2025 Lincoln Aviator vs 2025 Chevrolet Suburban

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. However, the 2025 styling updates were perceived as 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 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 prices ranging from $60,990 to $89,090. The test vehicle, in Reserve trim, included optional AWD, Whisper Blue paint, and several option packages, totaling an MSRP of $83,550. The Reserve II Package added features like upgraded lighting, 30-way-adjustable front seats with massage, and a 28-speaker Revel Ultima audio system.

The 2025 Chevrolet Suburban, a staple in the full-size SUV market, maintained its iconic profile with subtle updates to the front fascia and rear end, adding modernity without alienating loyal customers. The trim lineup remained consistent, with the LS, LT, RST, Z71, Premier, and High Country trims offering varying levels of features and capabilities. The Suburban's interior saw significant upgrades, with a more sophisticated dash design and a new 17.7-inch touchscreen display, replacing the outdated 10.2-inch screen. The steering wheel and shifter were also updated for a more modern feel. The Suburban continued to offer a choice of engines, including a 5.3-liter V8, a 6.2-liter V8, and an upgraded 3.0-liter Duramax diesel engine, each paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The diesel engine, in particular, offered impressive fuel economy and towing capabilities. The Suburban's size and weight were complemented by a recalibrated Magnetic Ride Control suspension, providing a smoother ride. The introduction of 24-inch wheels, though visually striking, was noted to compromise ride comfort on rough surfaces.

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. It offered various driving modes, including Excite, Conserve, Normal, Slippery, and Deep Conditions. The adaptive air suspension, part of the Dynamic Handling Package, provided a firm ride in Excite mode but was generally more suited for a composed and calming driving experience. The Aviator's fuel economy was rated at 20 mpg combined, though real-world testing yielded 17.7 mpg. Visibility was excellent, aided by thin windshield pillars and large side mirrors. The ride quality was generally pleasant, though the 22-inch wheels and low-profile tires struggled with larger road imperfections, generating noticeable road noise. The Aviator's steering and handling were not particularly athletic, but the Air Glide suspension effectively controlled body motions, ensuring a secure and comfortable ride.

The 2025 Chevrolet Suburban offered a choice of three engines: a 5.3-liter V8 with 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.0-liter Duramax diesel engine with 305 horsepower and 495 lb-ft of torque. The diesel engine, in particular, was praised for its quiet and smooth operation, offering impressive fuel economy and towing capabilities. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Suburban's steering was surprisingly light for its size, though the brake pedal feel was noted to be challenging. The Magnetic Ride Control suspension, standard on higher trims, provided a softer ride compared to previous models, effectively reducing bounciness. The optional 24-inch wheels, while visually striking, were criticized for their harsh ride on rough surfaces and high cost.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator offered luxurious 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 less adjustable. The third-row seats were less accommodating for adults, with limited legroom and low, flat cushions. Storage space was excellent, with a well-organized center console and deep door 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 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in interior space, offering 41.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 93.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a massive 144.7 cubic feet with all seats down. It could accommodate up to six passengers with the three-across front row option. The Suburban also boasted impressive towing capabilities, with a maximum capacity of 8,300 pounds with the 5.3-liter V8 and Max Trailering Package. The diesel engine offered a special advantage with its fuel economy, allowing for over 700 miles of highway driving on a single tank.

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. It included Google Built-in, Alexa Built-in, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the Google Assistant struggled with voice prompts in the test vehicle. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D sound system provided excellent audio quality, and the head-up display offered a widescreen presentation of data.

The 2025 Chevrolet Suburban introduced a 17.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by an 11-inch driver information display and an available 15-inch head-up display. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Google Built-in, allowing access to apps like Spotify without a phone connection. The user interface was praised, though the driver information display's customization was unintuitive. The top-range Bose stereo was noted to leave room for improvement compared to competitors.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator came equipped with Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Drive 2.0, offering a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems. Notable features included active blind-spot monitoring with trailer coverage, intersection assist, evasive steering assist, and reverse braking assist. BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assistance system, was standard, providing proactive control handover to the driver when necessary. The Aviator received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and Good ratings from the IIHS.

The 2025 Chevrolet Suburban had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS at the time of review. However, it included a robust list of standard advanced driver assistance systems, such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, pedestrian and bicycle braking, and a surround-view camera. GM's Super Cruise hands-free driving technology was available on higher trims, though not immediately at launch.