If you've experienced Lincoln SUV luxury, you know there's no poor pick, whether you choose the 2025 Lincoln Navigator or Aviator. The commanding Navigator is a comfort-focused, full-size SUV. The Aviator is a sophisticated midsize SUV. Both take center stage in their respective segments, offering high-end comfort and indulgent convenience. But which is bigger, the Lincoln Navigator or the Aviator? And which SUV should you invest in? Read our 2025 Lincoln Navigator vs. Aviator comparative guide to help you pick the ideal model for driving in Bakersfield, California.
Exterior Dimensions Comparison
The 2025 Lincoln Navigator has an assertive presence. Its signature grille and expansive dimensions attract attention. Is the Lincoln Navigator larger than the Aviator? Yes, and the specs make that clear. The 2025 Lincoln Navigator is 94.6 inches wide and 78 inches high, with standard 22-inch wheels. Its base model is 210 inches long, with the L models stretching to 221.9 inches long.
The Lincoln Aviator is 199.7 inches long, 89.9 inches wide, and 69.6 inches high. As a premium midsize SUV, it has a more athletic exterior design and showcases the iconic Lincoln grille. Depending on the trim, it comes with 20-, 21-, or 22-inch wheels.
The Navigator provides more cabin room, but the Aviator is easier to handle on narrow roads and in small parking areas. The Navigator takes the crown when comparing the Lincoln Aviator vs. Navigator in physical size, but both exude the Lincoln brand's luxury.
Interior Space
The 2025 Lincoln Navigator is a family SUV, seating up to eight passengers across three rows. Its spacious interior offers plenty of room. The headroom, legroom, hip room, and shoulder room for each row are as follows:
- Front row: 38.3 / 43.5 / 61.9 / 65.3 inches
- Second row: 39.7 / 40.9 / 61.7 / 65.1 inches
- Third row: 37.4 / 36.5 / 51.4 / 64.2 inches
Besides adult-friendly third-row seating, the sumptuous Navigator showcases genuine wood accents, tri-zone climate control, and a 48-inch display with customizable themes. A Panoramic Vista Roof, ambient lighting, and first- and second-row leather seating are standard. The range-topping Black Label trim features third-row leather, heated seats, and a rear-seat entertainment system.
With its PowerFold rear seat configuration and second-row bench seat, the feature-rich 2025 Lincoln Aviator can seat up to seven passengers in the Premiere and Reserve models and six in the Black Label trim. While it doesn't offer as much interior space as the flagship Navigator, it provides ample room. The headroom, legroom, and hip room for each row are as follows:
- Front row: 40.2 / 43 / 58.5 inches
- Second row: 38.4 / 39 / 58.3 inches
- Third row: 36.9 / 29.2 / 40.9 inches
The Aviator offers generous standard features, including a 13.2-inch touch screen with a center stack display, tri-zone climate controls, and heated first-row seats.
Cargo Capacity and Storage
The 2025 Navigator offers generous cargo room for gear, groceries, and luggage. You can enjoy up to 36.1 cubic feet behind the third row and a spacious 121.6 cubic feet with all the rear seats folded in the L models. The more compact Aviator provides ample storage for a weekend getaway, with a capacious 19.2 cubic feet behind the third row and 78.6 cubic feet behind the first row of seats.
Both luxury SUVs feature flexible seating configurations, underfloor storage, and power-folding rear seats to make loading easier. For larger families or frequent travelers, the Navigator's expanded cargo area compels you to plan a road trip.
Performance and Driving Experience
The 2025 Lincoln Navigator delivers a bold and capable performance with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 engine that generates 440 horsepower. Its full-size platform and robust powertrain offer confident acceleration and a towing capacity of up to 8,700 pounds. The Lincoln Aviator features a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 with 400 horsepower and a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.
While the Aviator still packs plenty of strength, its smaller size gives it a distinct advantage in agility, especially in city traffic. The Navigator's larger dimensions give it a more striking road presence and a smoother ride at highway speeds, though it may require extra attention in compact urban environments.
Driving dynamics vary noticeably; the Aviator feels quick and responsive, and the Navigator is composed and powerful. Size influences the experience. The Navigator's long wheelbase adds stability for towing and open-road cruising, while the Aviator's shorter body delivers easier handling for everyday use. Each SUV offers luxury-level performance, but the Navigator takes the lead in raw capability and space-driven comfort.
Which SUV Is Right for You?
Choosing between the 2025 Lincoln Navigator and Lincoln Aviator depends on how much space you need and how you plan to use your SUV. The Navigator offers generous room for up to eight passengers, with expansive cargo space and immense towing capacity. It may be the perfect fit if you have a large family, are a road trip enthusiast, or want the most space Lincoln offers. With its strong presence and roomy interior, the Navigator easily handles long hauls, gear-heavy adventures, and everyday family life.
While still offering three rows of seating, the midsize Aviator is better if you prioritize refinement and performance in a more compact package. It's ideal if you have a smaller family or regularly commute in Bakersfield, as it delivers luxury, advanced technology, and powerful performance. Both models offer upscale comfort, but your lifestyle will determine which Lincoln SUV offers the right balance of space, capability, and convenience.
Explore SUV Driving Excellence at Jim Burke Lincoln in Bakersfield
The 2025 Lincoln Navigator and Lincoln Aviator deliver luxurious comfort, sophisticated features, and iconic Lincoln design. The commanding Navigator offers space and presence, while the Aviator boasts agility and compact luxury. To experience them for yourself, view our current incentives or visit us at Jim Burke Lincoln in Bakersfield to schedule a test-drive. Why not take them both for a spin to choose the SUV that fits your needs? In the meantime, browse our Lincoln Navigator inventory or view available Lincoln Aviator models online.