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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 we compare 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, reliability, resale value, interior volume and overall quality score. The Lincoln Aviator has the advantage in the area of 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 $42,737 and $63,305, with the Lincoln Aviator priced between $61,305 and $92,835.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Ford Explorer loses 52.9 percent of its value and the Lincoln Aviator loses 54.4 percent of its value. This means the Ford Explorer retains 1.5 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 8.4 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 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

2026 Ford Explorer
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Ford Explorer for Sale

2026 Lincoln Aviator
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Lincoln Aviator for Sale

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

42737 - 63305

Starting MSRP:

38330

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)

39270

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

32190 - 44750

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

61305 - 92835

Starting MSRP:

56700

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Large SUVs)

96574

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Large SUVs)

46200 - 171000

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

Price Range:

-

Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)

51972

Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

50800 - 55009

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

# Good or Great Deals:

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

Price Range:

-

Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Large SUVs)

73658

Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Large SUVs)

51935 - 95381

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

# Good or Great Deals:

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 Ford Explorer

Remaining Life Expectancy (years):

9.3

Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)

10.0

Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

8.8 - 11.3

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

0.153

iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Lincoln Aviator

Remaining Life Expectancy (years):

8.2

Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Large SUVs)

11.1

Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Large SUVs)

8.2 - 12.1

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

0.064



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

Best Family Crossover SUVs

2 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

2 / 67

Safest Crossover SUVs

2 / 67

Best Family SUVs with 3 Rows

2 / 34

Safest SUVs with 3 Rows

2 / 34

Best Family Midsize SUVs

2 / 32

Safest Midsize SUVs

2 / 32

Best SUVs with 3 Rows

5 / 34

Best Midsize SUVs

5 / 32

Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

6 / 67

Best Gas Mileage SUVs with 3 Rows

6 / 34

Best Gas Mileage Midsize SUVs

6 / 32

Midsize SUVs with the Most Horsepower

6 / 32

Midsize SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

7 / 32

Best Crossover SUVs

8 / 67

Best Crossover SUVs for Towing

8 / 67

Best Midsize SUVs for Towing

11 / 32

Most Comfortable Midsize SUVs

11 / 32

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for the Money

11 / 30

Most Comfortable Crossover SUVs

12 / 67

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Horsepower

13 / 34

Most Comfortable SUVs with 3 Rows

14 / 34

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs

14 / 32

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows

15 / 34

Most Affordable SUVs with 3 Rows

15 / 30

Best Midsize SUVs for the Money

15 / 28

Best Crossover SUVs for Tall People

16 / 67

Best Midsize SUVs for Tall People

16 / 32

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Cargo Space

18 / 34

Midsize SUVs with the Most Legroom

18 / 32

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Towing

19 / 34

Most Affordable Midsize SUVs

19 / 28

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Tall People

20 / 34

Best Off-road Midsize SUVs

21 / 32

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs

24 / 67

SUVs with 3 Rows with Best Resale Value

24 / 34

Best Off-road SUVs with 3 Rows

26 / 34

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Legroom

26 / 34

Midsize SUVs with Best Resale Value

26 / 32

Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

30 / 67

Best Off-road Crossover SUVs

31 / 67

Best Crossover SUVs for the Money

32 / 56

Best Gas Mileage Crossover SUVs

37 / 67

Most Affordable Crossover SUVs

49 / 56

Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

62 / 67

Lincoln Aviator Rankings

Best Luxury Large SUVs Under $60k

1 / 2

Most Reliable Luxury Large SUVs Under $60k

1 / 2

Best Family Luxury Large SUVs

3 / 17

Best Luxury Large SUVs for the Money

3 / 16

Luxury Large SUVs with Best Resale Value

4 / 17

Most Affordable Luxury Large SUVs

4 / 16

Best Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows Under $60k

4 / 8

Most Reliable Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows Under $60k

4 / 8

Luxury Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

5 / 68

Best Luxury Large SUVs

5 / 17

Best Luxury Crossover SUVs Under $60k

5 / 13

Most Reliable Luxury Crossover SUVs Under $60k

5 / 13

Best Family Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows

6 / 29

Luxury Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

8 / 68

Best Family Luxury Crossover SUVs

9 / 68

Most Affordable Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows

9 / 26

Best Off-road Luxury Large SUVs

9 / 17

Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows with Best Resale Value

10 / 29

Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Legroom

10 / 29

Luxury Large SUVs with the Most Legroom

10 / 17

Most Comfortable Luxury Large SUVs

10 / 17

Most Reliable Luxury Large SUVs

10 / 17

Best Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows

11 / 29

Most Comfortable Luxury Crossover SUVs

13 / 68

Best Off-road Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows

