Considering a luxury SUV? It's not hard to see the appeal of one, since they offer a combination of status, modern technology, comfort and practicality that you may not find in other basic models. Two popular choices you can consider are the 2025 Lincoln Aviator and 2025 Hyundai PALISADE, both catering to different segments of the luxury car segment.
Which vehicle you opt for depends on your lifestyle and needs: the PALISADE gives you an upscale experience, but the Aviator provides you with a truly luxurious experience. Check out this detailed comparison to find out the key differences between both models and the advantages the Lincoln Aviator has over the Hyundai PALISADE.
Overview of the Models
The 2025 Lincoln Aviator is the mid-sized option from Ford's luxury SUV segment. Spacious and packed with style, premium materials, and advanced technology, you can expect some of the best luxurious features you can find in a luxury vehicle with a price tag of almost $60,000. The Aviator also features a signature Quiet Flight design philosophy for a quiet and comfortable ride, something many drivers and passengers alike can appreciate if they stay in a bustling city.
In contrast, the 2025 Hyundai PALISADE sits at the upper end of the mainstream segment. Although it has premium features, the PALISADE isn't exactly considered a luxury vehicle, but it's a vehicle you will be interested in if you're looking for a vehicle with good value and premium features.
Performance and Powertrain
If you're driving a vehicle daily and taking it on long trips, its performance is going to be a key factor when you purchase one. Between both SUVs, the 2025 Lincoln Aviator has a clear advantage over the Hyundai PALISADE. The Aviator is powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 engine, producing 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, outshining the PALISADE's 3.8-liter V-6 engine, which produces 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. The Aviator also has an electrified option in the Aviator Grand Touring model - the EV offers a plug-in hybrid powertrain that produces up to 494 horsepower and 630 lb-ft of torque.
In case you're thinking about towing something with your luxury vehicle, the Aviator has a super towing capacity of up to 6,700 pounds over the PALISADE's 5,000 pounds. This might not be a huge factor if you aren't planning to take your luxury vehicle on a road trip, but it can come in handy for surprise situations.
Interior Features and Comfort
We can talk about performance and specifications all we want, but what most drivers and passengers care for is the interior and comfort, especially if they're going to spend a long time in a vehicle. Lincoln really puts attention to detail with the Aviator, adorning the cabin with genuine leather, open-pore wood, and aluminum accents to give you a first-class experience. Other features like heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and massage chairs are also present, in case the other features aren't luxurious enough already.
The PALISADE also isn't too shoddy itself. Its cabin has leather upholstery and comfortable soft-touch materials, but it doesn't really hit the same luxurious feel without the same features as the Lincoln (heated and massage seats for the win, after all).
What also sets the Aviator apart from the Lincoln's Quiet Flight design, a philosophy that lets you experience a blissful sanctuary in the SUV. Think less road and wind noise, so you can relax and enjoy the ride free from distractions.
Technology and Infotainment
Of course, in 2025, every vehicle is expected to have a suite of technology and infotainment features that can keep up with modern times. The 2025 Lincoln Aviator provides just that, including a 13.2-inch touch-screen infotainment system paired with a user-friendly digital driver display that is easy to understand and use. On top of that, the SYNC 4 infotainment system simplifies your digital driving experience with seamless smartphone integration and voice-activated commands.
One other handy feature that the Aviator has is the Lincoln's Phone As a Key technology, a tool that lets you unlock, start, and drive your car without a physical key fob. Pretty useful if you don't want to be carrying your key fob everywhere!
While the PALISADE features a slightly smaller 12.3-inch touchscreen, it still has a pretty solid tech package. One key feature is the advanced rear seat entertainment system, a godsend for parents drivers who need to drive their children everywhere while banishing backseat boredom.
Safety Features
Of course, however powerful or fun a vehicle may be, safety is still a top priority for drivers on the road. Both the Aviator and PALISADE offer a range of advanced-assistance features. The Aviator has a handy Co-Pilot360 2.1 Plus Suite, but what stands out is the ActiveGlide 1.2, which lets you take your hands off the wheel while the car handles almost everything on major highways.
The PALISADE also has Hyundai's trusty SmartSense safety suite, including features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and forward collision warning. if you're looking for a vehicle to drive safely in, both models have great safety ratings to give you peace of mind on the road.
Pricing and Value
The Aviator's price tag is a hefty one, with an MSRP starting at $58,930. However, this price tag will be worth it since the SUV's features and interior reflects a superior build quality with advanced technology for a connected and convenient ride.
While the Aviator's higher price point is justifiable, not many people might want to pay close to $60,000 for a vehicle. That's where the PALISADE comes in. With a lower starting MSRP of $36,650, the PALISADE prove to be a good budget-friendly choice if you want to enjoy some of the features you can usually find in a luxury vehicle.
Experience the 2025 Lincoln Aviator at Jim Burke Lincoln Today
Ultimately, the right car for you will really depend on your lifestyle and most importantly, your budget. If you're in the market for a classy and well-equipped luxury SUV and can afford it, the 2025 Lincoln Aviator is the clear choice between the two if you're comfortable with the price tag.
You can learn more about the 2025 Lincoln Aviator by visiting Jim Burke Lincoln in Bakersfield, California. Contact us and schedule a test-drive to experience the Aviator firsthand, or explore our inventory online. Discover the benefits of owning a Lincoln today.