2025 Buick Enclave vs 2025 Lincoln Aviator

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator, built on a rear-wheel-drive platform shared with the Ford Explorer, showcased classic design proportions. Its blunt nose, short front overhang, and appealing dash-to-axle ratio contributed to its sports wagon-like appearance, despite being an SUV. The Aviator's tapered roofline and greenhouse added to its allure, though they compromised third-row passenger space. However, the 2025 styling updates made it appear 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 the screen-heavy approach of other Lincoln models. The Aviator's remote keyless entry fob, however, was a disappointment due to its cheap plastic construction. The Aviator was available in Premiere, Reserve, and Black Label trims, with prices ranging from $60,990 to $89,090. Our test vehicle, in Reserve trim, featured optional all-wheel drive, Whisper Blue paint, and several option packages, bringing its MSRP to $83,550. The Reserve II Package added desirable features like upgraded exterior lighting, 30-way-adjustable front seats with massage, and a 28-speaker Revel Ultima audio system.

The 2025 Buick Enclave, on the other hand, presented a bold and sharp design, drawing comparisons to Lamborghini models. Its slim DRLs, large angular grille, and high beltline contributed to its striking appearance. While the side profile appeared more generic, the Enclave's overall design was bolder and less cluttered than its predecessor. The Enclave featured 20-inch wheels on the base Preferred trim and Sport Touring, with unique High Gloss Black touches on the latter. The top-tier Avenir trim boasted 22-inch wheels with a special "Avenir Pearl Nickel" finish. Inside, the Enclave exuded a modern and premium feel, with a floating center console and large curved display reminiscent of electric vehicles. The Sport Touring test car's seats were trimmed in perforated leatherette with contrast piping, enhancing the interior's appeal. However, the limited sunroof availability was a drawback, with the panoramic power sunroof only available on higher trims. Despite this, the Enclave's interior packaging was similar to the less expensive Chevy Traverse, which was unexpected for a near-luxury SUV.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. This power was channeled through a 10-speed automatic transmission to either the rear or all four wheels. The Aviator offered various driving modes, including Excite, Conserve, Normal, Slippery, and Deep Conditions. Our test vehicle featured adaptive air suspension, which firmed up in Excite mode, though the Aviator's driving character remained more focused on comfort than excitement. The V6 engine provided ample power for acceleration and passing, but fuel economy was a concern, with an observed 17.7 mpg compared to the EPA's 20 mpg combined rating. The Aviator offered clear sightlines and a 360-degree camera view for urban driving, though the ride quality suffered on rough roads due to the heavy 22-inch wheels and thin tires. Despite the optional Dynamic Handling Package, the Aviator's steering and handling lacked athleticism, focusing instead on providing a composed and calming ride.

In contrast, the 2025 Buick Enclave featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. Power was routed through an eight-speed automatic transmission to either the front or all four wheels, with AWD available for an additional $2,000. The Enclave's fuel economy was slightly affected by AWD, dropping from 23 to 21 mpg combined. The Enclave could tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. Buick offered two versions of Active Noise Cancellation, with the standard version targeting road noise effectively. However, the engine noise cancellation was only standard on the top trim, and our tester lacked this feature, resulting in a louder engine experience. The Enclave's driving dynamics were more akin to a full-size vehicle, with loose steering at slower speeds. While not a priority for most shoppers in this class, the Enclave's driving experience was similar to competitors like the Mazda CX-90.

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 also comfortable, though they lacked massage functions. The Aviator's quad-zone automatic climate control system allowed each passenger to set their preferred temperature. However, the third-row seats were less accommodating for adults, with low, flat cushions and limited legroom. Storage space in the Aviator was excellent, with a smartphone charging pad, cupholders, and a sizable bin in the center console. 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 both rear rows down.

The 2025 Buick Enclave featured eight-way power adjustability for the driver's seat and six-way for the front passenger's seat. Captain's chairs in the second row allowed for a seven-person maximum capacity. The Enclave Avenir trim offered heated second-row seats and ventilation for the front row, along with a two-position memory feature. Tri-zone climate control was standard, with middle-row passengers having control over their temperature settings. The Enclave's power-folding third-row seats and AutoSense liftgate added convenience, with 22.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 57.1 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 97.5 cubic feet with both rear rows down.

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. The system included Google Built-in, Alexa Built-in, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the Google Assistant in our test vehicle 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, and the available head-up display offered a widescreen presentation of data.

The 2025 Buick Enclave boasted a 30-inch ultrawide touchscreen integrating the infotainment display and digital gauge cluster. While seamless most of the time, smartphone projection interrupted the cohesive display. A 12-speaker Bose Premium audio system was standard, with a 16-speaker Bose Performance system available on the Avenir trim. Wireless charging, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto were standard, along with Google Built-In and Wi-Fi hotspot capability. The Enclave offered wired charging with two USB ports in each row.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator came equipped with Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Drive 2.0, featuring advanced driver assistance systems like active blind-spot monitoring, intersection assist, and evasive steering assist. However, the reverse braking assist system was overly sensitive in certain situations. Adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist worked well, 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.

The 2025 Buick Enclave included advanced safety features like blind-zone steering assist, intersection automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. HD Surround Vision with multiple camera views was standard, and Super Cruise, GM's hands-free driving technology, was available on all trims. The Enclave had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the 2024 model received favorable ratings, with some areas for improvement.