These are two very different SUVs, with two very different price tags. Which is going to be the better choice for you, the 2023 Ford Explorer or the 2023 Lincoln Aviator? Sure, they have their similarities. But when deciding between a luxury SUV and any other, it's important to explore all your options before committing to something with such a huge price tag as the Lincoln. Our comprehensive guide explains why the Explorer is going to be the better choice for years to come.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- The Explorer and the Aviator both seat seven passengers, both with comfort, but the standard
- Aviator starts with leather upholstery.
- Both offer a second-tier engine that is a hybrid, saving drivers of either gas money.
- More standard features are included in the Aviator's luxury build.
ADDRESSING THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM
Let's get this one part out of the way first: pricing. Comparing the Explorer to the Aviator is kind of like comparing apples to oranges, or at least, fancy apples to gold-plated apples. The Aviator is defined as a midsize luxury SUV, while the Explorer is not of the luxury sort. It's a standard four-door SUV, nothing more nothing less. It's going to be reliable, and capable of taking you anywhere. That means drivers of an Explorer expect to take their SUV on the highways, in the cities, and outdoors as often as possible -doing just as its name suggests: exploring. The Explorer is going to give you everything you need in moderation.
The Aviator is designed with luxe in mind. It does go above and beyond with great features that may not be useful to you, or especially your budget. The Aviator is more akin to almost an SUV limousine with its suave interior and exterior and pearly finish and if that's what you're looking for - it's going to be hard to find something that rivals the luxury that is the Lincoln Aviator. That being said, you never have to feel anxious taking your Explorer with you anywhere and getting it too "dirty". Simply put, if you have a lower budget in mind - the Explorer is going to be the more affordable choice, starting at an average of $36,700 while the Aviator starts at $53,300.
ENGINE AND POWER
The Explorer's engine is a 2.3-liter, V4 with 300 horsepower. It also has a towing maximum of 5,600 pounds. To rival the Aviator's hybrid option, the Explorer also presents a hybrid engine that saves gas money, a 3.3-liter, V6 Cylinder Engine with 318 hp. The Aviator offers a powerful standard engine with 400 horsepower and a 3.0-liter V6 but with an identical towing maximum. The second-tier engine for the Aviator is their take on the hybrid with a plug-in hybrid, using a 100-hp electric motor and 13.6-kWh battery. When combined with the standard powertrain, it produces a total of 494 horsepower. While it can go some way before switching over to its gas engine, just make sure you leave room in the garage to charge the Aviator's battery at night.
WHAT FEATURES DOES THE AVIATOR INCLUDE THAT THE EXPLORER DOESN'T?
You may be pleasantly surprised to know that the Explorer offers a lot of the same benefits as the Aviator. The Aviator is lined from bumper to bumper with all 2023 has to offer from safety to entertainment, but in the safety department - the Explorer is pretty much matched with the Aviator. That's why we think the Explorer does a better job of looking out for drivers' budgets and then their drive, by including the necessities. Both cars include forward collision warnings, pedestrian detection, lane departure warnings, lane-keeping assistance, and rear cross-traffic alerts. The only thing that the Aviator has that the Explorer does not is a driver attention monitor. For entertainment, the Aviator offers a relaxing with its substantial 12-inch infotainment display, standard leather upholstery, heated seats, and steering wheel.
WHAT WE RECOMMEND FOR MOST BUYERS
If it's a luxury SUV you're looking for, the Avaitor may be the obvious choice. But when you dig a little deeper, you find that the Explorer has a lot of key luxury features the Aviator already offers while keeping you within a modest budget to boot. That's why you cannot go wrong when driving a new 2023 Explorer off the lot, even when it's up against one of the industry's most luxurious SUVs.