2025 Lincoln Aviator vs 2025 Honda Pilot

The 2025 Honda Pilot was available in several trim levels, including the Sport, EX-L, TrailSport, Touring, Elite, and Black Edition. The Sport trim was the most affordable, but it lacked many appealing amenities, making the leather-lined EX-L a recommended upgrade. Prices ranged from $40,200 to $54,580, plus a $1,395 destination charge. The Black Edition, evaluated in Southern California, featured a Modern Steel paint color and no additional options, bringing its MSRP to $55,975, including destination. This edition was based on the Pilot Elite and featured black wheels, blacked-out exterior trim, and black badges. Inside, it boasted black leather seats with red perforation accents, red contrast stitching, and red ambient lighting. The Black Edition's custom look was more suited for suburban environments, while the Pilot's overall design aimed for a rugged appearance, especially in the TrailSport trim. The interior was thoughtfully designed with quality materials, though the digital driver display and infotainment system appeared dated.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator shared its rear-wheel-drive platform with the Ford Explorer, benefiting from classic design proportions. It featured a blunt nose, short front overhang, and a tapered roofline, creating an alluring silhouette. 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 over-reliance on screens while remaining technologically advanced. The remote keyless entry fob was criticized for its cheap plastic construction, but the Aviator's Phone as a Key technology and touchpad entry system offered alternatives. Available in Premiere, Reserve, and Black Label trims, prices ranged from $60,990 to $89,090, including a $1,695 destination charge. The Reserve trim, tested with optional AWD and several packages, had an MSRP of $83,550. The Reserve II Package added features like upgraded lighting, 30-way-adjustable front seats with massage, heated and ventilated second-row seats, a 28-speaker Revel Ultima audio system, and 22-inch wheels.

The 2025 Honda Pilot was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, generating 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain allowed most Pilot models to tow up to 5,000 pounds. The Pilot offered various driving modes, including Normal, Econ, Snow, Tow, Sport, Trail, and Sand. Models with the Intelligent Variable Torque Management (i-VTM4) AWD system featured hill descent control and up to 7.3 inches of ground clearance, with the TrailSport offering 8.3 inches. The AWD system's torque vectoring allowed up to 70 percent of engine output to flow to a single rear wheel, or 75 percent in the TrailSport. The V6 provided good acceleration, though the transmission occasionally felt slow to downshift. Fuel economy was unimpressive, with an observed 17.8 mpg in city-heavy driving and 20 mpg on the evaluation loop, falling short of the EPA's 21 mpg combined rating. The Pilot's handling was predictable and secure, aided by the Black Edition's 20-inch wheels and tires. The compliant suspension was beneficial in typical driving situations, though an adaptive-damping suspension system would have improved the ride quality on undulating roads.

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 between Excite, Conserve, Normal, Slippery, and Deep Conditions driving modes. The test vehicle's adaptive air suspension firmed up in Excite mode, though the Aviator was not particularly exciting to drive. The V6 provided ample power for acceleration and passing, with the transmission downshifting swiftly. The EPA rated the Aviator at 20 mpg combined, but the test vehicle achieved only 17.7 mpg on a mountainous testing loop. The Aviator offered clear sightlines, aided by thin windshield pillars and large sideview mirrors. In urban settings, the ride quality was pleasant, though the 22-inch wheels and thin tires struggled with larger road imperfections. The adaptive air suspension couldn't entirely filter out road noise on freeways, though the Aviator remained quiet inside. The Dynamic Handling Package didn't encourage spirited driving, but the Air Glide suspension ensured a composed and calming ride.

The 2025 Honda Pilot excelled in form and function, with three rows of comfortable seats and thoughtful storage solutions. However, the Black Edition's front passenger seat offered only four-way adjustment, lacking height and tilt adjustments. The front seats were otherwise comfortable, with heating and ventilation, and wrapped in quality leather. The second-row seats were roomy, with a removable center section for captain's chairs. Smartphone holders, drink holders, and rear side window shades added convenience. The third row was habitable for adults if the second row slid forward, though not particularly comfortable. The Pilot featured a remote engine starting system, triple-zone automatic climate control, and a panoramic sunroof. Cargo space measured 18.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 48.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 86.5 cubic feet with both rear rows down.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator's Perfect Position front seats offered 30-way adjustment, heating, ventilation, and massage, providing exceptional comfort. The second-row captain's chairs were roomy and supportive, with heating and ventilation, though lacking massage functions. The quad-zone automatic climate control system allowed individual temperature settings. The third-row seat was less accommodating, with low, flat cushions and limited legroom. Storage space was excellent, with a smartphone charging pad, tray, and cupholders in the center console, and deep door panel storage pockets. The test vehicle's 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 both rear rows down.

The 2025 Honda Pilot's technology appeared dated, with smaller display screens compared to rivals. The Black Edition featured a 10.2-inch digital gauge panel and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and wireless smartphone charging. The navigation system, HondaLink subscription services, Wi-Fi access, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system were included. However, the wireless CarPlay function was problematic, and the voice recognition system often required multiple attempts. The Bose audio system was adequate but not exceptional. The Pilot's CabinTalk feature allowed the driver to communicate with passengers over the stereo speakers, and a small four-inch head-up display was included.

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. 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 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 and blind-spot warnings.

The 2025 Honda Pilot came equipped with Honda Sensing safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, lane-centering assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Black Edition also had parking sensors and a multi-view camera system with TrailWatch technology. However, the adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist systems had some issues, and the road sign recognition system was inaccurate. The Pilot earned high marks in crash tests, with a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator featured Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Drive 2.0, including active blind-spot monitoring with trailer coverage, intersection assist, evasive steering assist, and reverse braking assist. The reverse braking assist system was problematic in certain situations. Adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist worked well, and BlueCruise offered 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.