2024 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2025 Lincoln Aviator

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, known for its iconic design, retained its classic boxy shape with a flat roof, reminiscent of its predecessors. Each of the three trims featured elements that paid homage to earlier models, such as the heritage grille with "TOYOTA" spelled out, round headlights on the base and top trims, and rectangular ones on the mid-tier trim. All lighting was upgraded to LED, blending classic inspiration with modern standards. The higher trims boasted color-selectable fog lights, adding a contemporary touch. The lowered beltline improved visibility, and the First Edition trim came with additional off-road gear like a roof rack and skid plate. Inside, the base trim offered cloth seats, while the mid-tier had SofTex, and the First Edition featured real leather with unique logos. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard across all trims, with the Premium Package adding a moonroof and ventilated seats.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator, built on a rear-wheel-drive platform shared with the Ford Explorer, showcased classic design proportions with a blunt nose, short front overhang, and a tapered roofline. While the design was appealing, the 2025 styling appeared less elegant and more generic, especially with the optional Jet Appearance Package. Inside, the Aviator exuded a classic architectural sensibility, avoiding an overload of screens while remaining technologically advanced. The interior featured electronic door releases, which could pinch skin, and a remote keyless entry fob that felt cheap. However, the Aviator's Phone as a Key technology and touchpad entry system offered modern conveniences. Available in Premiere, Reserve, and Black Label trims, the Aviator's pricing ranged from $60,990 to $89,090. Our Reserve trim test vehicle, equipped with several option packages, had an MSRP of $83,550. The Reserve II Package added features like upgraded lighting, 30-way-adjustable front seats with massage, and a 28-speaker Revel Ultima audio system.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, experienced primarily on an off-road course, featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a 1.87-kWh battery pack, and a 48-hp electric motor, producing a total of 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. It came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard full-time 4WD, with an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case. The Multi-Terrain Select system, available on mid-tier and First Edition models, operated in both 4Hi and 4Lo. Standard features included an automatic limited-slip differential and rear- and center-locking differentials. The ability to disconnect the front sway bar was a new addition, enhancing off-road articulation. The updated CRAWL control function, with five speed settings, provided low-speed cruise control for challenging terrain, operating silently compared to previous versions.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator offered a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque through a 10-speed automatic transmission. Drivers could choose from various driving modes, including Excite and Conserve. The adaptive air suspension firmed up in Excite mode, though the Aviator was not particularly thrilling to drive. The V6 provided ample power for acceleration and passing, but fuel economy was disappointing at 17.7 mpg during testing. The Aviator offered clear sightlines, aided by thin windshield pillars and large side mirrors. In urban settings, the ride was pleasant until encountering larger road imperfections, which the 22-inch wheels and tires struggled to absorb. The adaptive Air Glide suspension controlled body motions and roll, ensuring a composed ride, though the Aviator's driving character lacked athleticism.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, based on the Prado, featured two rows of seating with no third-row option in the U.S. Headroom measured 36.1 inches in the front and 35.3 inches in the back, with legroom at 33.0 inches front and 26.7 inches rear. The center console provided easy access to off-road controls, and the infotainment screen was conveniently placed. The cargo area, with a raised load floor, offered 37.5 cubic feet of space, equipped with a rubber mat and a 120-volt AC outlet. Higher trims included USB-C ports in the trunk.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator's Perfect Position front seats offered 30-way adjustability, heating, ventilation, and massage, providing exceptional comfort. The second-row captain's chairs were roomy and supportive, with heating and ventilation. The third-row seat, however, was less accommodating for adults, with low, flat cushions and limited legroom. Storage space was excellent, with a smartphone charging pad, cupholders, and a sizable bin in the center console. The Aviator offered 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 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser featured the Multi-Terrain Monitor system on higher trims, utilizing a 12.3-inch center touchscreen display for off-road navigation. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with USB-C ports for front and rear passengers. The base trim had an 8-inch display and six-speaker sound system, while the middle trim offered a 10-speaker system or an optional 14-speaker JBL system with the Premium Package.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator's 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster and 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system provided access to entertainment, navigation, and climate control. The Lincoln Digital Experience, with Google and Alexa Built-in, supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the Google Assistant struggled with voice prompts during testing. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D sound system delivered excellent audio quality, and the head-up display offered comprehensive data presentation.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but Toyota's safety track record provided some confidence. It came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and Proactive Driving Assist. The Premium Package added lane-keep assist and other features to the middle trim, standard on the First Edition.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator featured the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Drive 2.0 suite, including active blind-spot monitoring, intersection assist, and reverse braking assist. BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assistance system, was standard, with a four-year subscription. The Aviator earned five-star ratings from the NHTSA and Good ratings from the IIHS, indicating strong safety performance.