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Ford Explorer vs. Lincoln Aviator

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Ford Explorer and 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 Ford Explorer and the Lincoln Aviator.

When comparing the Ford Explorer's and the Lincoln Aviator's specifications and ratings, the Ford Explorer has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, resale value, interior volume and overall quality score. The Lincoln Aviator has the advantage in the areas of reliability and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Ford Explorer's and the Lincoln Aviator's specifications and ratings, the Ford Explorer is a better car than the Lincoln Aviator.

Pricing: For a new model, the Ford Explorer's price is between $49,180 and $50,795, with the Lincoln Aviator priced between $65,304 and $89,404.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Ford Explorer loses 47.6 percent of its value and the Lincoln Aviator loses 56.5 percent of its value. This means the Ford Explorer retains 8.9 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Lincoln Aviator.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Ford Explorer is 8.7 out of 10 while the Lincoln Aviator's quality rating is 8.6 out of 10. This results in the Ford Explorer being ranked 7 out of 32 Best Midsize SUVs and the Lincoln Aviator being ranked 3 out of 68 Best Luxury Crossover SUVs.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Ford Explorer is 8.5 out of 10. For the Lincoln Aviator the reliability rating is 8.7 out of 10. This gives the Lincoln Aviator a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Ford Explorer.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Ford Explorer’s base engine makes 300 horsepower, and the Lincoln Aviator base engine makes 400 horsepower.

Passenger Space Comparison: The 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 Lincoln Aviator, a crossover/fullsize SUV, has the advantage in the areas of rear leg room cargo space. The Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator are comparable in regards to front leg room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Ford Explorer and the Lincoln Aviator have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.

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Model & Pricing
Ford Explorer
Lincoln Aviator

2025 Ford Explorer
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Ford Explorer for Sale

2025 Lincoln Aviator
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Lincoln Aviator for Sale

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

$49,180 - $50,795

Starting MSRP:

$39,625

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)

$39,763

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

$39,625 - $39,900

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

$65,304 - $89,404

Starting MSRP:

$57,095

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Large SUVs)

$70,298

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Large SUVs)

$57,095 - $83,500

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

Price Range:

-

Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)

$47,417

Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

$47,417 - $47,417

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

14,360

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

146

# Good or Great Deals:

52

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

Price Range:

-

Category Avg Price:

N/A

Category Avg Price Range:

N/A

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

# Good or Great Deals:

Ford Explorer Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.7 / 10

Reliability:

8.5 / 10

Retained Value:

7.5 / 10

Safety:

10.0 / 10

Lincoln Aviator Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.6 / 10

Reliability:

8.7 / 10

Retained Value:

7.0 / 10

Safety:

10.0 / 10



iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Ford Explorer

Remaining Life Expectancy (years):

9.1

Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)

10.1

Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

9.1 - 11.1

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

19.5%

iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Lincoln Aviator

Remaining Life Expectancy (years):

10.7

Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:

N/A

Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:

N/A

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

40.5%



Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

Typical Category Recalls:

N/A

Category Range for Recalls:

N/A

Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

Typical Category Recalls:

N/A

Category Range for Recalls:

