prestige with the X-Line package, featuring Wolf Gray paint and floor mats, had an MSRP of $54,270, including the $1,365 destination charge. The Telluride's styling updates were not universally appealing, but its attractive forms and proportions remained intact. The Wolf Gray paint complemented the blacked-out X-Line styling, including the formerly gray grille surround and bumper details. The interior featured premium Nappa leather seats, with various appealing cabin color options available, such as Mahogany brown, Terracotta brown, light gray over black or dark blue, and Sage Green. These colors complemented the simulated open-pore wood trim and helped hide the shiny plastic covering the interior's lower portions. Despite the plastic, the SX Prestige nearly met luxury SUV standards with its soft leather, artificial suede headliner, 24-inch dual-screen digital display panel, classy metallic accents, and thoughtful details.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator, built on a rear-wheel-drive platform shared with the Ford Explorer, featured classic design proportions with a blunt nose, short front overhang, appealing dash-to-axle ratio, and a tapered roofline and greenhouse. While the design was fundamentally appealing, resembling a sports wagon more than an SUV, the 2025 styling appeared less elegant and more generic, especially with the optional Jet Appearance Package. The interior exuded a classic architectural sensibility, with electronic door releases that could pinch skin. Unlike the Lincoln Nautilus or Navigator, the Aviator didn't rely heavily on screens but was still technologically advanced. The remote keyless entry fob was lightweight but too large, made of cheap plastic with chrome detailing, and didn't represent the brand well. However, the Aviator's Phone as a Key technology or touchpad entry system offered alternatives. The Aviator was available in Premiere, Reserve, and Black Label trim levels, with prices ranging from $60,990 to $89,090, including the $1,695 destination charge. The test vehicle, in Reserve trim with optional AWD, Whisper Blue paint, and a center console between the second-row captain’s chairs, had an MSRP of $83,550, including the destination charge. The Reserve II Package added upgraded exterior lighting, 30-way-adjustable Perfect Position front seats with massage, heated and ventilated second-row seats, a 28-speaker Revel Ultima high-end audio system, and 22-inch wheels.

The 2024 Kia Telluride was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, transferred to the front or all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Most Tellurides could tow 5,000 pounds, but the X-Pro package increased this to 5,500 pounds with heavy-duty engine cooling. The AWD version included a locking center differential for even power distribution at low speeds and offered a Snow driving mode alongside Comfort, Sport, and Smart modes. The Telluride had a ground clearance of 8.0 inches, which increased to 8.4 inches with the X-Line and X-Pro packages, and featured a self-leveling rear suspension. The SUV accelerated easily to freeway speeds and offered good passing power, though it wasn't very fuel-efficient. The EPA estimated 20 mpg in combined driving for AWD versions, but real-world testing averaged 19 mpg on a mountainous evaluation loop and 17.5 mpg during city driving. A hybrid drivetrain was overdue, as the Telluride's driving experience was quick and refined, with standard brake-induced Torque Vectoring Cornering Control and responsive steering. The ride felt firm at lower speeds but soft and compliant at higher velocities, absorbing pavement undulations effectively. Off-roading capabilities were better than expected, though not comparable to a Jeep.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator featured a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque to the rear or all four wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission. Drivers could choose between Excite, Conserve, Normal, Slippery, and Deep Conditions driving modes. The test vehicle's adaptive air suspension firmed up in Excite mode, but the Aviator wasn't particularly exciting to drive, focusing instead on comfort. The twin-turbo V6 provided ample power for acceleration and passing, though the EPA estimated 20 mpg in combined driving, with real-world testing averaging 17.7 mpg. The Aviator offered clear sightlines, aided by thin windshield pillars, large sideview mirrors, and a nearly unobstructed rear view with the third-row seat folded. In urban settings, the ride quality was pleasant, but larger bumps and cracks were less forgiving due to the heavy 22-inch wheels and thin tires. On freeways, the adaptive air suspension couldn't entirely filter road imperfections, and the oversized tires generated noticeable road noise. The Aviator's driving character wasn't particularly athletic, with heavy steering and a focus on a composed and calming ride. The adaptive Air Glide suspension effectively canceled excessive body motions and controlled body roll, ensuring a secure and comfortable driving experience.

