The 2023 Ford Explorer and the 2023 Lincoln Aviator are both great SUVs made by Ford. Both SUVs come with their own perks and features, but let’s do some exploring to see which SUV is the one for you.
Key Takeaways
- The Explorer has a bold style while the Aviator has a sleek, luxurious vibe.
- The Explorer focuses on a family-friendly interior while the Aviator focuses on a luxurious interior.
- Both SUVs come with impressive safety and technological features.
- The Explorer has a market price of about $38,000 while the Aviator has a market price of about $55,000.
Exterior and Interior Style
The Explorer has a bold style for those who are daring and adventurous. The Explorer has an athletic grille and strong body lines that give it a muscular look. Ford has made multiple trim levels for the Explorer to match a trim to your personal preference. As for the interior, the Explorer offers great legroom for the front and second rows; however, the third row can be a bit tight. It comes with comfortable seats and 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space, which is great for a midsized SUV.
The Aviator is all about luxury; it comes with a sleek body, large grille with the Lincoln symbol in the middle, and 22-inch alloy wheels that give it a noble feel. With the interior, you could have massaging front chairs that can adjust 30 different ways. As for the other seating, you can opt for seven seats with two full rows or six seats with two captain’s chairs to replace the second row. The seats are comfortable, but the third row is meant for smaller passengers. The cargo space for the Aviator is 18.3 cubic feet.
Technology
As for technology, the Explorer comes with an 8.0-inch touchscreen that comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Furthermore, it comes with voice-command navigation, rear-seat entertainment system, Bluetooth, and a 12-speaker system. A bigger touchscreen (10.1 inches) and other features are available for the higher-level trims of the Explorer.
The Aviator comes with a 10.1-inch touchscreen 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Standard features that come with the Aviator are Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi hotspot, and 10-speaker system. However, higher-level trims come with 14- or 28-speaker setup, heads up display, wireless charging pad, and a phone-as-your-key function.
Performance
The Explorer has three powertrain options. The first engine is a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder that produces 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The Base, XLT, ST-Line, Timberline, and Limited trims come with this powertrain. For those improved power, the second engine is a 3.3-liter V6 that produces 318 horsepower and 322 lb-ft of torque. The Limited Hybrid and Platinum Hybrid trims come with this second option. The last engine is a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine. The Platinum trim produces 365 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque while the ST trim produces 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque with this powertrain option. The average fuel efficiency, capacity, and transmission for this model is 21 city/28 hwy MPG with a 17.9-gallon tank and a 10-speed automatic transmission.
The Aviator offers only two powertrain options. The first engine is a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 that comes with 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. The fuel efficiency is 17 city/24 hwy MPG in rear-wheel drive or 18 city/26 hwy MPG in all-wheel drive. The second engine is a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 with an electric motor that produces 494 horsepower and 630 lb-ft of torque. The fuel efficiency of this hybrid option is 56 MPG+E (gas and electricity), which is quite impressive for a midsize SUV.
Safety
Both the Explorer and Aviator make safety a priority by being equipped with advanced driver-assistance systems. These SUVs come standard with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, rear-cross traffic alert, and parking assistance.
Pricing
The Explorer’s MSRP range is about $37,000 – $56,000 with an average starting price of about $38,000. The Aviator’s MSRP range of about $53,000 – $89,000 with an average starting price is about $55,000. The Explorer is a lot more affordable than the Aviator; however, you get more luxury and powerful performance with the higher prices of the Aviator.
Overview
Both the Explorer and the Aviator are optimal choices that come from the Ford family. The Explorer stands out with its athletic look and unique powertrain options. However, the Aviator focuses on luxury and power that matches its higher prices. The SUV you choose will come down to your preferences and the amount you are willing to spend.