2021 Ford Explorer vs 2021 Lincoln Aviator

The 2021 Ford Explorer was a testament to Ford's consistent design language across its SUV lineup. It shared a familial resemblance with its siblings, the Escape, Edge, and Expedition, all starting with the letter "E." This approach harkened back to a time when brand loyalty was cultivated through a consistent design ethos. The Explorer's exterior was sporty, with raked belt lines and a distinctive front visage that set it apart from other brands. Depending on the trim, the grille varied from black to chrome, with some featuring a red stripe. The Explorer offered six trim levels, from the base model to the luxurious Platinum, with prices ranging from $32,925 to $52,730. Inside, the Explorer provided three rows of seating as standard, with cloth upholstery on the base model. The dashboard was clean, featuring an 8-inch LCD touchscreen and a rotary gearshift that maximized storage space. The XLT trim was the most popular, offering enhanced features like a power front passenger seat and a 6.5-inch instrument panel screen, while leather upholstery was standard on higher trims.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator distinguished itself with a design that echoed the successful styling of the larger Navigator. It was a sharp-looking vehicle, characterized by crisp lines and a tasteful use of chrome. Inside, the Aviator's cabin exuded comfort and warmth, with soft-touch materials and a center console that elegantly rose to meet the 10.1-inch touchscreen. The Aviator's interior was defined by its piano button shifter and soothing chimes, contributing to an air of luxury. The Aviator offered several trims, starting with the Standard, which included features like synthetic leather upholstery and a power liftgate. The Reserve trim added upgraded leather, a panoramic sunroof, and a 12-speaker Revel stereo system. The Grand Touring trim introduced a plug-in hybrid powertrain and luxurious features like Multi-Contour Seats with a massaging function. The Black Label trims added even more luxury, with features like a 28-speaker Revel Ultima sound system and a Dynamic Handling Package.

The 2021 Ford Explorer, at its lightest, weighed 4,345 pounds. Its base 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivered a surprising 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, outperforming competitors like the Kia Telluride. All Explorer trims featured a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Limited Hybrid trim offered a V6 hybrid drivetrain with 310 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque. Higher trims boasted a 3.0-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V6, producing 365 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque, while the sport-oriented Explorer ST delivered 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. The Explorer excelled in towing, with capacities ranging from 5,000 to 5,600 pounds, depending on the configuration.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator's Standard, Reserve, and Black Label trims came with a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6, producing 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. The Grand Touring and Grand Touring Black Label trims featured a plug-in hybrid configuration, increasing output to 494 hp and 630 lb-ft of torque, with a 21-mile electric-only range. The Aviator's hybrid powertrain offered brisk acceleration, though its size resulted in noticeable body roll in corners. The Aviator's drive mode selector included options like "Excite" and "Conserve," reflecting its suitability for highways and suburban driving rather than city maneuverability.

The 2021 Ford Explorer offered seating for seven in the base model, with captain's chairs in higher trims reducing capacity to six. It provided 39 inches of second-row legroom, surpassing some competitors but falling short of others like the Kia Telluride. With the third row in use, the Explorer offered 21 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 81 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator provided 18.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 77.7 cubic feet with all rear seats down. The Aviator's second row was particularly comfortable, featuring captain's chairs and a digital control panel for seat, climate, and audio settings. The Aviator's power-button door releases were a unique feature, though they raised concerns about functionality if the battery died.

The 2021 Ford Explorer came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen, offering features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G WiFi hotspot. Higher trims included a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system and a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The Explorer provided multiple USB ports and power points, with a wireless charging pad available from the Limited trim up.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen with the Sync 3 infotainment system, offering a user-friendly interface and seamless integration of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Aviator's digital instrument panel and optional head-up display provided clear, easy-to-read information. The Aviator's infotainment system was complemented by redundant controls in the center stack.

The 2021 Ford Explorer was rated as a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests. It offered the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features as standard, including blind-spot monitoring and automatic emergency braking. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ suite, available on higher trims, added features like adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator came with the Lincoln Co-Pilot 360 package, including features like automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. The Co-Pilot 360 Plus package, available on higher trims, added reverse automatic braking and adaptive cruise control. The Aviator earned top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, achieving a Top Safety Pick accolade.