TX 350 vs Aviator
The TX 350 and the Aviator compete for the same spot on your shortlist, with Lexus and Lincoln each making its case. The TX 350 and the Aviator split the honors, with fuel economy & range going to the TX 350 and engine & performance going to the Aviator.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Aviator wins
- Fuel Economy & Range TX 350 wins
- Space & Practicality TX 350 wins
- Off-road & Towing Aviator wins
- Price TX 350 wins
- Engine & Performance1.2
- Fuel Economy & Range8.6
- Off-road & Towing5.5
- Engine & Performance4.0
- Fuel Economy & Range7.2
- Off-road & Towing7.9
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
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The Aviator has 125 hp more power
Among all the differences on this page, 400 hp against 275 hp is one of the most meaningful, and it favors the Aviator. The Aviator’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
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The Aviator has 1,700 lb more towing capacity
The TX 350 gives up a lot on max towing: 5,000 lb, compared with 6,700 lb on the Aviator. Towing ratings depend on configuration and equipment, so check the exact trim you’re looking at.
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The Aviator has 98 lb-ft more torque
Few buyers will miss this one. The Aviator brings 415 lb-ft to the table; the TX 350 brings 317 lb-ft. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
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The TX 350 has better fuel economy
On fuel economy (combined), the TX 350 edges out the Aviator, 23 mpg to 21 mpg. The TX 350 uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
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The TX 350 has room for 7 seats
Don’t expect a night-and-day difference here. 7 seats against 6 seats is a small but genuine lead for the TX 350. The TX 350 has room for more passengers, useful for growing families and carpools.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | TX 350 | Aviator |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 203.2 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 78.4 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 70.1 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 116.1 in | 119.1 in |
Engine & Performance
Aviator leads
If engine & performance is high on your list, the Aviator makes the stronger case by a wide margin. The Aviator steps ahead thanks to 125 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. Net result: the Aviator leads this part of the comparison.
Total system output
TX 350: 275 hp Aviator: 400 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Torque
TX 350: 317 lb-ft Aviator: 415 lb-ft The Aviator’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Fuel Economy & Range
TX 350 leads
The fuel economy & range numbers point firmly in one direction: toward the TX 350. On the TX 350, you get better fuel economy. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold. That makes the TX 350 the natural choice for buyers focused on fuel economy & range.
Fuel economy (combined)
TX 350: 23 mpg Aviator: 21 mpg Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
Fuel economy (city)
TX 350: 21 mpg Aviator: 18 mpg City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
Space & Practicality
TX 350 leads
The space & practicality comparison is tighter than it first looks, with the TX 350 marginally ahead. The TX 350 takes this one with room for 7 seats. Third-row seats are often best for kids, so check legroom figures if adults will sit there. On space & practicality alone, the TX 350 gets the nod.
Seats
TX 350: 7 seats Aviator: 6 seats Extra seats mean you can take more people along without taking a second car.
Off-road & Towing
Aviator leads
No contest in off-road & towing: the Aviator is the stronger of the two. Choose the Aviator and you get 1,700 lb more towing capacity. A higher towing capacity lets you pull bigger trailers, boats and campers. For anyone who cares most about off-road & towing, the Aviator is the safer choice.
Max towing
TX 350: 5,000 lb Aviator: 6,700 lb If you tow regularly, the Aviator’s higher rating gives you more margin.
Safety & Tech
There isn’t a number to compare on safety & tech, just names. Look at the rows below to see how the TX 350 and the Aviator differ.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | TX 350 | Aviator |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.4L turbo I4 | 3.0L twin-turbo V6 |
| Total system output | 275 hp | 400 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 317 lb-ft | 415 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | RWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | TX 350 | Aviator |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 23 mpg (winner) | 21 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 21 mpg (winner) | 18 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 27 mpg (winner) | 25 mpg |
| Fuel tank | 17.8 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | TX 350 | Aviator |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 7 seats (winner) | 6 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 20.2 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 97 cu ft Most room, seats folded | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | TX 350 | Aviator |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 5,000 lb | 6,700 lb (winner) |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | TX 350 | Aviator |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 14 in | 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 | TX 350 | Aviator |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 203.2 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 78.4 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 70.1 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 116.1 in | 119.1 in |
Price
| Spec | TX 350 | Aviator |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $56,940 (winner) | $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 Aviator carried a slight premium of $2,355 at launch. For a mixed result like this, the TX 350 and its $2,355 saving is the default, unless the Aviator’s strengths are exactly what you need.
Prices shown are US launch prices as of launch. Retail prices change often, so it’s worth checking current offers.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the TX 350 if…
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (23 mpg vs 21 mpg combined)
- you regularly carry extra passengers (7 seats vs 6 seats)
- you want better city fuel economy (21 mpg vs 18 mpg)
- you cover long highway distances (27 mpg vs 25 mpg on the highway)
- you want more value for your money ($2,355 less at launch)
Choose the Aviator if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (400 hp vs 275 hp)
- you want the higher towing capacity (6,700 lb vs 5,000 lb)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (415 lb-ft vs 317 lb-ft of torque)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the TX 350 or the Aviator?
There’s no single right answer. The TX 350 leads on fuel economy & range and the Aviator on engine & performance.
Is the TX 350 cheaper than the Aviator?
The TX 350 is the cheaper option, launching at $2,355 less than the Aviator (launch prices as of launch).
Executive Summary
Honestly, the TX 350 versus the Aviator is one of those matchups where your priorities matter more than the logo. For me, the deciding factor is that only the TX 350 gives you better fuel economy. It also helps that the TX 350 has room for 7 seats. Credit where it’s due: the Aviator offers 125 hp more power.
If your days lean on fuel economy & range, I’d pick the TX 350; if they lean on engine & performance, the Aviator.
My pick: the TX 350 if fuel economy & range is a daily concern, otherwise the Aviator for its engine & performance.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.