Spotlight on the Lincoln Aviator

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator redefines what it means to drive a luxury SUV. Its elegant design and high-powered performance are matched by exceptional comfort and innovation.

Under the hood, a twin-turbocharged 3.0L V6 delivers a best-in-class 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a 10-speed SelectShift® automatic transmission and paddle shifters, it offers responsive and smooth handling. Adaptive Suspension with Road Preview scans the road ahead to optimize ride comfort, while selectable Lincoln Drive Modes—including Deep Conditions and Excite—adapt to any journey.

With a towing capacity of 6,700 pounds, the Aviator doesn’t sacrifice function for style. Lincoln Co-Pilot360™ gives drivers added peace of mind with safety tech like Adaptive Cruise Control with Traffic Jam Assist and Automatic Emergency Braking.

Inside, the Aviator surrounds you in upscale comfort. Standard heated and ventilated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and tri-zone climate control set the tone. Optional 30-way Perfect Position seats with massage and Bridge of Weir Deepsoft leather take luxury to the next level. Tech-wise, the 13.2-inch touchscreen and Lincoln Premium Audio System deliver a refined experience. With thoughtful details like rain-sensing wipers and up to 78.6 cu. ft. of cargo space, the Aviator blends elegance with everyday usability.

A Look at the Acura MDX

The 2025 Acura MDX emphasizes sport-inspired performance and contemporary design. It comes with a 3.5L V6 engine delivering 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. The Type S trim upgrades to a 3.0L turbo V6 with 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque—impressive, but still trailing the Aviator’s base performance.

Engine and Performance

The Lincoln Aviator clearly leads in performance. Its standard twin-turbo V6 provides 110 more horsepower and 148 lb-ft more torque than the MDX base engine. Even the MDX Type S falls short, offering 45 less horsepower and 61 fewer lb-ft of torque compared to the Aviator.

The Aviator’s adaptive suspension and advanced drive modes provide a smoother, more refined ride. Its 6,700-lb towing capacity outperforms the MDX by 1,700 pounds, giving families greater flexibility for towing trailers or gear.

Interior and Comfort

Lincoln emphasizes total comfort and luxury across all Aviator trims. From the standard heated and ventilated seats to premium details like the Panoramic Vista Roof® and piano key shifter, every inch is thoughtfully crafted. The available Black Label trim offers curated interior themes and exclusive services, adding another layer of sophistication.

The cabin is quiet and serene thanks to Lincoln’s Active Noise Control and symphonic chimes. Though the MDX offers a comfortable ride and massaging seats in top trims, it lacks the upscale ambiance and personalization options found in the Aviator.

Technology and Safety

Tech-wise, both SUVs offer strong feature sets, but Lincoln delivers a more seamless and intuitive experience. The Aviator’s 13.2-inch touchscreen is easier to use than the MDX’s dual-screen setup, which some users find clunky.

Safety is a priority for both models, but the Aviator provides more comprehensive features standard. Lincoln Co-Pilot360™ includes Evasive Steer Assist and Reverse Brake Assist—features not standard on all MDX trims. The Aviator also comes equipped with Lincoln BlueCruise hands-free driving, a standout system ranked highest by Consumer Reports for assisted driving technology.