Lincoln Aviator vs. Ford Explorer: Price, Power & Prestige

Choosing between the 2025 Lincoln Aviator vs. 2025 Ford Explorer? Both iconic SUVs offer compelling features tailored to different lifestyles and preferences.

Whether you're seeking luxury and advanced technology or everyday versatility and practicality, understanding the nuances between the Lincoln Aviator vs. Ford Explorer is the first step[ in an informed buying decision. Let’s explore these two iconic SUVs and help you drive away in your perfect fit.

Lincoln Aviator vs. Ford Explorer Design

Thoughtful Design Differences to Elevate Your Drive ✨

Lincoln Aviator

The Aviator makes an entrance. Crafted for those who want sophistication in every detail, the 2025 Aviator embraces high-end design and premium materials from grille to tailgate.

Exterior:

• Signature Lincoln grille flanked by adaptive pixel LED headlamps.

• Sleek profile enhanced by available 22-inch ultra-bright machined aluminum wheels.

• Jet Appearance Package available on Reserve and Black Label trims for blacked-out accents and a more aggressive silhouette.

• Chrome-accented quad exhaust outlets and hands-free power liftgate.

Interior:

• Available Savannah leather upholstery, genuine wood trim, and aluminum accents.

• Tri-zone or available quad-zone climate control with rear-seat controls.

• The Perfect Position Seats offer 30-way power adjustability with heating, cooling, and massage.

• Panoramic Vista Roof® floods the cabin with natural light for all three rows.

💡 When it comes to Lincoln Aviator vs. Ford Explorer specs, this SUV is tailored for couples and luxury-seekers who want a commanding vehicle that pampers passengers and turns heads.

Ford Explorer

The Explorer has evolved to match modern demands while honoring its origins of utility and adventure. For 2025, Ford sharpened the Explorer's visual appeal and upped the ante in style and versatility.

Exterior:

• A wider, more confident stance with sculpted lines and an updated grille.

• LED signature lighting and available 21-inch wheels on Platinum and ST trims.

• Distinct styling packages like the ST-Line Appearance Package for sportier aesthetics.

• Optional black roof rails and rugged skid plates on Timberline for off-road appeal.

Interior:

• Seating for 6 or 7 depending on second-row captain’s chairs or bench configuration.

• Standard cloth or optional ActiveX™ seating material; real leather in higher trims.

• 50/50 split-fold third row and E-Z Entry second-row seats for family flexibility.

• Ample cargo space: up to 87.8 cubic feet with rear seats folded.

💡 The Explorer is ideal for growing families, weekend warriors, and those who want confidence on both city streets and backcountry trails.

Lincoln Aviator vs. Ford Explorer Performance 🛞

Performance is where the 2025 Lincoln Aviator vs. 2025 Ford Explorer show their shared DNA—but also where their personalities really diverge.

Lincoln Aviator

Every Aviator comes standard with robust power and smooth, confident handling thanks to its twin-turbocharged engine and rear-wheel-drive bias.

Powertrain:

• 3.0L Twin-Turbocharged V6 engine

• 400 horsepower / 415 lb-ft of torque

• 10-speed SelectShift® automatic transmission

• Available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive

Ride Quality & Towing:

• Adaptive Air Suspension with Road Preview (Black Label) for cloud-like ride comfort

• Tows up to 6,700 lbs when properly equipped

• EPA-estimated 18 MPG city / 25 MPG highway

• Lincoln Drive Modes: Normal, Conserve, Excite, Slippery, Deep Conditions, and available Preserve EV on hybrid trims

💡 In the Lincoln Aviator vs. Ford Explorer battle, the Aviator appeals to drivers who love a smooth, powerful ride with luxury-level road manners.

Ford Explorer

The Explorer gives buyers choices with its trio of engines and available sporty ST and off-road-ready Timberline models.

