2021 Ford Explorer vs. 2021 Lincoln Aviator
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2021 Ford Explorer and 2021 Lincoln Aviator contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2021 Ford Explorer and the 2021 Lincoln Aviator.
When comparing the 2021 Ford Explorer's and the 2021 Lincoln Aviator's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Ford Explorer has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, and fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value, interior volume and overall quality score. The 2021 Lincoln Aviator has the advantage in the area of base engine power. Based on this comparison of the 2021 Ford Explorer's and the 2021 Lincoln Aviator's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Ford Explorer is a better car than the 2021 Lincoln Aviator.
Pricing: A used 2021 Ford Explorer ranges from $20,779 to $38,288 while a used 2021 Lincoln Aviator is priced between $28,981 to $47,957.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2021 Ford Explorer loses 52.9 percent of its value and the 2021 Lincoln Aviator loses 54.4 percent of its value. This means the 2021 Ford Explorer retains 1.5 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2021 Lincoln Aviator.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Ford Explorer is 8.4 out of 10 while the Lincoln Aviator's quality rating is 7.6 out of 10. This results in the Ford Explorer being ranked 5 out of 34 Best SUVs with 3 Rows and the Lincoln Aviator being ranked 5 out of 17 Best Luxury Large SUVs.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Ford Explorer is 7.5 out of 10. For the Lincoln Aviator the reliability rating is 7.2 out of 10. This gives the Ford Explorer a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Lincoln Aviator.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2021 Ford Explorer’s base engine makes 300 horsepower, and the 2021 Lincoln Aviator base engine makes 400 horsepower. The Explorer is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 501 miles. The Aviator is rated to deliver an average of 21 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 556 miles.This gives the 2021 Ford Explorer the advantage in fuel efficiency and the 2021 Lincoln Aviator the advantage in maximum range. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The 2021 Ford Explorer, a crossover/midsize SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, rear head room and rear shoulder room. The 2021 Lincoln Aviator, a crossover/fullsize SUV, has the advantage in the areas of rear leg room cargo space. The 2021 Ford Explorer and 2021 Lincoln Aviator are comparable in regards to front leg room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2021 Ford Explorer and the 2021 Lincoln Aviator have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
32925
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
32108
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
27000 - 37580
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
50660
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Large SUVs)
73624
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Large SUVs)
40300 - 131750
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
28781
Price Range:
20779 - 38288
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
28757
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
22434 - 40434
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1914
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
66320
# Good or Great Deals:
663
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
38127
Price Range:
28981 - 47957
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Large SUVs)
55284
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Large SUVs)
28580 - 144000
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
218
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
57698
# Good or Great Deals:
110
Ford Explorer Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.4 / 10
Reliability:
7.5 / 10
Retained Value:
7.6 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Lincoln Aviator Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.6 / 10
Reliability:
7.2 / 10
Retained Value:
7.5 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Ford Explorer
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
5.3
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
7.6
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
4.7 - 12.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.153
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Lincoln Aviator
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
4.2
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Large SUVs)
7.5
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Large SUVs)
4.2 - 18.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.064
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
26.43417358703503
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
7.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.1 - 26.4
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
30.596507173694008
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Large SUVs)
6.1
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Large SUVs)
1.0 - 30.6
Ford Explorer Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 67Ranking
2 out of / 67Ranking
2 out of / 67Ranking
2 out of / 34Ranking
2 out of / 34Ranking
2 out of / 32Ranking
2 out of / 32Ranking
5 out of / 34Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 34Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
7 out of / 32Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 30Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
13 out of / 34Ranking
14 out of / 34Ranking
14 out of / 32Ranking
15 out of / 34Ranking
15 out of / 30Ranking
15 out of / 28Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
16 out of / 32Ranking
18 out of / 34Ranking
18 out of / 32Ranking
19 out of / 34Ranking
19 out of / 28Ranking
20 out of / 34Ranking
21 out of / 32Ranking
24 out of / 67Ranking
24 out of / 34Ranking
26 out of / 34Ranking
26 out of / 34Ranking
26 out of / 32Ranking
30 out of / 67Ranking
31 out of / 67Ranking
32 out of / 56Ranking
37 out of / 67Ranking
49 out of / 56Ranking
62 out of / 67Lincoln Aviator Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 2Ranking
1 out of / 2Ranking
3 out of / 17Ranking
3 out of / 16Ranking
4 out of / 17Ranking
4 out of / 16Ranking
4 out of / 8Ranking
4 out of / 8Ranking
5 out of / 68Ranking
5 out of / 17Ranking
5 out of / 13Ranking
5 out of / 13Ranking
6 out of / 29Ranking
8 out of / 68Ranking
9 out of / 68Ranking
9 out of / 26Ranking
9 out of / 17Ranking
10 out of / 29Ranking
10 out of / 29Ranking
10 out of / 17Ranking
10 out of / 17Ranking
10 out of / 17Ranking
11 out of / 29Ranking
13 out of / 68Ranking
13 out of / 29Ranking
13 out of / 17Ranking
13 out of / 17Ranking
14 out of / 29Ranking
15 out of / 68Ranking
15 out of / 29Ranking
15 out of / 17Ranking
15 out of / 17Ranking
17 out of / 29Ranking
19 out of / 68Ranking
19 out of / 29Ranking
20 out of / 68Ranking
20 out of / 68Ranking
21 out of / 68Ranking
23 out of / 29Ranking
24 out of / 29Ranking
36 out of / 68Ranking
40 out of / 64Ranking
47 out of / 68Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Flex Fuel, Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline, Plug-In Hybrid
2021 Ford Explorer Trim Levels
Base, King Ranch, Limited, Platinum, Police Interceptor Utility, ST, Timberline, XLT
2021 Lincoln Aviator Trim Levels
Black Label, Livery, Reserve, Standard
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
6 years / 70000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
300 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
310 foot-lbs @ 3500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.069 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
400 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
415 foot-lbs @ 2750 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.084 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.3 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
21 / 28 / 24
Range (city/hwy):
376 / 501 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
18 / 26 / 21
Range (city/hwy):
385 / 556 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Massage Seats:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Quad Seats:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Massage Seats:
N/A
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Quad Seats:
Available
Roof Rack:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
Available
Captain's seat:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
43 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
61.8 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
61.9 inches
Cargo Space:
18.2 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
87.8 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
170.9 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
43 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
61.5 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.7 inches
Rear Leg Room:
40.1 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
61.3 inches
Cargo Space:
18.3 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
77.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
163 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4345 lbs
Width:
89.3 inches
Height:
69.9 inches
Length:
198.8 inches
Wheelbase:
119.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.9 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4745 lbs
Width:
89.9 inches
Height:
69.6 inches
Length:
199.3 inches
Wheelbase:
119.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.8 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
255/65R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
19.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy with painted accents
Tire Size:
255/60R19
Exterior Colors
Black
Agate Black
Gray
Carbonized Gray
Silver
Iconic Silver
White
Oxford White
Blue
Not available
Red
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Infinite Black
Gray
Asher Gray / Iced Mocha
Silver
Silver Radiance
White
Ceramic Pearl / Pristine White
Blue
Ocean Drive Blue
Red
Burgundy Velvet / Red Carpet
Interior Colors
Beige
Sandstone
Black
Not available
Interior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Ebony