The 2024 Kia Telluride offered a comfortable interior, especially in higher trim levels. The SX Prestige X-Line test vehicle featured premium Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats with a range of adjustments, including periodic lumbar massage, heated and ventilated second-row captain’s chairs, and a third-row seat capable of accommodating adults. A dual sunroof panel added light to the otherwise dark interior. The controls were oriented horizontally, with a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system that was easy to use, though metallic finish buttons were hard to read in bright sunlight. The Telluride included thoughtful details, such as a digital instrumentation panel with a scenic landscape view that changed with the time of day. Storage space was generous, with a covered cubby forward of the shifter, a tray for a smartphone, and ample room in the door panel bins. A hands-free power liftgate with automatic closing was available, though it could be undesirable in certain situations. The Telluride offered 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seat, expanding to 46 cu-ft with the seat folded, and a maximum volume of 87 cu-ft. The X-Line and X-Pro packages provided useful roof rails for additional storage.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator's Perfect Position front seats offered 30 ways to adjust, with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, providing exceptional comfort. The second-row captain’s chairs were roomy and supportive, with heating and ventilation, though they lacked massage functions. The quad-zone automatic climate control system allowed individual temperature settings for a family of four. 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, a tray for keys, and cupholders, all hidden behind covers. The Aviator's door panel storage pockets were deep, accommodating smaller umbrellas, and an optional console between the second-row seats provided additional space. The Aviator offered 19.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seat, with a large compartment under the load floor. Folding the third row created 42.7 cu-ft of cargo space, with a maximum capacity of 78.6 cu-ft.

The 2024 Kia Telluride came equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, requiring a cable for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto smartphone projection. The system's voice recognition required an active Kia Connect subscription. The test vehicle's Kia Connect subscription was inactive, but wireless Bluetooth pairing was easy. Kia Connect offered four plans, with the Ultimate plan providing the most features, including voice assist. The Telluride featured satellite radio, wireless smartphone charging, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. Thoughtful features included a blue-light filter for the infotainment display, Quiet Mode for playing music only through the front speakers, and a function that delivered the driver’s voice to rear-seat occupants. A digital key function allowed smartphone use as a key, and a camera-based rearview mirror offered a clear view behind the SUV. A 10-inch head-up display was available, providing helpful warnings, and a 360-degree camera system offered various views. The Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system notified drivers when traffic ahead was moving.

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 technology. The system supported Google Built-in, Alexa Built-in, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the test vehicle's Google Assistant struggled with voice prompts, though Apple CarPlay and Siri worked well. The system included an app called Elevated Journey, offering mindfulness coaching for the road. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D sound system provided excellent audio quality. The Aviator's head-up display offered a widescreen presentation of data, including lane departure warnings and blind-spot alerts.

The 2024 Kia Telluride impressed with its standard Kia Drive Wise collection of driver assistance features, including collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear occupant protection. Highway Driving Assist provided a semi-autonomous driving system with adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist. Safety feature upgrades varied by trim level, with options like front parking sensors, cross-traffic alert, evasive steering assist, lane-change assist, and automatic rear braking. The Blind-Spot View Monitor system displayed blind spot views on the digital instrumentation. Highway Driving Assist 2.0 added automatic lane changing, though it performed best on wide-open freeways and rural roads. The lane-change assist system worked accurately, but the lane-keeping system was intrusive. The Telluride received a five-star overall crash test rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator included the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Drive 2.0 collection of advanced driver assistance systems, featuring active blind-spot monitoring with trailer coverage, intersection assist, evasive steering assist, and reverse braking assist. The reverse braking assist system was turned off due to its sensitivity. Adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist worked well, with BlueCruise providing hands-free driving assistance on approved highways. BlueCruise was proactive in predicting when driver control was necessary. The Aviator's safety technology could be improved by providing blind-spot warnings on the head-up display without requiring a turn signal. The Aviator earned five-star ratings from the NHTSA and Good ratings from the IIHS, indicating strong safety performance.