2025 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2025 Lincoln Aviator

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator, built on a rear-wheel-drive platform shared with the Ford Explorer, showcased classic design proportions. Its blunt nose, short front overhang, and appealing dash-to-axle ratio contributed to its sports wagon-like appearance, though the 2025 styling updates were seen as less elegant. The interior, accessed through doors with electronic releases, offered a plush, classic architectural sensibility without overwhelming with screens. However, the remote keyless entry fob was criticized for its cheap plastic construction. The Aviator was available in Premiere, Reserve, and Black Label trims, with our test vehicle in Reserve trim featuring options like the Jet Appearance and Dynamic Handling packages, priced at $83,550.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox underwent a modern redesign, aligning its appearance with larger Chevrolet models like the Traverse and Suburban. Each trim had distinct styling elements, with the base LT offering chrome or a Midnight Edition High Gloss Black treatment. The RS trim featured sportier elements, while the new ACTIV trim emphasized adventure with all-terrain tires. The Equinox's interior was updated with a sculptural sub-texture effect and a relocated shifter, enhancing space. The RS trim's interior had red highlights and contrast stitching, while the ACTIV trim featured a "Maple Sugar and Black" theme. Overall, the Equinox's cabin avoided a cheap feel, offering a choice rather than a compromise.

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 and Conserve, with adaptive air suspension enhancing the ride. Despite its power, the Aviator wasn't particularly exciting to drive, focusing more on comfort and composure. The EPA rated its fuel economy at 20 mpg combined, but real-world testing showed 17.7 mpg. The Aviator provided clear sightlines and a 360-degree camera view for parking, though its ride quality suffered on rough surfaces due to heavy 22-inch wheels.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox retained a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 175 horsepower. Torque varied with powertrain, offering 184 lb-ft in FWD models and 203 lb-ft in AWD versions. The Equinox introduced a CVT for FWD models and an eight-speed automatic for AWD, improving acceleration and noise levels. The Equinox's ride was quiet and comfortable, though highway merging highlighted its engine's limitations. It could tow up to 1,500 pounds with AWD and featured selectable drive modes for different conditions.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator's Perfect Position front seats offered 30-way adjustability, heating, ventilation, and massage, ensuring comfort. Second-row captain's chairs were roomy and supportive, though the third-row seats were less accommodating for adults. The Aviator excelled in storage space, with a smartphone charging pad, cupholders, and deep door pockets. It offered 19.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 78.6 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox featured heated front seats and a heated steering wheel as standard on RS and ACTIV trims. Ventilated front seats and heated rear seats were available in a package. The Equinox's flat roof provided consistent headroom, with moonroof options adding light to the cabin. Cargo space was slightly reduced, offering 29.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 63.5 cubic feet with them folded. A hidden storage compartment added convenience.

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 supported Google Built-in, Alexa Built-in, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, voice control issues were noted, though Apple CarPlay worked well. The Aviator's 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D sound system impressed, and the head-up display provided valuable information.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox came standard with Google Built-In, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The native Google Maps integration projected onto the driver information display, allowing simultaneous infotainment use. Voice control issues were noted, but the infotainment system's 11.3-inch touchscreen was larger than before. Standard features included a wi-fi hotspot and wireless charging for RS and ACTIV trims.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator included Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Drive 2.0, offering advanced driver assistance systems like active blind-spot monitoring, intersection assist, and reverse braking assist. BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assistance system, was standard, providing proactive control handover. The Aviator earned five-star NHTSA ratings and Good IIHS ratings.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox offered a Safety & Technology package with features like rear pedestrian alert and traffic-sign recognition. The Chevy Safety Assist suite included standard features like lane-change alert and adaptive cruise control. Teen Driver Technology allowed parents to set speed and volume limits and receive a driving report card.