2025 Lincoln Aviator vs. Ford Explorer
Size and Seating
| 2025 Lincoln Aviator | 2025 Ford Explorer |
| Midsize luxury SUV with 3 rows | Midsize SUV with 3 rows |
| Seating for 6-7 passengers | Seating for 6-7 passengers |
| Length: 506.2 cm | Length: 504.6 cm |
| Width: 209.0 cm | Width: 210.1 cm |
| Height: 176.8 cm | Height: 176.8 cm |
| Wheelbase: 302.5 cm | Wheelbase: 302.5 cm |
| Second-row legroom: 99.1 cm | Second-row legroom: 99.0 cm |
| Third-row legroom: 74.2 cm | Third-row legroom: 81.7 cm |
Note: The Explorer offers more third-row space, making it better suited for families regularly using all three rows.
Performance and Capability
| 2025 Lincoln Aviator | 2025 Ford Explorer |
| Standard engine: 3.0L twin-turbocharged V6 (400 hp/298 kW, 415 lb-ft/563 Nm) | Standard engine: 2.3L turbocharged I-4 (300 hp/224 kW, 310 lb-ft/420 Nm) |
| Transmission: 10-speed automatic | Transmission: 10-speed automatic |
| 0-100 km/h: ~5.8 seconds | 0-100 km/h: ~7.3 seconds (base engine) |
| Drivetrain: All-wheel drive standard | Drivetrain: Intelligent 4WD standard |
| Key feature: BlueCruise hands-free highway driving standard | Key feature: Terrain Management System with selectable drive modes |
| Ground clearance: 21.0 cm | Ground clearance: 20.8 cm |
Note: The Aviator comes standard with the powerful V6 engine, which is optional on the Explorer’s ST trim, providing luxury buyers with more standard performance.
Fuel Economy
| 2025 Lincoln Aviator | 2025 Ford Explorer |
| City: 13.8 L/100km | City: 11.5 L/100km (2.3L engine) |
| Highway: 9.5 L/100km | Highway: 8.7 L/100km (2.3L engine) |
| Combined: 11.9 L/100km | Combined: 10.3 L/100km (2.3L engine) |
Towing and Cargo Capacity
| 2025 Lincoln Aviator | 2025 Ford Explorer |
| Max towing: 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs) | Max towing: 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs) |
| Cargo behind 3rd row: 518 litres | Cargo behind 3rd row: 461 litres |
| Cargo behind 2nd row: 1,184 litres | Cargo behind 2nd row: 1,356 litres |
| Maximum cargo space: 2,200 litres | Maximum cargo space: 2,429 litres |
Note: The Explorer offers more maximum cargo space, making it better suited for families with active lifestyles that require transporting sports equipment or luggage
Pricing and Trims
| 2025 Lincoln Aviator | 2025 Ford Explorer |
| Premiere: Starting at $78,495 | Active: Starting at $53,280 |
| Reserve: Starting at $80,595 | ST-Line: Starting at $59,280 |
| Platinum: Starting at $64,030 | |
| ST: Starting at $71,880 |
Note: Prices do not include destination charges, taxes, or fees
Interior Features
| 2025 Lincoln Aviator | 2025 Ford Explorer |
| 33.5 cm touchscreen standard | 33.5 cm touchscreen standard |
| 31.2 cm digital instrument cluster standard | 31.2 cm digital instrument cluster standard |
| Available 30-way Perfect Position front seats with massage | 10-way power-adjustable driver seat |
| Premium materials standard | Cloth upholstery standard, leather available |
| Reserve: Standard leather seating in first and second rows | Cloth upholstery standard, leather available |
| Tri-zone automatic climate control | Tri-zone automatic climate control |
| Heated steering wheel and heated seats standard | Heated steering wheel and heated seats available |
| 10-speaker audio system standard | 6-speaker audio system standard |
| 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio available | Bang & Olufsen premium audio available |
| Premiere: Standard 20″ wheels | 18″-21″ wheels depending on trim |
| Reserve: Standard 21″ wheels | 18″-21″ wheels depending on trim |
| Panoramic Vista roof standard | Twin-panel moonroof available |
| Remote start standard | Remote start standard |
Note: The Aviator includes more premium features as standard equipment, while the Explorer offers many similar features as options.
Technology and Connectivity
| 2025 Lincoln Aviator | 2025 Ford Explorer |
| Lincoln Digital Experience interface | Ford Digital Experience interface |
| Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto | Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto |
| BlueCruise hands-free driving standard | BlueCruise hands-free driving available |
| Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 driver assistance standard | Ford Co-Pilot360 driver assistance standard |
| Phone As A Key standard | FordPass Connect available |
| Wireless charging standard | Wireless charging available |
| Head-up display available | Head-up display available |
| 5G Wi-Fi hotspot capability | 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot capability |
| Navigation standard | Navigation available |
Note: Both vehicles offer advanced technology features, with the Aviator including more premium tech features as standard.
