2025 Lincoln Aviator vs 2025 Land Rover Defender

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, a short front overhang, and a tapered roofline that, while compromising third-row passenger space, created an alluring silhouette reminiscent of a sports wagon. 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 overwhelming screens found in other models. The remote keyless entry fob, though, was a letdown due to its cheap plastic construction. The Aviator was available in Premiere, Reserve, and Black Label trims, with our test vehicle in Reserve trim priced at $83,550, including options like the Reserve II and Dynamic Handling packages.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender, particularly the 110 four-door model, struck a balance in design, offering a rugged appeal with endless customization options. Our test vehicle, a Defender 130 in X trim, came with the Extended Black Exterior Pack and all of Land Rover’s off-roading technology as standard. Priced at $106,092, it featured 20-inch wheels with Pirelli Scorpion Zero tires and options like the Towing and Climate Packs. The Defender X's interior boasted premium Windsor hides and Kvadrat fabric, with an industrial theme that emphasized purpose over luxury. Despite its rugged exterior, the Defender's cabin felt open and airy, thanks to a panoramic sunroof and large windows.

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 and Normal, with adaptive air suspension enhancing ride quality. However, the Aviator wasn't particularly exciting to drive, focusing instead on comfort and composure. The EPA rated its fuel economy at 20 mpg combined, but our tests showed 17.7 mpg. The Aviator provided clear sightlines and a 360-degree camera for urban driving, though its 22-inch wheels struggled with rough surfaces, generating road noise on freeways.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid system, producing 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. It was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD, offering a maximum tow rating of 8,200 pounds. The Defender excelled off-road, with adaptive air suspension and Terrain Response 2 driving modes. On-road, it provided a comfortable ride, though its 20-inch wheels and Pirellis weren't suited for spirited driving. The Defender's fuel economy was rated at 19 mpg combined, but our tests showed 16.2 mpg. Despite its weight, the Defender handled urban environments well, though wind noise was noticeable on highways.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator offered luxurious comfort with its Perfect Position front seats, featuring 30-way adjustments, 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-organized center console and deep door pockets. 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 2025 Land Rover Defender 130 required effort to enter and exit but rewarded with spacious seating across three rows. The front seats offered 12-way power adjustments, heating, and ventilation, while the second-row captain’s chairs added comfort. The Defender's interior felt open and airy, though storage space was limited compared to other three-row SUVs. The third-row seats were accessible and comfortable, even for adults. The Defender's cargo space was 15.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 89 cubic feet with all seats folded.

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 commands, though Apple CarPlay worked well. The Aviator's 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D sound system was impressive, and the head-up display provided valuable information.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender was equipped with the Pivi Pro infotainment system, featuring an 11.4-inch touchscreen and a configurable digital driver display. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and connected services. Pivi Pro performed well, accurately responding to voice commands and providing an intuitive user experience. The Defender's Meridian premium sound system was also impressive. Additional features included a head-up display, ClearSight digital rearview mirror, and a surround-view camera system.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator came with Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Drive 2.0, offering advanced driver assistance systems like active blind-spot monitoring, intersection assist, and evasive steering assist. BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assistance system, was standard, providing proactive control handover. The Aviator earned five-star ratings from the NHTSA and Good ratings from the IIHS.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender included driver aids like automatic high-beam headlights, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist. The technology operated smoothly, though lane-keep assist occasionally misjudged lane departures. Crash-test ratings were unavailable at press time.