
2025 Lincoln Aviator vs Cadillac XT6: The Luxury SUV Showdown for St. Louis Families
If you’re shopping for a three-row luxury SUV in St. Louis, two names inevitably rise to the top of the list: the 2025 Lincoln Aviator and the 2025 Cadillac XT6. Both carry the prestige of American luxury badges, both are designed to move families in comfort, and both are strong contenders in this growing segment. But when St. Louis drivers compare them side by side, the Aviator consistently pulls ahead — delivering more power, refinement, and value for families navigating daily commutes, weekend adventures, and everything in between.
At Dave Sinclair Lincoln in St. Louis, we’ve guided countless shoppers through this exact comparison. Below, we break down the key differences in power, comfort, technology, safety, and ownership to help you understand why so many local families end up in a Lincoln Aviator.
1. Power That Moves You
The 2025 Lincoln Aviator comes standard with a twin-turbocharged 3.0L V6 that produces a commanding 400 horsepower. This isn’t just a number on paper — it translates directly into real-world performance that St. Louis drivers appreciate every time they merge onto I-64, climb the hills around Wildwood, or tow a boat down to the Lake of the Ozarks. The effortless acceleration instills confidence whether you’re passing traffic on I-270 or pulling away from a stoplight downtown.
By contrast, the Cadillac XT6 offers two engine options: a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder with 237 horsepower or a naturally aspirated V6 with 310 horsepower. Both are competent, but neither delivers the same seamless surge of power as the Aviator. St. Louis drivers who test drive both vehicles often remark that the Aviator feels far less strained when loaded with passengers and cargo — an important advantage for families who regularly road trip or carpool.
The Aviator also pairs its powerful engine with a smooth 10-speed automatic transmission, ensuring shifts are barely perceptible. Whether you’re stuck in stop-and-go traffic near the Arch or cruising along Route 141, the drivetrain delivers refinement at every speed. Cadillac’s transmission, while capable, doesn’t feel as polished under heavy acceleration.
2. First-Class Comfort in All Three Rows
Step inside the 2025 Lincoln Aviator, and it immediately sets a higher bar for luxury. The cabin is wrapped in soft-touch materials, real wood trim, and available leather that feels every bit as premium as luxury shoppers expect. Front passengers can enjoy available Perfect Position 30-way adjustable seats, a feature unmatched in this segment. For St. Louis families who spend hours commuting to work or traveling to soccer tournaments, that kind of customization pays dividends in reduced fatigue and increased comfort.
The second row is equally accommodating, with available captain’s chairs that make it easy for kids and adults alike to climb into the third row. Speaking of the third row, the Aviator stands out in the midsize luxury SUV category for providing space that is actually usable for adults. It may not rival a full-size SUV like the Lincoln Navigator, but compared to the Cadillac XT6, passengers will find the Aviator more generous in legroom and headroom.
Cadillac’s XT6 does offer a stylish interior, but it lacks some of the refinement you’ll find in the Lincoln. Noise insulation isn’t as advanced, meaning road noise from St. Louis’s brick streets or I-55 expansion joints is more noticeable. Materials are nice but not as upscale, and the third row is tighter, better suited for children than adults.
For families who routinely transport grandparents, friends, or teammates, that third-row usability becomes a deciding factor. Comfort matters — and in St. Louis, where trips can range from daily errands to long weekend getaways, the Aviator makes sure no one feels like they drew the short straw when seated in back.
3. Technology That Impresses
In today’s luxury SUVs, technology is more than a convenience — it’s a deciding factor. The Aviator delivers with Lincoln’s SYNC® 4 infotainment system, anchored by a large, easy-to-read touchscreen. The interface is intuitive from day one, whether you’re syncing your phone with wireless Apple CarPlay® or Android Auto™, navigating across the metro area, or streaming your favorite podcast on the drive home from Busch Stadium.
Available Revel® Ultima 3D Audio takes the listening experience to another level. Imagine driving along Forest Park Parkway with 28 speakers surrounding you in concert-quality sound. It’s a level of immersion that makes daily drives something to look forward to.
