While both the 2025 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator deliver three rows of versatility and comfort, these midsize SUVs have two distinct personalities! Which is right for your Michigan lifestyle? Our comparison guide weighs each model’s pros and cons.
Key Takeaways
- The Explorer can save you thousands of dollars on a brand new three-row SUV!
- While these models have a lot of features in common, the Explorer offers the best deal on a handsomely equipped ride.
- With a 400-horsepower engine in common, both SUVs deliver a strong, swift performance.
- Thanks to its standard EcoBoost engine, the Explorer can help you save at the pump.
Biggest Savings: 2025 Ford Explorer
When it comes to savings, what’s the difference between the Explorer and Aviator? As it turns out, quite a lot. Compared to the 2025 Lincoln Aviator (starting at $59,295*) the new Ford Explorer (from $40,050*) can help you save a substantial amount of money. If you’re shopping for a new SUV, but you’d also like to add more money to your kids’ college fund, the Explorer can help you do both!
*Price as of 6/5/25.
Modern Features: 2025 Ford Explorer
With a parent company in common, the Explorer and Aviator are cousins of sorts. And that means they offer similar comforts and conveniences. However, only one of these SUVs gives you the most for your money — and that’s the Explorer.
Not only does the entry-level Explorer save you thousands of dollars on a sporty, family-friendly ride, but it’s also loaded with goodies. Standard features include three-zone automatic climate control, a digital instrument cluster, and a power liftgate. You’ll also find the all-new Ford Digital Experience infotainment system on every trim model, along with an expansive 13.2-inch touchscreen, built-in Google navigation and voice controls, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The revised Explorer also comes standard with more safety aids than ever before, with everything from blind-spot warning to adaptive cruise control.
Somehow, the Lincoln Aviator’s base trim model, the Premiere, manages to be even more luxurious. In addition to all of the aforementioned items, it treats you to heated front seats, driver’s seat memory settings, a head-up display, hands-free Blue Cruise driving technology, and more. Of course, higher Explorer trim models are available with all of these luxurious upgrades — and can even deliver them at a lower price!
Premium Power: It’s (Sort of) a Tie!
These three-row SUVs have an engine in common, a 400-horsepower turbocharged V6. While it comes standard in the luxurious Lincoln Aviator, you’ll only find this sporty powertrain on higher Explorer trim models. Specifically, it’s standard for the performance-based Explorer ST (from $54,770*) and optional for the luxurious Explorer Platinum (from $52,525*). Notably, the Explorer’s V6-powered trim models deliver the same thrilling ride at a much friendlier rate!
2025 Ford Explorer Powertrain Specs
- Standard turbocharged 2.3L four-cylinder engine (300 hp, 311 lb-ft)
- Optional for Platinum, standard for ST: turbo 3.0L V6 (400 hp, 415 lb-ft)
- 10-speed automatic transmission
- Rear-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive
2025 Lincoln Aviator Specs
- Turbo 3.0L V6 (400 hp, 415 lb-ft)
- 10-speed automatic transmission
- Rear-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive
Best EPA Ratings: 2025 Ford Explorer
Thanks to its powerful EcoBoost engine, the Explorer does the best job combining a sporty performance with everyday efficiency. EPA ratings reach 24 mpg combined (20 city/29 highway). Even when it’s equipped with the Aviator’s 3.0-liter V6 engine, the Explorer is the thriftier option, earning up to 21 mpg combined (18 city/25 highway).
If money is no object, the 2025 Lincoln Aviator’s blend of smooth, on-road refinement and agility has major appeal. However, its extra-sporty suspension tuning takes a toll at the pump. The Aviator earns up to 17 mpg combined (15 city/22 highway).
Your Family’s New SUV
For the best price on three-row family comfort and premium upgrades, the 2025 Ford Explorer is the ultimate choice! Better still, this midsize SUV comes standard with all-new infotainment system and an excellent list of driver safety aids. Experience everything the newly revised Explorer has to offer — swing by Lunghamer Ford for a test-drive!