Compare the2026 Lexus GXVS 2026 Lincoln Aviator

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, Full-Time Four-Wheel Drive is standard on the GX. But it costs extra on the Aviator.

The Lexus GX offers an optional Panoramic View Monitor and it also offers an optional rear camera washer to make backing always safe, regardless of road dirt or grime, while the Lincoln Aviator doesn’t offer a camera washer, requiring manual cleaning.

Both the GX and the Aviator have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available around view monitors.

The Lexus GX weighs 723 to 965 pounds more than the Lincoln Aviator. The NHTSA advises that heavier vehicles are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH, results indicate that the Lexus GX is safer than the Lincoln Aviator:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The GX’s corrosion warranty is 1 year longer than the Aviator’s (6 vs. 5 years).

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the GX’s reliability 43 points higher than the Aviator.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are better in initial quality than Lincoln vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus first in initial quality, above the industry average. With 40 more problems per 100 vehicles, Lincoln is ranked 19th, below the industry average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Lincoln vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus first in reliability, above the industry average. With 81 more problems per 100 vehicles, Lincoln is ranked 24th.

The GX’s 3.4 turbo V6 produces 64 lbs.-ft. more torque (479 vs. 415) than the Aviator’s 3.0 turbo V6.

The GX has almost a gallon more fuel capacity than the Aviator (21.1 vs. 20.2 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The GX has a standard locking fuel door. The fuel filler door is not lockable on the Aviator. A locking fuel door helps prevent fuel theft and vandalism, such as sugar in the tank.

For better stopping power the GX’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the Aviator:

The GX stops shorter than the Aviator:

For better traction, the GX has larger tires than the Aviator (265/55R20 vs. 255/55R20).

The Lexus GX’s wheels have 6 lugs for longer wheel bearing life, less chance of rotor warping and greater strength. The Lincoln Aviator only has 5 wheel lugs per wheel.

The GX has a standard full size spare tire so a flat doesn’t interrupt your trip. A full size spare isn’t available on the Aviator; it requires you to depend on a temporary spare, which has mileage and speed limitations, or roadside assistance and a tow-truck.

The GX Overtrail has active sway bars, which help keep it flat and controlled during cornering, but disconnect at lower speeds to smooth the ride and offer greater off-road suspension articulation. This helps keep the tires glued to the road on-road and off. The Aviator doesn’t offer an active sway bar system.

For greater off-road capability the GX 550 Overtrail has a 1.1 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the Aviator (9.8 vs. 8.7 inches), allowing the GX to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the GX’s middle and third row seats recline. The Aviator’s third row seats don’t recline.

The GX’s cargo area provides more volume than the Aviator.

The GX’s rear cargo window opens separately from the rest of the liftgate door to allow quicker loading of small packages. The Aviator’s rear cargo window doesn’t open.

The GX’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the Aviator’s (9063 vs. 5000 pounds). Maximum trailer towing in the Lincoln Aviator is only 5000 pounds. The GX offers up to a 9096 lbs. towing capacity.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Lexus service is better than Lincoln. J.D. Power ranks Lexus second in service department satisfaction. With a 27% lower rating, Lincoln is ranked 15th.

The GX’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The Aviator does not have an oil pressure gauge.

The GX’s standard Smart Access allow you to unlock the doors from any outside door handle, open the cargo door, and start the engine, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Intelligent Access standard on the Aviator doesn’t offer a sensor on the rear doors, so you’ll have to reach a front handle to unlock the rear door.

In poor weather, headlights can lose their effectiveness as grime builds up on their lenses. This can reduce visibility without the driver realizing. The GX offers available headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The Aviator doesn’t offer headlight washers.

When the GX is put in reverse, both rearview mirrors tilt from their original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirrors into their original positions. The Aviator’s mirrors don’t automatically adjust for backing.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Lexus GX, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Lincoln Aviator isn't recommended.

The Lexus GX outsold the Lincoln Aviator by 23% during 2024.