2026 Lincoln Aviator vs 2025 INFINITI QX80

The 2025 Infiniti QX80 is the Nissan luxury brand’s de facto flagship. It’s a full-size SUV that competes with the BMW X7, Cadillac Escalade, Land Rover Range Rover, Lexus LX, Lincoln Navigator, and Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class. The QX80 benefits from a redesign for 2025 with new styling, a new powertrain, and updated tech features.

Verdict: The QX80 emphasizes interior space and tech gadgets over driving dynamics.

The Ford Explorer appeals for its ability to haul the family while also towing a trailer. Its rear-wheel-drive (RWD) platform gives it a sporty character for a three-row SUV, and the top models are powerful. A gilded version of the Explorer, the Lincoln Aviator keeps the Ford’s more potent optional engine, while introducing far more interior quality and luxury. However, like other Lincolns, it sacrifices sportiness for a comfortable ride.

Verdict: The Ford Explorer’s towing capability and interior space are appealing, but for buyers who want a more comfortable and relaxing cabin, as well as more tech and style, the Lincoln Aviator is the step-up choice. Buyers who opt for the Dynamic Handling package can recapture some of the Ford’s body control, too.