Lyriq vs Aviator
In the midsize luxury suv class, the Lyriq and the Aviator are natural rivals. Across 3 compared areas, the Aviator takes 2. The widest gap shows up under engine & performance.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Aviator wins
- Space & Practicality Aviator wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Price Lyriq wins
- Engine & Performance2.6
- Engine & Performance4.0
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The Aviator has 90 lb-ft more torque
This is one of the widest gaps in the whole comparison: 415 lb-ft for the Aviator versus 325 lb-ft for the Lyriq. The Aviator’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
-
The Aviator has 35 hp more power
The Aviator wins this narrowly, 400 hp against 365 hp, which makes it more of a bonus than a reason to buy. The Aviator’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
-
The Aviator has room for 6 seats
The Aviator has a modest edge on seats: 6 seats against 5 seats for the Lyriq. The Aviator has room for more passengers, useful for growing families and carpools.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Lyriq | Aviator |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 196.7 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 77.8 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 121.8 in | 119.1 in |
Engine & Performance
Aviator leads
The Aviator clearly takes the engine & performance round. The Aviator delivers 90 lb-ft more torque. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type. Anyone shopping mainly on engine & performance should start with the Aviator.
Torque
Lyriq: 325 lb-ft Aviator: 415 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Total system output
Lyriq: 365 hp Aviator: 400 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Space & Practicality
Aviator leads
The Aviator has the slight upper hand on space & practicality. The Aviator adds room for 6 seats. Third-row seats are often best for kids, so check legroom figures if adults will sit there. That makes the Aviator the natural choice for buyers focused on space & practicality.
Seats
Lyriq: 5 seats Aviator: 6 seats Extra seats mean you can take more people along without taking a second car.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Call the off-road & towing round a draw. Both cover off-road & towing well enough that other priorities should break the tie.
Safety & Tech
There isn’t a number to compare on safety & tech, just names. Look at the rows below to see how the Lyriq and the Aviator differ.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Lyriq | Aviator |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Battery electric | Gas |
| Engine | Single-motor electric | 3.0L twin-turbo V6 |
| Total system output | 365 hp | 400 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 325 lb-ft | 415 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | Single-speed | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD (AWD available) | RWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Lyriq | Aviator |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | N/A (not specified) | 21 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | N/A (not specified) | 18 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | N/A (not specified) | 25 mpg |
| Electric range | 326 mi | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Lyriq | Aviator |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats (winner) |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 28 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 60.8 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Lyriq | Aviator |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | N/A (not specified) | 6,700 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Lyriq | Aviator |
|---|---|---|
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto | N/A (not specified) |
| Driver-assist suite | N/A (not specified) | Lincoln Co-Pilot360 |
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Lyriq | Aviator |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 196.7 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 77.8 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 121.8 in | 119.1 in |
Price
| Spec | Lyriq | Aviator |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $58,595 | $59,295 |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Price & Value
The launch price difference is small: $700, favoring the Lyriq. For $700 more, the Aviator adds 90 lb-ft more torque and 35 hp more power. Whether that’s good value depends on how much you need those upgrades.
Launch prices (US) as of launch. Discounts and bundles come and go, so compare current prices before buying.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Lyriq if…
- you want the lower price and can live with the trade-offs ($700 less)
- you’re comfortable with how Cadillac does things
Choose the Aviator if…
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (415 lb-ft vs 325 lb-ft of torque)
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (400 hp vs 365 hp)
- you regularly carry extra passengers (6 seats vs 5 seats)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Lyriq or the Aviator?
For most people, the Aviator is the stronger choice, unless you want to keep that $700 difference in your pocket.
Which costs less, the Lyriq or the Aviator?
The Lyriq is the cheaper option, launching at $700 less than the Aviator (launch prices as of launch).
Executive Summary
Comparing the Lyriq and the Aviator feels a bit like comparing two good restaurants with different menus. It’s hard to argue with 90 lb-ft more torque, which is exactly what the Aviator brings. I’d also count room for 6 seats in the Aviator’s favor.
The way I see it, people who prioritize price will be happier with the Lyriq, and those who prioritize engine & performance with the Aviator.
My pick: the Aviator. The Lyriq only comes out ahead if every dollar counts and $700 is a real sum for you.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.