2022 Ford Explorer vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered a diverse lineup with eight models ranging from $33,745 to $54,495, excluding a $1,495 destination charge. The King Ranch trim, which we tested, featured 4WD, a striking Rapid Red paint, a Premium Technology package, and a twin-panel sunroof, bringing its MSRP to $59,880. Despite its King Ranch emblems and shiny 20-inch wheels, the Explorer King Ranch didn't visually stand out much from other trims. However, its rear-drive platform allowed for a sleek, athletic design with a long hood and a floating roof effect. Inside, the King Ranch boasted exclusive Del Rio leather seating with lasso-perforated inserts, though the cabin's mix of quality materials sometimes revealed its base trim origins.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator, particularly the Black Label Grand Touring model we tested, was a luxurious three-row SUV with a price range from $53,340 to $89,280, excluding a $1,195 destination charge. Our test vehicle, with an optional $750 paint job, had an MSRP of $91,225. The Aviator's design was elegant, though the wheel designs on our model were underwhelming. At night, the Lincoln Embrace lighting sequence added a touch of sophistication. Inside, the Black Label Grand Touring was lavish, featuring patterned metal trim, chrome accents, and rich caramel-hued leather seats. However, some chrome detailing felt cheap, and the key fob seemed too plasticky for a vehicle of this caliber.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered three powertrains. The base, XLT, ST-Line, Limited, and Timberline trims came with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and RWD, with 4WD available. This engine allowed for a towing capacity of 5,300 pounds and up to 24 mpg in combined driving. The Explorer Limited offered a hybrid drivetrain with a 3.3-liter V6, generating 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque, towing up to 5,000 lbs, and achieving 27 mpg combined. The top trims, ST, Platinum, and King Ranch, featured a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine with 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, towing up to 5,600 lbs and achieving 21 mpg combined. Our King Ranch 4WD test vehicle averaged 20.6 mpg. The Explorer's ride was robust, handling off-road terrain with ease, and it felt athletic on daily drives.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, a plug-in hybrid, combined a twin-turbo V6 with an electric motor, producing 494 horsepower and 630 lb-ft of torque. It offered 21 miles of electric range and 23 mpg combined in hybrid mode. The Aviator's driving modes, including Pure EV and Preserve EV, allowed for efficient use of the battery. During testing, the Aviator averaged 24.3 mpg over 94.7 miles, with 34.8 miles covered on electricity. The Aviator's power was impressive, though the drivetrain could be unpredictable. The brake pedal also required careful handling due to the regenerative braking system. The Aviator's Dynamic Handling Package and adaptive suspension provided a smooth ride, though it wasn't particularly engaging to drive.

The 2022 Ford Explorer provided ample comfort for families of four, with the option to carry five with a second-row bench seat. However, the third-row seat was best suited for children due to limited space. The King Ranch trim featured triple-zone climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and massaging front seats. The second-row seats were comfortable, but the third-row was difficult for adults to access. Storage space was limited, with missed opportunities for additional compartments. The Explorer offered 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 87.8 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator prioritized comfort with a four-zone climate control system, heated and ventilated seats, and massaging 30-way Perfect Position front seats. The second-row captain's chairs were spacious, but the third-row seat was cramped and difficult for adults to access. The Aviator offered 18.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row in use, expanding to 77.7 cubic feet with all seats folded. The third-row seat was best left folded for additional cargo space.

The 2022 Ford Explorer featured the Sync 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen. The system included FordPass Connect, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a navigation system. The King Ranch trim added wireless charging, a surround-view camera, and a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system. However, the voice recognition system was outdated and struggled with basic commands. The Explorer also had a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Active Park Assist 2.0.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Lincoln Connect services. However, it ran on the older Sync 3 software, which struggled with voice recognition. The Aviator featured a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system and warning chimes recorded by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. It also offered wireless charging and a Phone As A Key system. The digital instrumentation and head-up display were clear, even with polarized sunglasses. The Aviator's parking sensors and surround-view camera were useful, though the Active Parking Assist 2.0 system was not tested.

The 2022 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, though the NHTSA had not published complete crash-test ratings for 2022. The Explorer came with Ford Co-Pilot360, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Co-Pilot360 Assist+ added adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist. The system worked well, though it occasionally lacked steering wheel sensitivity.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator featured Co-Pilot360 1.5, 1.5 Plus, and 2.0 driver aids, depending on the trim. Our test vehicle included adaptive headlights, adaptive cruise control, and pedestrian detection. The Aviator's driver aids performed well on straight highways but struggled in curves and dense traffic. The steering wheel controls were unnecessarily complicated. The standard Aviator received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.