Engine Options:

• 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 (Base, XLT, Limited)

  • 300 horsepower / 310 lb-ft of torque

  • EPA-estimated 21 city / 28 highway MPG

• 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 (ST, Platinum)

  • 400 horsepower / 415 lb-ft of torque

• 3.3L Hybrid V6 (Limited Hybrid, Police Interceptor Utility)

  • 318 horsepower, high fuel efficiency

Capability & Handling:

• Tows up to 5,600 lbs

• Rear-wheel drive standard; available Intelligent 4WD

• Terrain Management System™ with up to 7 drive modes (Timberline adds Trail Control)

💡 This SUV suits outdoor enthusiasts, sports-loving drivers, and families who need a versatile ride with capability to spare.

Safety & Family-Friendly Appeal: Prioritizing Protection and Peace of Mind

When you compare the Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator, safety is a major selling point for both SUVs. Each model offers state-of-the-art driver-assistance technologies designed to protect what matters most—your family.

Lincoln Aviator: Safety Wrapped in Luxury

The 2025 Aviator offers a luxurious driving experience without compromising on safety. Built with families and long-distance travelers in mind, it comes standard with an advanced suite of driver-assist features known as Lincoln Co-Pilot360™ 2.1 Drive.

Standard & Available Safety Features:

• Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane Centering

• Evasive Steering Assist to help avoid collisions

• Forward Collision Warning with Dynamic Brake Support

• Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross-Traffic Alert

• Rear camera washer and 360-degree camera with front/rear split-view

• Reverse Brake Assist

• Intersection Assist for safer left turns

Family-Focused Amenities:

• LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) for car seats in both rear rows

• Quiet cabin perfect for sleeping kids or conversations up front

• Optional Head-Up Display reduces driver distraction

💡 Luxury families or safety-conscious professionals comparing the 2025 Lincoln Aviator vs. 2025 Ford Explorer will appreciate the Aviator’s advanced standard tech and serene, protected environment.

Ford Explorer: Built for Active Families

Safety is woven into the Explorer’s DNA. With a strong unibody frame, an available hybrid powertrain for longer trips, and the Ford Co-Pilot360™ Assist+ system, the Explorer has earned a solid reputation as a dependable family hauler.

Ford Co-Pilot360™ Assist+ Includes:

• Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking

• Lane-Keeping System and Lane Centering

• Adaptive Cruise Control with Speed Sign Recognition

• Active Park Assist 2.0 (parallel and perpendicular)

• Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go

Practical Family Enhancements:

• Available third-row PowerFold® seats

• Second-row E-Z Entry for easier access to third-row seats

• Up to 87.8 cu. ft. of cargo space—great for sports gear or strollers

• Rear seatbelt reminders and back seat warning system

💡 In the Lincoln Aviator vs. Ford Explorer debate, the Explorer stands out as a budget-friendlier, feature-rich SUV built for dynamic families with changing needs.

Lincoln Aviator vs. Ford Explorer: Choosing Based on Lifestyle

The ultimate Lincoln Aviator vs. Ford Explorer decision often comes down to one important question: what kind of driver are you, and what kind of life do you lead? Here's a breakdown of who each SUV best serves.

Lincoln Aviator: The Premium Executive Cruiser

The Aviator is ideal for:

• Luxury-Minded Professionals who commute from places like Pooler or Richmond Hill and value a serene, elevated driving experience.

• Empty Nesters or Retired Couples who want refinement, power, and top-tier comfort for road trips and local outings.

• Business Owners & Executives who host clients or want a vehicle that reflects their success.

• Drivers who prioritize peace and quiet—the Aviator offers best-in-class noise reduction and ride smoothness.

The Aviator is a luxury SUV through and through, based on the Explorer’s platform but tuned for a very different lifestyle.

Ford Explorer: The Do-It-All Family Hero

The Explorer fits:

• Active Families needing space for kids, car seats, and all the gear life demands.

• Adventurers and Weekend Warriors who want available AWD, tow capability, and road trip readiness.

• Budget-Conscious Buyers who still want strong power, plenty of tech, and room for 6-7 passengers.

• First-Time SUV Owners looking for a confident daily driver that’s ready for anything.

For buyers looking to compare Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator based on everyday value, versatility, and capability, the Explorer remains one of the top picks in its class.