2025 Lincoln Aviator vs 2025 BMW X3

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator, built on a rear-wheel-drive platform shared with the Ford Explorer, showcased classic design proportions. It featured a blunt nose, short front overhang, and an appealing dash-to-axle ratio, complemented by a tapered roofline that, while compromising third-row passenger room, created an alluring silhouette. Despite its SUV classification, the Aviator's design leaned more towards a sports wagon aesthetic. However, the 2025 styling updates were perceived as less elegant and more generic, particularly with the optional 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 interior was technologically advanced, yet maintained a traditional feel. The remote keyless entry fob, however, was criticized for its cheap plastic construction, though this might encourage the use of the Aviator’s Phone as a Key technology. The Aviator was available in Premiere, Reserve, and Black Label trims, with our test vehicle in Reserve trim priced at $83,550, including destination charges. The Reserve II Package added numerous desirable features, including upgraded lighting, 30-way-adjustable front seats with massage, and a 28-speaker Revel Ultima audio system.

The redesigned 2025 BMW X3 presented a seductive appearance for a two-box SUV. Its long and tall hood, captivating dashboard-to-axle ratio, and tapering greenhouse and roofline contributed to its athletic look. The test vehicle's expressive 21-inch wheels emphasized its taut, crouched appearance. The Arctic Race Blue paint, with its chilly silver undertones, paired well with the machined surface wheel finish and Calm Beige upholstery. The Veganza artificial leather, with its perforated and quilted surfaces, closely resembled real leather. The X3's cabin, while not fancy, featured nifty plastic trim elements that glowed with ambient lighting. Quality materials were used where expected, but some interior elements revealed the X3's price point, particularly the plastic used lower in the cabin. The 2025 X3 was available in 30 xDrive and M50 xDrive models, with base prices ranging from $51,125 to $65,875, including destination charges. Our well-equipped X3 30 xDrive test vehicle, priced at $60,875, included extra-cost paint and wheels, ventilated front seats, and four option packages.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator was powered by 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 power for acceleration and passing, though fuel economy was a concern, with an observed 17.7 mpg compared to the EPA rating of 20 mpg. The Aviator offered various driving modes, including Excite, Conserve, Normal, Slippery, and Deep Conditions, with adaptive air suspension firming up in Excite mode. Despite this, the Aviator was not particularly exciting to drive, focusing instead on providing a composed and calming cruising experience. The adaptive Air Glide suspension effectively controlled body motions and roll, ensuring a secure ride. The Aviator's steering had a heavy, syrupy feel, and the ride quality was affected by the large 22-inch wheels and thin tires, which struggled on anything other than smooth pavement. The SUV offered clear sightlines and a 360-degree camera view for parking, though road noise was noticeable on freeways.

The 2025 BMW X3 30 xDrive featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Despite its seemingly modest power figures, the X3 achieved a credible zero-to-60 mph time of six seconds, thanks to its eight-speed automatic transmission and standard xDrive AWD system. The engine's power curve provided peak torque and horsepower across a broad rev range, aided by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system for improved responsiveness. For those seeking more power, the M50 xDrive offered a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 393 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque, achieving 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The X3's M Sport package, sport-tuned suspension, and 21-inch wheels enhanced the driving experience, though the ride quality was firm on imperfect roads. The X3 excelled on twisty roads, offering a delightful driving experience despite its higher center of gravity compared to a sedan. Fuel economy was impressive, with an observed 24.2 mpg, though short of the EPA rating of 29 mpg.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator offered exceptional comfort with its Perfect Position front seats, featuring 30-way adjustability, heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain's chairs were roomy and supportive, though lacking massage functions. The third-row seats were less accommodating, with low, flat cushions and limited legroom, making them suitable for children rather than adults. Storage space was excellent, with a smartphone charging pad, tray for keys, and cupholders in the center console, along with 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, and a maximum of 78.6 cubic feet with all seats down.

The 2025 BMW X3's interior felt spacious, with a simple dashboard and a prominent BMW Curved Display housing a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The power-adjustable front seats, upholstered in Veganza artificial leather, offered comfort and optional ventilation. The rear seats were less comfortable, positioned low with hard front seat-back panels. The cargo area measured 31.5 cubic feet, with a lightweight cargo cover, netted storage area, and a temporary spare tire under the load floor. The 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat allowed for versatile cargo and passenger arrangements.

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 supported Google Built-in, Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. However, the Google Assistant struggled with voice prompts, though wireless Apple CarPlay and Siri worked well. 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, including lane departure warnings and blind-spot alerts.

The 2025 BMW X3's BMW Curved Display was powered by iDrive 9, an evolution of iDrive 8.5, offering a Quick Select user experience. Owners could create profiles using the MyBMW app, though our attempts were unsuccessful. The system occasionally froze and became unresponsive, prompting us to rely on wireless Apple CarPlay, which worked flawlessly. The navigation system, with optional augmented video, provided accurate directions. Despite the frustrating experience with the infotainment system, it was possible that the issues were unique to the test vehicle.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator came equipped with Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Drive 2.0, offering advanced driver assistance systems such as active blind-spot monitoring, intersection assist, evasive steering assist, and reverse braking assist. Adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist were standard, with BlueCruise providing 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.

The 2025 BMW X3's driver assistance features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and active blind-spot monitoring. The Premium Package added adaptive cruise control and Parking Assistant Plus, while the Driving Assistant Professional Package offered hands-free Traffic Jam Assistant and Lane Change Assistant. The X3 earned a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four-star ratings for frontal-impact crash tests.