Lincoln Aviator vs Lexus TX

The 2026 Lincoln Aviator was a luxurious take on the Ford Explorer, offering a premium feel with its rear-wheel-drive unibody platform. Its exterior design was elegant, featuring a long dash-to-axle ratio, a slightly raked profile, and large 20–22-inch wheels. The reverse-horseshoe grille, adorned with chrome jewelry in the shape of the Lincoln logo, was flanked by LED headlights. The sides were subtly sculpted, with an “Aviator” badge adding a touch of sophistication. The interior was the main attraction, especially in the Black Label trim, which offered curated designs with upgraded leather and high-quality materials. The Invitation theme, for instance, featured Savannah leather with brown contrast stitching and open-pore Khaya wood trim, showcasing top-notch material quality.

In contrast, the 2026 Lexus TX offered a variety of trim levels, with the 550h+ plug-in hybrid standing out due to its standard panoramic glass roof and Matador Red Mica paint. The exterior retained a large grille with sharp bi-LED headlights and full-width rear LED lighting. Inside, the TX provided standard luxury features like multi-zone climate control and heated seats. The third row was spacious, accommodating full-sized adults comfortably. However, the interior materials were not up to luxury standards, with basic plastic scattered throughout. The redesigned door handles were a unique feature, though some might have preferred more attention to detail elsewhere in the cabin.

The 2026 Lincoln Aviator prioritized passenger comfort with its smooth ride and powerful engine. It was equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 383 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Aviator could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under six seconds, offering a worry-free passing experience. The suspension system, featuring adaptive dampers, provided a forgiving ride, though it resulted in considerable body lean through corners. An optional Air Glide suspension added control and versatility, allowing the vehicle to adjust its ride height for different driving conditions. The Aviator also came with a Class III trailer tow package, capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds.

The 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid delivered 404 horsepower from its 3.5-liter V6 and hybrid system. It offered multiple drive options, including electric-only and hybrid modes, making it versatile for various driving scenarios. The TX provided a quiet and smooth ride, with a suspension that absorbed bumps effectively. The AWD system could distribute power between the front and rear wheels, enhancing traction on slippery surfaces. The TX also featured a Trail Mode for improved performance in challenging conditions. While the TX 550h+ wasn't designed for sporty handling, it excelled in providing a comfortable and efficient driving experience.

The 2026 Lincoln Aviator offered a spacious interior with seating for up to seven passengers. The base Premiere trim included a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and tri-zone automatic climate control. The Black Label trim elevated comfort with a 30-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with massagers and heated second-row seats. The second-row seats provided good space and could slide forward and back to balance legroom among the three rows. However, the third row was less accommodating for adults, with limited legroom and low seat bottoms. Cargo space was generous, with up to 75.9 cubic feet available when the second row was folded down.

The 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ offered standard luxury features, including multi-zone climate control and heated seats. The third row was notably spacious, with a recline function and ample headroom. Access to the third row was facilitated by a one-touch button on the second-row seats, though folding the second row flat required a specific sequence of lever adjustments. The front seats were roomy but lacked thigh support. The TX provided excellent cargo space, with up to 97 cubic feet available when the second and third rows were folded. The liftgate featured an available kick sensor for convenient access.

The 2026 Lincoln Aviator featured a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster and a 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen, along with a 5.8-inch second-row touchscreen. The Lincoln Digital Experience offered access to apps like Google Assistant and the Google Play store. Standard tech features included a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot, remote start, digital key functionality, and a 10-speaker audio system. The Reserve trim added a head-up display and a Revel 14-speaker audio system, while the Black Label boasted a high-end Revel 28-speaker audio system.

The 2026 Lexus TX came with a 14-inch color touchscreen that was user-friendly but had some quirks, such as the inability to manually input satellite radio stations. The steering wheel buttons controlled various functions but were not labeled, requiring drivers to rely on the gauge cluster for guidance. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though connectivity issues occasionally arose. The TX offered a range of subscription-based features, including in-dash navigation and a voice assistant. The backup camera provided a clear view, and the available Advanced Park system assisted with parking tasks. The TX also featured seven USB ports and wireless charging for device connectivity.

The 2026 Lincoln Aviator came standard with the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Drive 2.0 system, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. The BlueCruise hands-free highway driving system was also included, though it occasionally struggled with construction zone markings. The Aviator received a perfect five-star rating from the NHTSA and top scores in several IIHS crash tests, though it lacked a rating for its headlights.

The 2026 Lexus TX featured the Safety System+ 3.0, which included forward collision warning, Lane Tracing Assist, and Proactive Driving Assist. The adaptive cruise control worked well once set up, though it was initially confusing to configure. The TX 350 and TX 500h received five-star ratings from the NHTSA, while the TX earned mixed scores from the IIHS, with an "Acceptable" rating in the small overlap front crash test on the driver’s side.