Cadillac’s CUE infotainment system, by comparison, has improved over the years but is still seen by many drivers as less responsive and harder to navigate while on the move. Touchscreen inputs can lag, and the menu system often requires more steps than Lincoln’s streamlined approach. For tech-savvy St. Louis drivers who expect immediacy and ease of use, that difference can quickly become frustrating.
The Aviator also integrates advanced connectivity features designed for busy families. Multiple USB ports, available wireless charging pads, and rear entertainment options keep passengers of all ages connected and entertained, whether it’s a drive across the river to Illinois or a weekend trip down I-44.
4. Standard Safety & Driver Assistance
Lincoln has made safety a cornerstone of its luxury brand, and the Aviator reflects that commitment. Every model comes equipped with Lincoln Co-Pilot360™, a suite of advanced driver-assist features that includes adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, blind spot detection, lane keeping assist, and pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking. For St. Louis drivers navigating congested interstates or busy city intersections, these features provide invaluable peace of mind.
Cadillac offers a comparable safety suite on the XT6, but many features are only available on higher trims or as part of optional packages. That means buyers may have to spend significantly more to match the level of protection the Aviator provides right out of the gate.
In practice, this difference matters. Consider driving on I-270 during rush hour, where stop-and-go traffic is the norm. Adaptive cruise control reduces fatigue by automatically adjusting your speed to match traffic flow. Or picture navigating the often-congested intersections near the St. Louis Zoo — blind spot monitoring and lane keeping assist make those daily challenges safer and less stressful. These aren’t just features on a spec sheet; they’re real-world tools that improve daily life.
5. The Lincoln Ownership Experience
While vehicle features and specs often dominate comparisons, ownership experience plays an equally important role in long-term satisfaction. Both Lincoln and Cadillac aim to deliver premium service, but Lincoln consistently goes a step further — particularly at Dave Sinclair Lincoln in St. Louis.
Every Lincoln Aviator owner enjoys perks such as:
- Pickup & Delivery Service for all maintenance — so you never waste time sitting in a waiting room.
- Complimentary car washes after service visits — keeping your SUV looking fresh whether you’re headed to the office or a night out at Ballpark Village.
- Concierge scheduling and VIP treatment — ensuring your service experience is seamless from start to finish.
- A welcoming, family-owned dealership experience — where relationships matter as much as vehicles.
Cadillac dealerships offer solid service, but Lincoln’s personalized, white-glove approach is designed to simplify life for busy St. Louis families. Customers routinely highlight these perks as reasons they remain loyal to the Lincoln brand year after year.
2025 Lincoln Aviator vs Cadillac XT6 – Key Specs
| Feature |
2025 Lincoln Aviator |
2025 Cadillac XT6 |
| Starting MSRP |
~$57,000 |
~$49,000 |
| Horsepower |
400 |
237–310 |
| Infotainment |
SYNC® 4, wireless CarPlay®/Android Auto®, available Revel® audio |
CUE system, CarPlay®/Android Auto® |
| Safety Suite |
Co-Pilot360™ |
Some features optional |
| Ride Quality |
Refined, quiet, powerful |
Comfortable but less refined |
| Ownership Perks |
Pickup & Delivery, concierge, car wash |
Standard service |
Why St. Louis Drivers Choose the Aviator
At the end of the day, luxury SUV shoppers in St. Louis are looking for a vehicle that combines power, comfort, technology, safety, and ownership value. The 2025 Lincoln Aviator delivers in all of these areas, offering more horsepower, a quieter and more refined ride, and a more upscale interior than the Cadillac XT6. Add to that the Lincoln ownership experience — designed to make life easier long after the purchase — and it’s clear why the Aviator stands as the stronger choice.
For families balancing downtown commutes, suburban errands, and road trips across Missouri and Illinois, the Aviator proves itself as the SUV that’s as versatile as it is luxurious.
📍 Visit Dave Sinclair Lincoln in St. Louis
We’re proud to be St. Louis’s home for American luxury. Explore our 2025 Lincoln Aviator inventory, schedule a test drive, or ask about current lease and finance offers today.
👉 Call 314-987-4700 or visit DaveSinclairLincolnStLouis.com
Tags: 2025 BMW Series, 2025 Cadillac XT6, 2025 Lincoln Aviator, New Cadillac SUVs, New Lincoln SUVs
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