2025 Lincoln Aviator vs 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator was built on a rear-wheel-drive platform shared with the Ford Explorer, giving it classic design proportions. It featured a blunt nose, short front overhang, and a tapered roofline that, while compromising third-row passenger room, created an alluring silhouette. The design was more akin to a sports wagon than a traditional SUV, though the 2025 styling updates were seen 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 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 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid presented a bold design that could polarize opinions, particularly with its flat, faceless grille. The vehicle's personality changed significantly with different colors and trim levels, with darker shades blending more harmoniously. The X-Line and X-Pro models featured distinctive grille designs and amber accent lights. The side profile was bold, with angular fender sculpting and unusual black plastic tabs atop each wheel well. The rear view adopted a different style, with rounded corners and vertical taillights reminiscent of a Range Rover. Inside, the Telluride's interior was less controversial, featuring a simple horizontal dashboard layout and a modern appearance. The Hybrid SX Prestige trim offered a luxurious two-tone palette, though the labeling on buttons was difficult to read.

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, though the Aviator was not particularly exciting to drive. The EPA fuel economy rating was 20 mpg in combined driving, but real-world testing showed 17.7 mpg. The Aviator provided clear sightlines and a 360-degree camera view for parking. However, the ride quality was affected by larger bumps, and the oversized tires generated noticeable road noise. The adaptive Air Glide suspension excelled at canceling excessive body motions, ensuring a composed and calming ride.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with electric motors, producing 329 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque. It was paired with a six-speed transmission and was not available in the off-road-capable X-Pro trims. The Hybrid offered a quiet ride, with seamless transitions between electric and gas power. The Telluride was tuned for comfort, delivering a smooth ride even in the X-Pro Prestige trim with its lifted off-road suspension. The Hybrid SX Prestige had a stiffer ride with its 20-inch wheels, but the suspension managed to absorb bumps effectively. On winding roads, the Telluride was composed and controllable, though not particularly sporty. The brake pedal effort was soft, but brake response was immediate in panic stops.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator offered 30-way adjustable Perfect Position front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, providing exceptional comfort. The second-row captain’s chairs were roomy and supportive, with heating and ventilation. However, the third-row seats were low and unsupportive, with limited legroom. Storage space was excellent, with a smartphone charging pad, tray for keys, and cupholders in the center console. 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 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid offered ample space for adults in all three rows, though the third-row seat cushions were low, reducing thigh support. The second row featured power-adjustable seats with heating and ventilation, comparable to a business-class airline seat. The middle-row seats had significant travel, allowing for more cargo or third-row legroom. The Telluride provided 22.3 cu-ft of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 48.7 cu-ft with the seatbacks folded, and a maximum of 89.3 cu-ft. The Hybrid models lost only about one cubic foot of cargo space. The Telluride could tow up to 5,000 pounds, or 4,500 for the Hybrid.

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 included Google Built-in, Alexa Built-in, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the Google Assistant struggled with voice prompts, though wireless Apple CarPlay and Siri worked well. The Aviator offered a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D sound system and an excellent head-up display with a widescreen presentation of data.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid came with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 5-inch touchscreen for climate controls. It included a native navigation system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and dual wireless phone chargers. The infotainment system was easy to use, though there were delays in response and the climate control screen was difficult to use while driving. The Telluride offered a 14-speaker Meridian premium audio system with powerful bass and clear tones.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator included the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Drive 2.0 suite of advanced driver assistance systems, with features like active blind-spot monitoring, intersection assist, and evasive steering assist. BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assistance system, was standard, offering a four-year subscription. The Aviator earned five-star ratings from the NHTSA and Good ratings from the IIHS.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid included standard advanced safety features like frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims offered a surround-view camera system and automatic reverse braking. The driver attention monitor had operational issues at night, and the blind-spot cameras were more distracting than helpful. The highway driving assist was effective on longer trips.