2025 Dodge Durango vs 2025 Lincoln Aviator

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 a sleek dash-to-axle ratio, culminating in a tapered roofline that, while compromising third-row passenger space, created an alluring silhouette. The design leaned more towards a sports wagon aesthetic, though 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 its siblings. However, the remote keyless entry fob was criticized for its cheap plastic construction, contrasting with the otherwise luxurious feel. The Aviator was available in Premiere, Reserve, and Black Label trims, with our test vehicle in Reserve trim featuring optional AWD and a host of premium packages, bringing its MSRP to $83,550.

In contrast, the 2025 Dodge Durango, particularly in its SRT Hellcat Premium trim with the Silver Bullet special edition package, exuded a more aggressive visual attitude. The package added a satin black hood, unique wheels, and dark badges, enhancing the Hellcat's expressive look. Inside, the Durango maintained a subdued yet premium feel with dark red Nappa leather seats and a suede headliner. Despite the premium materials, some plastic surfaces detracted from the overall luxury experience. The Durango's pricing ranged from about $43,000 for a base GT to nearly $100,000 for the SRT Hellcat, with our test vehicle's MSRP reaching $115,315. The interior was solidly constructed, though the performance seats were more about comfort than securing occupants during spirited driving.

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 acceleration, though the Aviator's mission was more about comfort than excitement. It offered various driving modes, including Excite and Normal, with adaptive air suspension enhancing ride quality. However, the Aviator's handling was not particularly athletic, with a heavy steering feel and a ride that didn't encourage spirited driving. Fuel economy was a concern, with an observed 17.7 mpg on a mountainous test loop, below the EPA's 20 mpg combined rating. Visibility was excellent, aided by thin windshield pillars and large mirrors, while the 360-degree camera was appreciated in urban settings.

The 2025 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat, on the other hand, was a powerhouse with its 710-hp supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine, producing 645 lb-ft of torque. It accelerated to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds and had a top speed of 180 mph, with a towing capacity of 8,700 pounds. Despite its performance credentials, fuel economy was poor, with an EPA rating of 12/17/13 mpg and an observed 12.2 mpg during testing. The Durango's AWD system, adaptive damping suspension, and performance brakes contributed to its impressive handling, making it feel track-ready. The driving experience was akin to a taller Charger, with firm road manners and immediate braking capability. The Durango excelled in performance, offering outstanding grip and body motion control, even on challenging roads.

The Lincoln Aviator's interior was a highlight, with its Perfect Position front seats offering 30-way adjustability, heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain's chairs were also comfortable, though the third-row seats were less accommodating for adults. Storage space was excellent, with a well-designed center console and ample door panel storage. The Aviator provided 19.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 78.6 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The Dodge Durango offered a spacious and functional interior, with heated and ventilated front seats wrapped in Nappa leather. The second-row captain's chairs provided good leg support, though they sat low in the cabin. The third-row seat was surprisingly accommodating for adults, with a high seating position and thoughtful design. Cargo space was generous, with 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 85.1 cubic feet with seats folded. The Durango's interior was equipped with numerous storage solutions and convenience features, enhancing its practicality.

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 supported Google Built-in, Alexa Built-in, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the Google Assistant's performance was lacking, though Apple CarPlay worked seamlessly. The Aviator's 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D sound system was exceptional, and the head-up display was praised for its widescreen presentation of data.

The 2025 Dodge Durango came with a Uconnect 5 infotainment system featuring a 10.1-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a native navigation system. It offered SiriusXM 360L, Dodge Connect, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. The Harman Kardon audio system in the test vehicle delivered excellent sound quality. The SRT Hellcat included SRT Performance Pages, allowing drivers to track performance metrics. The voice recognition system worked well, though it required specific commands.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator was equipped with Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Drive 2.0, offering a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems. Notable features included active blind-spot monitoring, intersection assist, and evasive steering assist. BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assistance system, was standard, providing a proactive approach to driver control. The Aviator earned five-star ratings from the NHTSA and Good ratings from the IIHS, indicating strong safety performance.

The 2025 Dodge Durango's safety features were less impressive, with a shorter list of standard equipment. It included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional upgrades included adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The Durango received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with a concerning three-star rollover resistance rating. The IIHS's small overlap frontal-impact test results were also a cause for concern.