2025 Lincoln Aviator vs 2024 Lexus TX

The 2024 Lexus TX, based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, distinguished itself as a luxury SUV with its upscale appearance. Unlike the Grand Highlander, which resembled a larger RAV4, the TX exuded a more refined aesthetic, especially with the Luxury trim's 22-inch silver-finished wheels. The styling of the TX was more subdued compared to other Lexus models, offering a conservative design that might appeal to those previously put off by the brand's bolder aesthetics. The TX was available in three model series: TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid, with prices ranging from $55,050 to $69,350, including a $1,350 destination charge. The TX 350, likely the most popular version, featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with options for front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Our test model, priced at $67,869, included various packages and a dark Peppercorn interior, which, despite its luxurious materials, felt overly dark even with a panoramic sunroof.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator, sharing its rear-wheel-drive platform with the Ford Explorer, boasted classic design proportions with a blunt nose, short front overhang, and a tapered roofline. This design, while compromising third-row passenger space, created an appealing silhouette more akin to a sports wagon than a traditional SUV. However, the 2025 styling updates made it appear less elegant and more generic, especially with the Jet Appearance Package. Inside, the Aviator offered a plush interior with a classic architectural sensibility, avoiding the screen-heavy approach of other Lincoln models. The Aviator's remote keyless entry fob, however, was a letdown due to its cheap plastic construction. The Aviator was available in Premiere, Reserve, and Black Label trims, with prices from $60,990 to $89,090, including a $1,695 destination charge. Our test vehicle, in Reserve trim with AWD and several option packages, had an MSRP of $83,550. The Reserve II Package added numerous luxury features, including 30-way-adjustable front seats with massage and a 28-speaker Revel Ultima audio system.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Despite initial skepticism about its suitability for a midsize, three-row luxury SUV, the engine performed adequately for typical driving scenarios with up to four passengers. Lexus claimed the TX 350 could accelerate to 60 mph in eight seconds (7.8 seconds with AWD), though it felt quicker due to its torque delivery. The EPA rated the TX 350 FWD at 23 mpg in combined driving, but during testing, it averaged 20.4 mpg. The AWD option, costing $1,600, offered slightly better acceleration and improved traction in adverse conditions. The TX 350's suspension provided a balanced ride, firm enough to convey road surface details while ensuring comfort. The steering was accurate, and the interior remained quiet on highways. However, the brake pedal felt too soft, though it was easy to modulate for smooth stops.

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. This powertrain provided ample acceleration from a stop and swift passing capabilities. The Aviator offered multiple driving modes, including Excite and Normal, with adaptive air suspension enhancing the ride in Excite mode. Despite its power, the Aviator was not particularly exciting to drive, focusing instead on comfort and composure. The EPA rated it at 20 mpg in combined driving, but testing revealed a lower 17.7 mpg. The Aviator's sightlines were excellent, aided by thin windshield pillars and large mirrors. However, the ride quality suffered on rough surfaces due to the heavy 22-inch wheels and thin tires, generating noticeable road noise. The Aviator's adaptive Air Glide suspension effectively controlled body motions, ensuring a secure and calming driving experience.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs by offering a more practical and comfortable interior. The TX 350 Luxury model featured premium leather and suede upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. While the front seats lacked a massage function, they provided good support and comfort. The second-row bench seat, though not as welcoming, offered triple-zone climate control and USB charging ports. The third-row seat was habitable for adults, a significant improvement over the RX L and GX models. However, sliding the second-row seat forward to accommodate third-row passengers compromised second-row comfort. The TX offered 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 57.4 cubic feet with the third row folded and 97 cubic feet with the second row down. Storage options were plentiful but lacked lining, potentially causing noise.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator excelled in comfort with its Perfect Position front seats, offering 30-way adjustments, heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain's chairs, while less adjustable, were roomy and supportive, with heating and ventilation. The quad-zone climate control system allowed individual temperature settings for each passenger. However, the third-row seat was less accommodating, with low, flat cushions and limited legroom, making it suitable mainly for children. The Aviator provided excellent storage space, with a well-organized center console and deep door pockets. The optional second-row console added more storage and cupholders. Cargo space measured 19.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 42.7 cubic feet with the third row folded and 78.6 cubic feet with the second row down. The Aviator's cargo area was practical, though not as spacious as some competitors.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured an optional Technology Package, including a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, head-up display, digital rearview mirror, surround-view camera, and semi-autonomous parking assist. However, the package replaced well-marked steering wheel controls with unmarked dual-purpose ones, requiring drivers to reference the head-up display, which was often invisible with polarized sunglasses. The Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a 14-inch touchscreen, offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a digital assistant and cloud-based navigation. The TX also included free 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect, providing features like automatic collision notification and remote engine starting. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system delivered impressive sound quality.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator's technology included a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster and a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system powered by Lincoln Digital Experience. This system supported Google Built-in, Alexa Built-in, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the Google Assistant in the test vehicle failed to respond to 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. The Aviator's head-up display offered a widescreen presentation of data, including lane departure warnings and blind-spot alerts, making it one of the best in its class.

The 2024 Lexus TX came equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and more. Proactive Drive Assist, part of LSS+ 3.0, provided braking and steering assistance but was not entirely transparent in its operation. The TX also included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist system. Optional features included parking sensors with automatic braking and traffic jam assist. The LSS+ 3.0 system generally performed well, though it slowed too dramatically when other vehicles cut in front.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator featured the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Drive 2.0 suite, including active blind-spot monitoring, intersection assist, evasive steering assist, and reverse braking assist. The reverse braking assist system was overly sensitive, requiring deactivation. Adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist worked well, with BlueCruise providing hands-free driving on approved highways. BlueCruise was proactive in handing control back to the driver when necessary. The Aviator earned five-star ratings from the NHTSA and Good ratings from the IIHS, indicating strong safety performance.