2025 Lincoln Aviator vs 2024 Lexus GX

The 2024 Lexus GX 550 marked a significant departure from its predecessor, the GX 470, with its bold geometric styling. The new design featured a less pronounced spindle grille flanked by standard triple-beam LED headlights, giving the SUV a more aggressive front end. The squared-off fascia and flat hood with raised humps above the front wheels enhanced its off-road capabilities. The side profile of the GX appeared as if carved from a solid block, with minimal character lines and a low window beltline for improved visibility. The GX was available in six trim levels, with the Luxury+ and Overtrail+ trims highlighting its luxury and off-road features, respectively. Inside, the GX combined luxury with utilitarian materials, offering a 14-inch touchscreen and physical controls for off-road functions.

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 considered less elegant than before, especially with the optional Jet Appearance Package. Inside, the Aviator exuded a classic architectural sensibility, with a plush interior that didn't rely heavily on screens. The Aviator's remote keyless entry fob was criticized for its cheap appearance, but the SUV offered advanced technology like Phone as a Key and a touchpad entry system. Available in Premiere, Reserve, and Black Label trims, the Aviator's Reserve trim featured numerous desirable options, including upgraded lighting, 30-way-adjustable front seats, and a 28-speaker Revel Ultima audio system.

The 2024 Lexus GX transitioned from a V8 to a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine, delivering 349 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain provided impressive torque at low revs, enhancing off-road capabilities. Built on the GA-F truck platform, the GX offered a stiffer chassis for improved stability on and off-road. The 10-speed automatic transmission operated confidently, and standard full-time 4WD with a locking Torsen limited-slip center differential ensured excellent traction. The Overtrail trims added a locking rear differential and the Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS) for increased wheel articulation. The GX demonstrated controlled behavior on-road and performed well in off-road conditions, although the test route was less challenging due to weather conditions.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator featured a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Aviator offered various driving modes, including Excite and Normal, with adaptive air suspension for a comfortable ride. While the Aviator wasn't particularly exciting to drive, it excelled in providing a smooth and quiet experience. The EPA fuel economy rating was 20 mpg combined, but the test vehicle achieved 17.7 mpg. The Aviator's adaptive air suspension and large tires contributed to a pleasant ride, although road noise was noticeable. The Aviator prioritized comfort and composure over athleticism, with the adaptive Air Glide suspension ensuring a secure and calming driving experience.

The 2024 Lexus GX's interior showcased a minimalist and sophisticated design, with fewer physical buttons but retaining essential controls. The first and second rows offered ample space for six-foot-tall adults, with 41.2 inches of legroom in the front and 36.7 inches in the second row. The third row, available in Premium and Luxury models, was tight for adults, with only 31.7 inches of legroom. The GX excelled in cargo space, offering 10.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 40.2 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a total of 76.9 cubic feet. Overtrail models provided even more cargo space, with 45.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 90.5 cubic feet in total.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator's Perfect Position front seats offered exceptional comfort with 30-way adjustments, heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain's chairs were roomy and supportive, with heating and ventilation. However, the third-row seats were low and flat, making them suitable only for children. The Aviator excelled in storage space, with a well-organized center console and deep door panel storage pockets. The test vehicle featured an optional console between the second-row seats for additional storage. 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, and a maximum of 78.6 cubic feet.

The 2024 Lexus GX featured a 14-inch touchscreen integrated into the dash, with USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad for front-seat passengers. The Lexus Interface infotainment system offered Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Drive Connect and Remote Connect subscription services. The GX came with a 10-speaker audio system, with the Luxury and Overtrail+ trims offering a 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo. While the Lexus Interface was user-friendly, some features required subscription plans after the initial three-year trial.

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. The system included Google Built-in, Alexa Built-in, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the Google Assistant in the test vehicle struggled with voice prompts. 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. The Aviator's head-up display offered a widescreen presentation of data, including lane departure warnings and blind-spot alerts.

The 2024 Lexus GX received a significant upgrade in safety features with the standard Lexus Safety System+ 3.0. This included pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, lane-departure warning, and road-sign recognition. A new proactive driving assist feature enhanced safety during adaptive cruise control use. While crash test ratings were not yet available, the modern GA-F architecture and advanced driver assistance systems improved confidence in the GX's safety.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator came equipped with the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Drive 2.0 suite of advanced driver assistance systems. Notable features included active blind-spot monitoring, intersection assist, evasive steering assist, and reverse braking 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.