Safety and Driver Assistance
| 2025 Lincoln Aviator | 2025 Ford Explorer |
| Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 safety suite standard | Ford Co-Pilot360 safety suite standard |
| Automatic emergency braking standard | Automatic emergency braking standard |
| Blind-spot monitoring standard | Blind-spot monitoring standard |
| Lane-keeping system standard | Lane-keeping system standard |
| 360-degree camera standard | 360-degree camera available |
| Adaptive cruise control standard | Adaptive cruise control available |
| Evasive steering assist standard | Evasive steering assist available |
| Front and rear parking sensors standard | Rear parking sensors standard, front available |
Note: The Aviator includes more advanced safety features as standard equipment, while the Explorer offers similar capabilities as options on higher trims
Warranty Coverage
| 2025 Lincoln Aviator | 2025 Ford Explorer |
| Basic coverage: 4 years/80,000 km | Basic coverage: 3 years/60,000 km |
| Powertrain: 6 years/110,000 km | Powertrain: 5 years/100,000 km |
| Roadside assistance: 6 years/110,000 km | Roadside assistance: 5 years/100,000 km |
| Corrosion perforation: 5 years/unlimited km | Corrosion perforation: 5 years/unlimited km |
Note: Lincoln offers more comprehensive warranty coverage, providing additional peace of mind for luxury buyers.
Target Audience
| Lincoln Aviator appeals to: | Ford Explorer appeals to: |
| Luxury-focused buyers | Value-conscious families |
| Higher-income professionals and executives | Active lifestyle enthusiasts |
| Comfort-oriented drivers who prioritize refinement | Practical-minded buyers seeking versatility |
| Buyers wanting luxury features without stepping up to the larger Navigator | Budget-conscious luxury shoppers |
| Urban and suburban luxury SUV shoppers | Buyers needing three-row seating at a more accessible price point |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which vehicle offers better value for money?
The Ford Explorer generally offers better value for money with a starting price approximately $25,215 lower than the Lincoln Aviator while still providing many similar features and capabilities. However, the Aviator includes more premium materials and luxury features as standard, which may justify the price difference for luxury-oriented buyers.
How do the third-row seats compare between these two SUVs?
The Ford Explorer offers more spacious third-row seating with approximately 81.7 cm of legroom compared to the Lincoln Aviator’s 74.2 cm, making the Explorer more suitable for regularly carrying adult passengers in all three rows.
Which model has better fuel efficiency?
The Ford Explorer with its standard 2.3L turbocharged engine is more fuel-efficient, achieving approximately 10.3 L/100km combined compared to the Aviator’s 11.9 L/100km combined. This difference can translate to significant savings at fuel pumps over time.
Are there any significant cargo space differences between the two models?
While the Aviator offers more space behind the third row (518 litres vs. 461 litres), the Explorer provides significantly more maximum cargo capacity with all seats folded (2,429 litres vs. 2,200 litres), making it more versatile for large cargo needs.
What are the key technology differences between the Aviator and Explorer?
Both vehicles offer similar core technologies with touchscreens and digital experiences. However, the Aviator comes standard with more premium features like BlueCruise hands-free driving, wireless charging, a 360-degree camera, and a 10-speaker audio system that are optional on the Explorer.
How do the safety features compare between these two SUVs?
Both vehicles offer comprehensive safety suites with similar core features. The main difference is that the Aviator includes more advanced features as standard (like the 360-degree camera and front parking sensors) that are optional on the Explorer.
Which model offers better performance?
The Lincoln Aviator offers better standard performance with its 298 kW twin-turbocharged V6 engine, accelerating from 0-100 km/h in approximately 5.8 seconds. The Explorer’s standard 2.3L engine produces 224 kW, though its optional ST trim matches the Aviator’s power.
How do maintenance costs compare?
The Lincoln Aviator typically has higher maintenance costs over time, reflecting its premium positioning. Ford Explorer maintenance is generally more affordable, with more widespread service center availability, particularly in rural areas.
What are the main differences between the Aviator Premiere and Reserve trims?
The Aviator Reserve ($80,595) builds upon the Premiere ($78,495) by adding 21″ wheels (vs. 20″ on Premiere), leather seating surfaces in the first and second rows, and additional luxury features. The Reserve trim elevates the sense of luxury with more premium finishes and comfort features.
Which vehicle is better suited for family use?
The Ford Explorer is generally better suited for everyday family use due to its more spacious third row, larger maximum cargo capacity, more accessible price point, and slightly better fuel efficiency. The Aviator offers a more premium family experience at a higher price, with additional comfort features that may be appreciated on longer road trips.