13 / 29

Best Luxury Large SUVs for Tall People

13 / 17

Luxury Large SUVs with the Most Horsepower

13 / 17

Most Comfortable Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows

14 / 29

Best Off-road Luxury Crossover SUVs

15 / 68

Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Horsepower

15 / 29

Best Luxury Large SUVs for Towing

15 / 17

Luxury Large SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

15 / 17

Most Reliable Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows

17 / 29

Best Luxury Crossover SUVs

19 / 68

Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Cargo Space

19 / 29

Best Luxury Crossover SUVs for Towing

20 / 68

Luxury Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

20 / 68

Most Reliable Luxury Crossover SUVs

21 / 68

Best Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows for Tall People

23 / 29

Best Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows for Towing

24 / 29

Luxury Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

36 / 68

Most Affordable Luxury Crossover SUVs

40 / 64

Best Luxury Crossover SUVs for Tall People

47 / 68

Available Body Styles

SUV

Available Body Styles

SUV

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

Ford Explorer Trim Levels

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

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:

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:

Not yet available

2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

Not yet available

2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

Not yet available

2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

Not yet available

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

5 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:

Not yet available

2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

Not yet available

2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

Not yet available

2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

Not yet available

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:

5000 lbs

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

Adaptive Cruise Control:

N/A

Air Suspension:

N/A

Alloy wheels:

N/A

Android Auto:

N/A

Apple CarPlay:

N/A

Automatic Parking:

N/A

Bench Seats:

N/A

Bluetooth:

N/A

Captain's seat:

N/A

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

N/A

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Heated Seats

N/A

Heated Steering Wheel:

N/A

Internet Radio:

N/A

Keyless Entry:

N/A

Keyless Ignition:

N/A

Leather Upholstery:

N/A

Massage Seats:

N/A

Navigation System:

N/A

Paddle Shifters:

N/A

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Parking Sensors:

N/A

Power Lift Gate:

N/A

Power outlet:

N/A

Quad Seats:

N/A

Roadside assistance:

N/A

Roof Rack:

N/A

Satellite radio:

N/A

Sunroof/Moonroof:

N/A

Trailer Hitch:

N/A

Voice Recognition:

N/A

Wifi:

N/A

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

N/A

Standard/Optional Features

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Standard

Air Suspension:

N/A

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Android Auto:

Standard

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Automatic Parking:

Available

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Captain's seat:

Available

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

Standard

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Heated Seats

Standard

Heated Steering Wheel:

Standard

Internet Radio:

N/A

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Keyless Ignition:

Standard

Leather Upholstery:

Standard

Massage Seats:

Available

Navigation System:

Standard

Paddle Shifters:

Standard

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Parking Sensors:

Standard

Power Lift Gate:

Standard

Power outlet:

Standard

Quad Seats:

Available

Roadside assistance:

Standard

Roof Rack:

N/A

Satellite radio:

Standard

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Standard

Trailer Hitch:

Standard

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Wifi:

Standard

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

Standard

Safety Features

360-Degree Camera:

N/A

Backup camera:

N/A

Blind Spot Monitoring:

N/A

Driver Attention 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

Rear Seat Reminder:

N/A

Safety Features

360-Degree Camera:

Standard

Backup camera:

N/A

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Standard

Driver Attention Monitoring:

Standard

Forward Collision Warning:

Standard

Lane Departure Warning:

Standard

Lane Keeping Assist:

Standard

Pedestrian Detection:

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Standard

Rear Seat Reminder:

Standard

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:

38.7 inches

Front Leg Room:

43 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

61.5 inches

Rear Head Room:

38.4 inches

Rear Leg Room:

40.2 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

61.3 inches

Cargo Space:

16.5 cubic feet

Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:

75.9 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

157 cubic feet

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

4303 lbs

Width:

89.3 inches

Height:

69.6 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:

69.2 inches

Length:

199.7 inches

Wheelbase:

119.1 inches

Ground Clearance:

8.1 inches

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

Not yet available

Wheel Type:

Not yet available

Tire Size:

Not yet available

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

20.0 x 9.0 inches

Wheel Type:

aluminum alloy with painted accents

Tire Size:

255/55R20

Exterior Colors

Black

Not available

Blue

Not available

Gray

Not available

Red

Not available

White

Not available

Exterior Colors

Black

Infinite Black Metallic Clearcoat

Blue

Whisper Blue Metallic Clearcoat

Gray

Harbor Gray Metallic Clearcoat

Red

Red Carpet Metallic Tinted Clearcoat

White

Crystal White Metallic Clearcoat / Pristine White Metallic Tri-Coat

Interior Colors

Black

Not available

Gray

Not available

Interior Colors

Black

Onyx

Gray

Medium Light Space Gray

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