2025 Lincoln Aviator vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator, built on a rear-wheel-drive platform shared with the Ford Explorer, boasted classic design proportions. Its blunt nose, short front overhang, and appealing dash-to-axle ratio contributed to its sports wagon-like appearance, despite being an SUV. The Aviator's styling, however, was perceived as less elegant and more generic in 2025, 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. The Aviator's remote keyless entry fob was a letdown, but its Phone as a Key technology and touchpad entry system were appreciated. The Aviator was available in Premiere, Reserve, and Black Label trims, with our test vehicle in Reserve trim featuring optional AWD, Whisper Blue paint, and several packages, bringing its MSRP to $83,550.

In contrast, the 2025 Mazda CX-90 exuded a luxury SUV vibe with its lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels. Its sculptural sheet metal and athletic stance gave it a premium look. Inside, the CX-90's interior featured polished metallic trim, Nappa leather, and clearly marked switchgear, though some materials reflected its competitive price. Ergonomics were a concern, with a confusing electronic shifter and counterintuitive climate controls. Despite these issues, the CX-90's sophistication stood out among midsize three-row crossover SUVs. Our test vehicle, a 3.3 Turbo with Premium Plus trim, had an MSRP of $51,450, including extra-cost Soul Red paint.

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 firmed up in Excite mode, but the Aviator's mission was more about comfort than excitement. The V6 provided ample power for acceleration and passing, though fuel economy was disappointing at 17.7 mpg observed, compared to the EPA's 20 mpg combined rating. The Aviator's sightlines were clear, aided by thin windshield pillars and large sideview mirrors. However, the ride quality suffered on rough roads due to the heavy 22-inch wheels and thin tires. The adaptive Air Glide suspension excelled at maintaining composure, but the Aviator's driving character didn't encourage spirited driving.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo's drivetrain, featuring a turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six engine, produced 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. The 3.3 Turbo S variant offered 319 hp and 369 lb-ft, with 340 hp on premium gas. Power was channeled through an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD, with a rear-wheel bias for better dynamics. The CX-90 offered Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing modes, with a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. The EPA rated both the 3.3 Turbo and 3.3 Turbo S at 25 mpg combined, but we observed 21.3 mpg. The CX-90's ride and handling impressed, but drivetrain refinement was lacking, with unpredictable power delivery and transmission behavior. Noise and impact harshness were noticeable, and the electronic shifter was fussy. Despite these flaws, the CX-90's suspension provided a communicative and engaging driving experience.

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 roomy and supportive, with heating and ventilation, but lacked massage functions. The third-row seat 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 under the armrest. The Aviator provided 19.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 42.7 cu-ft with the third row folded, and a maximum of 78.6 cu-ft.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's interior featured Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row captain's chairs. However, the three-zone climate control system struggled to cool the cabin quickly. The front seats were comfortable, but the ventilation was less effective. The panoramic sunroof provided natural light, and second-row passengers enjoyed elevated seating positions. The third row was best suited for children, with limited support for adults. Storage space was limited, with a shallow bin under the center armrest and stingy door panel storage. The CX-90 offered 14.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 40 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 74.2 cubic feet.

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, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. However, the Google Assistant struggled with voice prompts, making wireless Apple CarPlay and Siri more reliable. The Aviator's 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D sound system provided an excellent audio experience. The head-up display offered a widescreen presentation of data, including lane departure warnings and blind-spot alerts.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's dashboard featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. The infotainment screen was touch-sensitive only with wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, requiring the use of a knob and buttons for the native Mazda Connect platform. Mazda's voice recognition system was inconsistent, but a new Google Built-in infotainment system was expected in future models. The test vehicle's 12-speaker Bose audio system delivered a rewarding listening experience, and the Active Driving Display provided helpful data.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator came equipped 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 standard, providing a four-year subscription. The Aviator earned five-star ratings from the NHTSA and Good ratings from the IIHS, indicating strong safety performance.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA for the PHEV model. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. Higher trim levels added steering assist, emergency lane-keeping assist, front cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera system. The CX-90's driver aids generally met expectations, though the speed reduction feature was irritating.