2025 Lincoln Aviator vs 2025 Subaru Forester

The 2025 Subaru Forester underwent a noticeable visual transformation, focusing on a more generic yet refined appearance. It featured standard roof rails and 17-inch alloy wheels, with higher trims offering larger wheels and distinctive accents. The Forester Sport, for instance, showcased bronze trim accents and 19-inch wheels, while the Touring trim boasted a low-profile roof rack and chrome badging. Inside, the Forester's cabin was redesigned with structural dash elements and offered a range of upholstery options, from cloth with contrast stitching to genuine leather in higher trims. The interior aimed for a more intentional and cohesive design, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal.

In contrast, the 2025 Lincoln Aviator presented a classic design with a blunt nose, short front overhang, and a tapered roofline, creating an alluring silhouette. However, the 2025 styling updates made it appear more generic, especially with the optional Jet Appearance Package. Inside, the Aviator exuded a plush, classic architectural sensibility, with a focus on comfort rather than overwhelming technology. The interior featured electronic door releases, which could pinch, and a remote keyless entry fob that felt cheap. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Aviator's interior was luxurious, with options like the Reserve II Package adding features such as 30-way-adjustable front seats with massage and a high-end audio system.

The 2025 Subaru Forester was powered by a 2.5-liter Boxer four-cylinder engine, producing 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a Lineartonic CVT and Subaru's Symmetrical AWD system, providing a stable and confident driving experience. The Forester's X-Mode system, standard from the Premium trim, enhanced stability and traction on challenging terrains. While acceleration was not particularly brisk, the Forester excelled in off-road conditions, offering a smooth and fluid steering feel. Fuel economy was rated at 26 mpg city, 33 highway, and 29 combined, with slight variations for Sport and Touring trims.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator, on the other hand, featured a robust 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, offering a choice between rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. The Aviator's driving modes included Excite, Conserve, Normal, Slippery, and Deep Conditions, with adaptive air suspension enhancing ride quality. Despite its power, the Aviator prioritized comfort over excitement, with a heavy and syrupy steering feel. Fuel economy was rated at 20 mpg combined, though real-world testing yielded 17.7 mpg. The Aviator excelled in providing a composed and calming cruising experience, with its adaptive Air Glide suspension ensuring stability and comfort.

The 2025 Subaru Forester introduced a hands-free power liftgate, enhancing convenience for loading and unloading. Its cargo space increased slightly, offering 29.6 cubic feet with rear seats in place and 74.4 cubic feet with them folded down. The Forester's interior was designed for practicality, with a roomy second row and features like a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat and heated front seats in higher trims. The Touring trim added driver’s seat memory, front-row seat ventilation, and heated back seats, ensuring comfort for all passengers.

In contrast, 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 lacking massage features. The third-row seats were less accommodating for adults, with limited legroom and low cushions. Storage space was excellent, with a well-organized center console and deep door panel storage pockets. The Aviator provided 19.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 42.7 cubic feet with it folded down, and a maximum of 78.6 cubic feet, offering practicality for family trips.

The 2025 Subaru Forester introduced an 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus infotainment system, standard on all but the base trim, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The base model retained two 7-inch touchscreens with wired smartphone projection. Higher trims offered additional features like dual USB ports, a wireless charging pad, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Touring trim included a navigation system with voice activation and an 11-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, enhancing the audio experience.

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. This system supported Google Built-in, Alexa Built-in, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the Google Assistant in the test vehicle struggled with voice prompts, though Apple CarPlay and Siri worked seamlessly. The Aviator also offered an app called Elevated Journey, providing mindfulness coaching for the road. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D sound system delivered an exceptional audio experience, complemented by an impressive head-up display.

The 2025 Subaru Forester was equipped with Subaru’s EyeSight suite of advanced driver-assistance technology, featuring enhancements like a wider field of view and an electric brake booster. The Touring trim offered additional safety features, including Emergency Stop Assist, a digital rearview mirror, and reverse automatic braking. While crash-test ratings for the 2025 model were not yet available, the 2024 Forester received high safety ratings, indicating strong safety credentials for the new model.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator came standard 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. The Aviator also featured BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assistance system for approved highways, with a four-year subscription included. The Aviator received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and Good ratings from the IIHS, confirming its status as a safe luxury SUV.