2025 Lincoln Aviator vs 2025 Jeep Wrangler

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 other Lincoln models. 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.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler Sport S, encountered as a rental in Hawaii, was less about aesthetics and more about functionality. Its black-on-black color scheme was less than ideal for a tropical climate, but the Wrangler's design remained fundamentally appealing, drawing on themes of American freedom and capability. The Wrangler was available in various trims, with the Rubicon 392 standing out for its 470-horsepower V8 engine. Despite its nearly $50,000 price tag, the Sport S model's interior was basic, emphasizing function over form. The Wrangler's design, rooted in a World War II military vehicle, offered a nostalgic appeal, and its capability to traverse almost any terrain was a significant draw, despite its lack of sophistication compared to modern vehicles.

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, Conserve, Normal, Slippery, and Deep Conditions. The adaptive air suspension, part of the Dynamic Handling Package, firmed up in Excite mode but didn't make the Aviator particularly exciting to drive. The SUV excelled in providing a composed and calming cruising experience, with the adaptive Air Glide suspension effectively managing body motions and roll. However, the Aviator's fuel economy was disappointing, with an observed 17.7 mpg compared to the EPA's 20 mpg rating. Visibility was excellent, aided by thin windshield pillars and large side mirrors, and the 360-degree camera view was appreciated in urban settings.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler offered a choice between a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a six-speed manual transmission and a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The latter produced 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, offering marginally better fuel efficiency with an EPA rating of 21 mpg in combined driving. During testing in Hawaii, the Wrangler achieved an average fuel economy of 19.2 mpg. The Wrangler's standard four-wheel drive, high ground clearance, and generous approach and departure angles made it well-suited for off-road adventures. However, its ride was rough, with a steady stream of jiggles and jolts, and the disconnected steering feel was disconcerting at higher speeds. The Wrangler's three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA was a concern, emphasizing the need for caution when driving laterally across slopes.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator offered exceptional comfort with its Perfect Position front seats, featuring 30-way adjustability, heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain's chairs were also comfortable, though less adjustable, and the quad-zone automatic climate control system ensured personalized comfort for all passengers. However, the third-row seats were less accommodating, with low, flat cushions and limited legroom. Storage space was excellent, with a well-organized center console and deep door panel storage 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 down, and a maximum of 78.6 cubic feet.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler's high ground clearance and narrow door openings made entry and exit challenging, though the front seats were comfortable and supportive. The Sport S trim's cloth upholstery was suitable for any climate, and the Convenience Group option added heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Rear-seat legroom was adequate, but taller passengers needed to be cautious of the plastic hooks on the front seatbacks. Storage space was limited, with small items often ending up in the cupholders. Cargo access was cumbersome, requiring the tailgate and rear window to be opened separately. The Wrangler offered 31.7 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

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 technology. It included Google Built-in, Alexa Built-in, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the Google Assistant struggled with voice prompts, though Apple CarPlay and Siri worked well. The Aviator's 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D sound system provided excellent audio quality, and the head-up display offered a widescreen presentation of data, including lane departure warnings and blind-spot alerts.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler's Uconnect 5 infotainment system equipped the Sport S with a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio preparation. The system was easy to use, even with the roof panels removed, and the Convenience Group pack added a 7-inch digital display between the analog gauges. The Wrangler offered Jeep Connect connected services, including a Wi-Fi hotspot, Adventure Guides, and GPS Trail Logs for off-road navigation. Rear parking sensors were available in the Active Safety Group option pack.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator came standard with Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Drive 2.0, offering a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems. Notable features included active blind-spot monitoring with trailer coverage, intersection assist, evasive steering assist, and reverse braking assist. BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assistance system, was also standard, providing a proactive approach to driver control. The Aviator earned five-star ratings from the NHTSA and Good ratings from the IIHS, indicating strong safety performance.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler added side curtain airbags as standard equipment for the front and rear seats. Advanced driver assistance systems were optional, with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert available on most trims. The Wrangler received a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA. The IIHS awarded Good ratings for side-impact protection and moderate overlap frontal-impact tests, though the small overlap frontal-impact test resulted in a Marginal rating.