N/A

Ford Explorer Rankings

Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

2 / 67

Best SUVs with 3 Rows Under $40k

2 / 10

Best Crossover SUVs Under $40k

3 / 18

Best Midsize SUVs Under $40k

3 / 17

Safest SUVs with 3 Rows

4 / 39

Safest Crossover SUVs

5 / 67

Best Family SUVs with 3 Rows

5 / 39

Safest Midsize SUVs

5 / 32

Best Crossover SUVs for Towing

6 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

6 / 67

Best Family Crossover SUVs

6 / 67

Best Gas Mileage Midsize SUVs

6 / 32

Best Midsize SUVs for Towing

6 / 32

Midsize SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

6 / 32

Midsize SUVs with the Most Horsepower

6 / 32

Best Family Midsize SUVs

6 / 32

Best Midsize SUVs

7 / 32

Best Crossover SUVs

8 / 67

Best SUVs with 3 Rows

8 / 39

Most Comfortable Crossover SUVs

9 / 67

Best Gas Mileage SUVs with 3 Rows

9 / 39

Most Comfortable Midsize SUVs

10 / 32

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Horsepower

11 / 39

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs

12 / 32

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Towing

13 / 39

Most Comfortable SUVs with 3 Rows

13 / 39

Best Off-road Midsize SUVs

13 / 32

Best Midsize SUVs for the Money

13 / 16

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Cargo Space

14 / 39

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for the Money

14 / 21

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs

15 / 67

Best Midsize SUVs for Tall People

15 / 32

Best Crossover SUVs for Tall People

16 / 67

Best Off-road Crossover SUVs

17 / 67

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows

17 / 39

Most Affordable SUVs with 3 Rows

17 / 34

Midsize SUVs with the Most Legroom

17 / 32

Best Off-road SUVs with 3 Rows

20 / 39

Most Affordable Midsize SUVs

20 / 28

SUVs with 3 Rows with Best Resale Value

22 / 39

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Tall People

22 / 39

Midsize SUVs with Best Resale Value

23 / 32

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Legroom

25 / 39

Best Crossover SUVs for the Money

28 / 30

Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

29 / 67

Best Gas Mileage Crossover SUVs

37 / 67

Most Affordable Crossover SUVs

53 / 59

Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

59 / 67

Lincoln Aviator Rankings

Best Luxury Large SUVs Under $60k

1 / 2

Best Family Luxury Crossover SUVs

2 / 68

Best Luxury Crossover SUVs Under $60k

2 / 13

Best Luxury Large SUVs for the Money

2 / 11

Best Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows Under $60k

2 / 8

Best Luxury Crossover SUVs

3 / 68

Best Family Luxury Large SUVs

3 / 22

Best Family Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows

4 / 29

Best Luxury Large SUVs

4 / 22

Most Affordable Luxury Large SUVs

4 / 19

Most Reliable Luxury Crossover SUVs

5 / 68

Luxury Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

5 / 68

Best Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows

5 / 29

Luxury Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

7 / 68

Most Affordable Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows

9 / 26

Most Reliable Luxury Large SUVs

9 / 22

Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Legroom

10 / 29

Luxury Large SUVs with Best Resale Value

10 / 22

Best Off-road Luxury Large SUVs

10 / 22

Most Comfortable Luxury Large SUVs

10 / 22

Luxury Large SUVs with the Most Legroom

10 / 22

Most Comfortable Luxury Crossover SUVs

11 / 68

Most Reliable Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows

11 / 29

Best Off-road Luxury Crossover SUVs

12 / 68

Best Luxury Large SUVs for Tall People

12 / 22

Best Off-road Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows

13 / 29

Most Comfortable Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows

13 / 29

Best Luxury Crossover SUVs for Towing

14 / 68

Best Luxury Crossover SUVs for Tall People

15 / 68

Best Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows for Tall People

15 / 29

Luxury Large SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

15 / 22

Luxury Large SUVs with the Most Horsepower

15 / 22

Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Horsepower

16 / 29

Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Cargo Space

17 / 29

Best Luxury Large SUVs for Towing

17 / 22

Luxury Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

19 / 68

Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows with Best Resale Value

19 / 29

Best Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows for Towing

21 / 29

Most Affordable Luxury Crossover SUVs

38 / 59

Luxury Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

59 / 68

Available Body Styles

SUV

Available Body Styles

SUV

Available Drivetrain Options

Flex Fuel, Gasoline

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

Ford Explorer Trim Levels

Active, Platinum, Police Interceptor Utility, ST, ST-Line

Lincoln Aviator Trim Levels

Black Label, Livery, Premiere, Reserve

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:

Warranty, Powertrain:

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:

Not yet available

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:

Not yet available

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):

0.070 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):


Not yet available

Range (city/hwy):

Not yet available

Recommended Fuel Type:

Not yet available

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):


Not yet available

Range (city/hwy):

Not yet available

Recommended Fuel Type:

Not yet available

Standard/Optional Features

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Android Auto:

Standard

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Heated Seats

Standard

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Keyless Ignition:

Standard

Parking Sensors:

Standard

Power Lift Gate:

Standard

Power outlet:

Standard

Quad Seats:

Standard

Satellite radio:

Standard

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Wifi:

Standard

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Available

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

Available

Heated Steering Wheel:

Available

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Navigation System:

Available

Paddle Shifters:

Available

Roof Rack:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Trailer Hitch:

Available

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

Available

Air Suspension:

N/A

Automatic Parking:

N/A

Captain's seat:

N/A

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Internet Radio:

N/A

Massage Seats:

N/A

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Roadside assistance:

N/A

Standard/Optional Features

Alloy wheels:

N/A

Android Auto:

N/A

Apple CarPlay:

N/A

Bench Seats:

N/A

Bluetooth:

N/A

Heated Seats

N/A

Keyless Entry:

N/A

Keyless Ignition:

N/A

Parking Sensors:

N/A

Power Lift Gate:

N/A

Power outlet:

N/A

Quad Seats:

N/A

Satellite radio:

N/A

Voice Recognition:

N/A

Wifi:

N/A

Adaptive Cruise Control:

N/A

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

N/A

Heated Steering Wheel:

N/A

Leather Upholstery:

N/A

Navigation System:

N/A

Paddle Shifters:

N/A

Roof Rack:

N/A

Sunroof/Moonroof:

N/A

Trailer Hitch:

N/A

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

N/A

Air Suspension:

N/A

Automatic Parking:

N/A

Captain's seat:

N/A

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Internet Radio:

N/A

Massage Seats:

N/A

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Roadside assistance:

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:

N/A

Rear Seat Reminder:

N/A

Safety Features

Backup camera:

N/A

Blind Spot Monitoring:

N/A

Forward Collision Warning:

N/A

Lane Departure Warning:

N/A

Lane Keeping Assist:

N/A

Pedestrian Detection:

N/A

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

N/A

360-Degree Camera:

N/A

Driver Attention Monitoring:

N/A

Rear Seat Reminder:

N/A

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

40.7 inches

Front Leg Room:

43 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

62.1 inches

Rear Head Room:

40.5 inches

Rear Leg Room:

39 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

61.9 inches

Cargo Space:

16.3 cubic feet

Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:

85.8 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

169.2 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:

17.8 cubic feet

Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:

77.7 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

163.0 cubic feet

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

4303 lbs

Width:

89.3 inches

Height:

69.9 inches

Length:

198.7 inches

Wheelbase:

119.1 inches

Ground Clearance:

7.6 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:

Not yet available

Wheel Type:

Not yet available

Tire Size:

Not yet available

Exterior Colors

Black

Agate Black

Blue

Vapor Blue

Gray

Carbonized Gray

Silver

Iconic Silver

White

Oxford White / Star White Metallic Tri-Coat

Exterior Colors

Black

Not available

Blue

Not available

Gray

Not available

Silver

Not available

White

Not available

Interior Colors

Gray

Dark Gray/Onyx / Light Space Gray/Onyx

Interior Colors

Gray

Not available

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