2025 Nissan Armada vs 2026 Lincoln Aviator

$57,520 · SUV

$56,910 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The battle lines are drawn between the brute force of the 2025 Nissan Armada and the refined elegance of the 2026 Lincoln Aviator. The Armada hits the pavement like a powerhouse, boasting a massive 425 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, capitalizing on its traditional SUV ruggedness, although this grunt comes with a cost, achieving only 18 combined MPG. In contrast, the Lincoln Aviator, though smaller at 199.7 inches long, offers a sleeker crossover profile paired with a potent 400 hp engine and a smoother 10-speed automatic transmission. While the Armada is significantly taller at 76.6 inches, the Aviator prioritizes passenger comfort and a slightly lower starting MSRP of $56,910 compared to the Armada’s $57,520. For sheer capability and off-the-line muscle, the Armada leads, but the Aviator attempts to bridge the gap with efficiency and slightly better highway fuel economy projections (implied by the 18 MPG combined rating difference).

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Lincoln Aviator

The Lincoln Aviator is likely the better daily commuter due to its smaller footprint (199.7 inches long) and better potential fuel economy figures.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Nissan Armada

The Nissan Armada offers superior bulk and presence, standing significantly taller at 76.6 inches and providing more passenger volume headroom.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Nissan Armada

The Armada excites driving enthusiasts with its dominant 516 lb-ft of torque and 425 hp output, substantially more than the Aviator's 400 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Lincoln Aviator

The Lincoln Aviator edges out the competition with a lower entry price point at $56,910 against the Armada's $57,520.

Choose the Nissan Armada if...

You demand maximum power, highlighted by the Armada's 425 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque.
You prefer the traditional, boxy SUV proportions, evidenced by its massive 76.6-inch height.
You need the raw towing strength suggested by its large displacement V8 powertrain architecture (implied by specs).

Choose the Lincoln Aviator if...

You value a slightly lower entry price, as the Aviator starts at $56,910 versus the Armada's $57,520.
You prioritize the responsiveness of a 10-speed automatic transmission over the Armada's 9-speed unit.
You prefer a more maneuverable vehicle, given the Aviator is almost 10 inches shorter in overall length (199.7 inches).

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Nissan Armada	Lincoln Aviator
Length	209.6"	199.7"
Width	83.3"	79.6"
Height	76.6"	69.2"
Wheelbase	121.1"	119.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Nissan	Lincoln
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	✓	—
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Nissan	Lincoln
Base Engine Displacement	3.5 L	3.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	V6
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	425 hp @ 5600 rpm	400 hp
Torque	516 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm	415 lb-ft
Number of Valves	24	24
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Nissan	Lincoln
Transmission Type	9-speed shiftable automatic	10-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	rear wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Nissan	Lincoln
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	16/20 MPG	—
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	18 MPG	—
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	377.6/472.0 mi.	0/0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	23.6 gal.	20.2 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Nissan	Lincoln
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	—
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	—
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front View Camera	—	✓
Side View Camera	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors with Side Sensing	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Nissan	Lincoln
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	13.2 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	10
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months
Radio Data System (RDS)	✓	—
Subwoofer Count	—	1
Rear Volume Controls	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Nissan	Lincoln
One-Touch Power Windows	2	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass Extended

Frontseats

Feature	Nissan	Lincoln
Front Head Room	41.6 in.	40.2 in.
Front Leg Room	43.8 in.	43.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	64.2 in.	61.5 in.
Front Hip Room	59.9 in.	58.5 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	10-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	4-way	8-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	3
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Nissan	Lincoln
Rear Head Room	40.0 in.	38.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.2 in.	40.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	63.7 in.	61.3 in.
Rear Hip Room	59.9 in.	58.3 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Power Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Nissan	Lincoln
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 8.0 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	265/70R18	255/55R20
Spare Tire Type	Full Size Non-Matching	—
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	—
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	—	20 in.

Suspension

Feature	Nissan	Lincoln
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Nissan	Lincoln
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	6 yr./ 70000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	unlimited yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	2 yr./ 24000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Nissan Armada and 2026 Lincoln Aviator.

How much more powerful is the 2025 Nissan Armada than the 2026 Lincoln Aviator?

The Nissan Armada boasts a significant power advantage, producing 425 horsepower compared to the Aviator's 400 horsepower, a difference of 25 hp. This translates directly into 516 lb-ft of torque for the Armada versus the Aviator's 415 lb-ft.

Which vehicle is the better choice for fuel efficiency?

Based on the combined MPG data provided, the Lincoln Aviator will be the more efficient choice, as the Armada is rated at 18 combined MPG and runs on recommended premium unleaded. While the Aviator's specific MPG is unlisted, the 18 MPG rating for the Armada indicates a clear gap exists favoring the crossover.

Does the difference in MSRP significantly separate these two SUVs?

The difference in Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is minimal at launch. The Armada starts at $57,520, while the Aviator is slightly cheaper at $56,910, resulting in less than a $600 entry price differential.

Which vehicle offers more utility space for cargo?

The 2025 Nissan Armada offers slightly more dedicated cargo space when comparing the listed figures, providing 20.4 cubic feet versus the 2026 Lincoln Aviator's 19.2 cubic feet. However, both utilize a RWD-based architecture.

Are both SUVs using RWD configurations?

Yes, both the 2025 Nissan Armada and the 2026 Lincoln Aviator are specified as having a Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) configuration from the factory.

How do the transmissions compare between the two models?

The Lincoln Aviator utilizes a 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission, offering an extra gear over the 2025 Nissan Armada’s 9-speed shiftable automatic.