2025 Ford Explorer vs 2025 Lincoln Aviator

The 2025 Ford Explorer continued to build on its previous redesign, which had shifted the midsize SUV from a front-wheel-drive to a rear-wheel-drive platform. This change had already given the Explorer a more balanced and sleek appearance, with a "floating" roof and a greenhouse that tapered into the liftgate. The refreshed 2025 model further enhanced this design with a restyled front end, making it appear wider and more ruggedly handsome. New LED taillights and a strip of trim connecting them added to the aesthetic appeal, while a variety of new wheel designs offered additional customization options. Inside, the Explorer saw significant improvements in terms of materials, colors, and design, making it more competitive in its segment. Ford streamlined the trim levels from eight to four, offering the Active, ST-Line, Platinum, and ST trims, with prices ranging from $39,755 to $55,505, excluding the destination charge.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator shared its rear-wheel-drive platform with the Ford Explorer, benefiting from classic design proportions that gave it a sports wagon-like appearance. However, the 2025 styling updates made it appear less elegant and more generic, especially with the optional Jet Appearance Package. Inside, the Aviator offered a plush interior with a classic architectural sensibility, avoiding the screen-heavy approach of other Lincoln models. The Aviator's remote keyless entry fob was a disappointment, but the SUV's Phone as a Key technology and touchpad entry system offered modern alternatives. Lincoln offered the Aviator in Premiere, Reserve, and Black Label trims, with prices ranging from $60,990 to $89,090, including the destination charge. The Reserve II Package added numerous desirable features, enhancing the luxury experience.

The 2025 Ford Explorer offered two EcoBoost engine options. Most trims came with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The Explorer ST and optionally the Platinum trim featured a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine delivering 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. All Explorers were equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, with an optional four-wheel-drive system. The ST-Line test vehicle, with rear-wheel drive, averaged 23.8 mpg during testing. The Explorer's turbo four-cylinder engine provided quick acceleration, and the 10-speed automatic transmission offered decisive shifts. The ST-Line's performance was enhanced with larger wheels and performance brakes, making it enjoyable to drive on winding roads. The Explorer ST showcased its performance capabilities on a short autocross course, while the Platinum trim demonstrated the V6 engine's fast acceleration and pleasant sound. The Explorer Active handled off-road conditions well, but it was not designed as a dedicated off-roader.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator featured a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine as its sole powertrain option, delivering 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque through a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Aviator offered various driving modes, including Excite, Conserve, Normal, Slippery, and Deep Conditions. The adaptive air suspension firmed up in Excite mode, but the Aviator's focus was on comfort rather than excitement. The V6 engine provided ample power for acceleration and passing, but the observed fuel economy was 17.7 mpg, below the official rating of 20 mpg. The Aviator offered clear sightlines and a 360-degree camera view for urban driving. However, the ride quality suffered on rough roads due to the large wheels and thin tires. The Aviator's adaptive Air Glide suspension ensured a composed and calming ride, but it lacked the athleticism of the Explorer ST.

The 2025 Ford Explorer accommodated six passengers in its standard configuration, with an optional second-row bench seat increasing capacity to seven. The ST-Line test vehicle featured a heated steering wheel, heated power-adjustable front seats, and the Premium Package, which added ambient lighting, massage front seats, heated second-row seats, and a power-folding third-row seat. The front seats were comfortable, with breathable fabric inserts, while the second-row captain's chairs offered similar comfort. However, the third-row seat was uncomfortable for adults, with limited space. The Explorer provided competitive cargo space, with 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 46 cubic feet behind the second row, and a maximum of 85.8 cubic feet.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator offered luxurious comfort with its Perfect Position front seats, featuring 30-way adjustability, heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain's chairs were roomy and supportive, with heating and ventilation, while the quad-zone climate control system allowed individual temperature settings. The third-row seat was less accommodating for adults, with limited legroom and low, flat cushions. The Aviator excelled in storage space, with a well-organized center console, deep door pockets, and an optional second-row console. Cargo space measured 19.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 42.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 78.6 cubic feet.

The 2025 Ford Explorer featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a new 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system called Ford Digital Experience. This system included Google Built-in, Amazon Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. A 5G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot and web browser apps provided internet access. The system was user-friendly, with Google Maps integration and app downloads through Google Play. The Explorer offered B&O sound systems by Bang & Olufsen, with 10 speakers in the ST-Line and 14 speakers in the Platinum and ST trims.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator featured a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster and a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system powered by Lincoln Digital Experience. This system included Google Built-in, Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. However, the Google Assistant in the test vehicle struggled with voice prompts, while wireless Apple CarPlay and Siri worked well. The Aviator's 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D sound system provided excellent audio quality. The available head-up display offered a widescreen presentation of data, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2025 Ford Explorer came equipped with Ford CoPilot 360+, which included adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist and other advanced driving assistance systems. The ST-Line trim and higher featured Ford CoPilot 360 2.0, adding a surround-view camera system and BlueCruise, Ford's hands-free highway driving system. BlueCruise performed well in testing, but its behavior was inconsistent when accommodating large trucks. The 2025 Explorer had not been fully rated by the NHTSA, but it earned five-star side-impact and four-star rollover resistance ratings.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator featured Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Drive 2.0, offering a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems. Notable features included active blind-spot monitoring with trailer coverage, intersection assist, evasive steering assist, and reverse braking assist. BlueCruise was standard, providing hands-free driving assistance on approved highways. The Aviator's BlueCruise system was proactive in predicting when driver control was necessary. The Aviator earned five-star ratings from the NHTSA and Good ratings from the IIHS, indicating its safety in collisions.