2025 Lincoln Aviator vs 2025 Hyundai Kona

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator, built on a rear-wheel-drive platform shared with the Ford Explorer, showcased classic design proportions. It featured a blunt nose, short front overhang, and an appealing dash-to-axle ratio, complemented by a tapered roofline that, while compromising third-row passenger room, created an alluring silhouette. The design leaned more towards a sports wagon than a traditional SUV, though the 2025 styling updates were perceived as less elegant and more generic, especially with the optional Jet Appearance Package. Inside, the Aviator offered a plush interior with a classic architectural sensibility, avoiding the screen-heavy approach of its siblings, the Nautilus and Navigator. However, the remote keyless entry fob was criticized for its cheap plastic construction, though this might encourage the use of the Aviator’s Phone as a Key technology.

In contrast, the 2025 Hyundai Kona maintained its fresh appearance from the previous year, standing out in the crossover class with its futuristic design elements like the flush grille and ultra-slim LED light bars. The Kona's increased size, being six inches longer than its predecessor, improved interior space and road presence. The N Line S and N Line trims offered a sportier design with body-colored bumpers and cladding. The interior remained unchanged from 2024, providing a solid and airy feel, with the drive selector relocated to a column beneath the wiper stalk. The 2025 model introduced standard 64-color ambient interior lighting on higher trims, enhancing the cabin's ambiance. The Kona's trim levels, including SE, SEL, SEL Convenience, and Limited, progressively added visual enhancements and tech features, catering to a range of preferences.

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. This setup provided ample power for acceleration and passing maneuvers, though fuel economy was a concern, with an observed 17.7 mpg compared to the EPA's 20 mpg rating. The Aviator offered multiple driving modes, including Excite and Conserve, with adaptive air suspension enhancing ride quality. However, the SUV's heavy 22-inch wheels and thin tires struggled with rough surfaces, generating noticeable road noise. Despite its power, the Aviator's driving character was more about comfort and composure than athleticism, with the adaptive Air Glide suspension ensuring a smooth ride.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered two gas-powered engine options. The SE, SEL, and SEL Convenience trims featured a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) for fuel efficiency. The N Line S, N Line, and Limited trims boasted a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The turbo engine provided a more muscular performance, though it could feel flat at low revs. All-wheel drive was available across the lineup, enhancing traction and ride quality with a multi-link rear suspension. The Kona prioritized competence over excitement, offering a balanced driving experience.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator excelled in comfort with its Perfect Position front seats, offering 30-way adjustability, heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain’s chairs were also comfortable, though less adjustable. The third-row seats were less accommodating for adults, with limited legroom and low cushions. Storage space was a highlight, with a well-organized center console and deep door pockets. The Aviator provided 19.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 42.7 cubic feet with the seats folded, and a maximum of 78.6 cubic feet.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place, expanding to 63.7 cubic feet when folded. Rear legroom was adequate at 38.2 inches, with 38.3 inches of headroom. The front seats provided a generous range of movement, and the relocated drive selector created a spacious feel. In-car storage was excellent, with numerous compartments. The Kona's trims featured varying upholstery options, with heated and ventilated front seats available on higher trims. The climate control system ranged from single-zone air conditioning to dual-zone automatic climate control with rear vents.

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. The system included Google Built-in and Alexa Built-in, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the Google Assistant struggled with voice prompts in the test vehicle. The Aviator's 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D sound system delivered excellent audio quality. The head-up display provided valuable information, including lane departure warnings and blind-spot alerts.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered a 12.3-inch central touchscreen infotainment display across all trims, with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Higher trims included wireless smartphone charging and a digital key. The SEL Convenience trim and above featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The N Line and Limited trims offered an eight-speaker Bose audio system, while lower trims had a six-speaker setup. Hyundai’s Bluelink connectivity enabled over-the-air updates, ensuring features remained current.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator came equipped with Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Drive 2.0, offering advanced driver assistance systems like active blind-spot monitoring, intersection assist, and evasive steering assist. The reverse braking assist system was overly sensitive in certain situations. Adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist worked well, and BlueCruise provided hands-free driving assistance on approved highways. The Aviator received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and Good ratings from the IIHS.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona impressed with its standard safety features, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and Blind-Spot Collision Warning. Higher trims added Highway Driving Assist and enhanced Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist. The Limited trim included parking assistance features. The Kona was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, reflecting its strong safety credentials.