Looking for a three-row SUV that fits both your family's needs and style preferences? You'll want to check out the 2025 Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer. The Aviator is all about luxury and refinement, while the Explorer leans toward practical family use. Although they share underlying architecture, their approaches to comfort, performance, and value are different. In this guide, we'll go in depth on both SUVs and explore why you might want to choose one over the other.
Overview and Prices
The 2025 Lincoln Aviator sits between the two-row Nautilus and full-size Navigator in Lincoln's lineup. While the Ford Explorer costs less and shares similar tech, seating arrangements, and even a twin-turbo V-6 engine option, the similarities fade when comparing luxury features and refinement.
The 2025 Explorer starts at $40,050 for the Active trim, $45,020 for the ST-Line, $52,525 for the Platinum, and $54,770 for the ST. The Lincoln Aviator asks more for its luxury experience. You can get the Premiere trim for $59,295, the Reserve for $66,520, and the Black Label for $87,395.
Performance and Engine Options
Lincoln keeps the Aviator's engine options simple — every model gets a twin-turbo 3.0L V-6 that generates 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Aviator tows up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
Ford offers two engines for the Explorer: a 2.3L four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque and a 3.0L V-6 generating 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. Both engines come with a 10-speed automatic transmission and can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
The Aviator and Explorer's 3.0L engine gets up to 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. The Explorer's 2.3L engine beats this with up to 24 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
Interior and Comfort
Both SUVs seat up to seven people. Front-row passengers in the Aviator get 40.2 inches of headroom and 43 inches of legroom, while Explorer riders get 40.7 inches up top and the same 43 inches of legroom. The Aviator offers Savannah leather seating and luxury details, such as 30-way adjustment power front seats and wood trim. The Explorer starts with cloth seats and offers ActiveX or genuine leather in higher trims. For 2025, most Explorer trims now come with a choice between second-row captain's chairs or a bench seat.
Both models also offer different amounts of cargo space. The Explorer gives you slightly more room at 85.3 cubic feet (85.8 cubic feet in the Active trim) with all the seats folded, 46 cubic feet behind the second row, and 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row. The Aviator provides a total of 77.7 cubic feet behind the first row, 42.7 cubic feet behind the second, and 19.2 cubic feet behind the third.
Technology and Infotainment
Both SUVs feature modern tech. The 2025 Aviator gets a 13.2-inch touch screen running Lincoln Digital Experience powered by Google. The Explorer also uses a 13.2-inch screen but features Ford Digital Experience. Both models offer similar digital gauge clusters that you can customize to show what matters most to you. You also get wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Each vehicle features different types of sound systems. The Aviator starts with a premium 10-speaker system but can be upgraded to a Revel Ultima 3D setup with 28 speakers. In the Explorer's higher trims, you can get a Bang & Olufsen system featuring 14 speakers.
Safety Features and Driver Assistance
Safety stands out as a shared strength, with each model earning a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Both models come with similar safety technology, including forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. However, the Aviator comes with more standard features. You'll get a standard 360-degree camera, parking sensors, reverse brake assist, and Lincoln BlueCruise hands-free driving.
Which SUV Is Best for You?
Your lifestyle and priorities should guide this choice. You'll love the Aviator if you seek luxury. It's perfect if you want comfort, power, and a smooth ride. If you have an active family or prefer a more practical SUV, the Explorer will suit you. Your final choice depends on this question: Do you want luxury touches and premium features or practical functionality and lower cost?
Explore the Lincoln Aviator at Jim Burke Lincoln
If you're leaning toward Lincoln luxury, our team at Jim Burke Lincoln in Bakersfield, California, can guide you through your options. We know picking a three-row SUV is a big decision, so we'll make the process smooth and pressure-free. Our financing team offers preapprovals, credit checks, and personalized solutions for leasing or buying. Contact us today to schedule a test-drive.