2025 Lexus RX Hybrid 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 an appealing dash-to-axle ratio, complemented by a tapered roofline that, while compromising third-row passenger room, created an alluring silhouette. The design leaned more towards a sports wagon than a traditional SUV, 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 overwhelming screens found in other Lincoln models. However, the remote keyless entry fob was criticized for its cheap plastic construction, contrasting with the brand's luxury image.

In contrast, the 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly the RX 500h Black Line Special Edition, was priced at $75,000 and featured an exclusive Incognito paint job with orange brake calipers. Despite these unique touches, the RX's design was considered unremarkable, with a large front grille and dramatic rear haunches. The RX lineup included three models: the RX 350h, RX 500h, and RX 450h+, each offering different power and efficiency levels. The RX 500h, with its turbocharged engine and sport-tuned suspension, was the most powerful but least fuel-efficient. Inside, the RX Hybrid boasted a contemporary interior with quality materials and ambient lighting, though the ergonomics of the controls were mixed. The RX avoided the single curved display trend, maintaining a more traditional interior layout.

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, and Normal, with adaptive air suspension enhancing the ride quality. Despite its power, the Aviator was not particularly exciting to drive, focusing instead on comfort and composure. The EPA rated its fuel economy at 20 mpg combined, but real-world testing showed a lower 17.7 mpg. The Aviator provided clear sightlines and a 360-degree camera view for urban driving, though the ride quality suffered on rough surfaces due to its large wheels and thin tires. The adaptive Air Glide suspension effectively controlled body motions, ensuring a smooth and calming ride.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid offered three models with varying performance. The RX 350h, with 246 hp, prioritized efficiency, while the RX 450h+ PHEV provided 304 hp and a 37-mile electric-only range. The RX 500h, with a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine, delivered 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, offering quick acceleration but lower fuel economy. It featured a sport-tuned adaptive damping suspension and Lexus's Direct4 all-wheel-drive system. Despite its power, the RX 500h's drivetrain occasionally hesitated, and its fuel efficiency was lower than expected. The RX 500h excelled on twisty roads but lacked communication between the driver and the road, making it less rewarding to drive.

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, with limited legroom and low cushions. The Aviator excelled in storage space, with a well-organized center console and deep door pockets. It 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.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid focused on occupant comfort and practical cargo space. The RX 500h F Sport Performance model featured snug front seats with enhanced bolstering, though the bottom cushions were less comfortable over long drives. The rear seats were spacious and comfortable, with optional power-reclining, heating, and ventilation. The RX offered 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space, with hooks for grocery bags and a small storage area under the load floor. Folding the second row increased cargo volume to 46.2 cubic feet, though it was less than some midsize SUVs.

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, making wireless Apple CarPlay and Siri more reliable. The Aviator's 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D sound system provided excellent audio quality, and the head-up display offered comprehensive data, including lane departure warnings.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid boasted a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14-inch touchscreen display with the Lexus Interface infotainment system. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a conversational digital voice assistant. The RX 500h model featured a 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, though the steering wheel controls were distracting to use. The head-up display was helpful but not as comprehensive as some rivals. The RX offered a range of connected services, including a complimentary three-year Drive Connect plan.

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 a proactive approach to driver control. The Aviator received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and Good ratings from the IIHS, indicating strong safety performance.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid featured Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Predictive Driving Assist monitored forward progress, while a surround-view camera was available with the optional Convenience Package. The RX earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS rated it Poor in a frontal-impact test. The RX's safety technology was generally effective, though some features, like Traffic Jam Assist, raised privacy concerns.