Key Takeaways:
- The Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator are nearly the same, with most of the differences coming in available packages and features.
- The Ford Explorer and Aviator share engines and a chassis.
- The Ford Explorer and the Aviator are just about the same vehicle, and you can get the Explorer for much less and can save you up to $10,000.
Is the Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator the Same? What is the Lincoln Equivalent of an Explorer?
The Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator are very similar vehicles, but they are not exactly the same. The Aviator is built off the same frame as the Ford Explorer, but the width was extended by two inches. The Explorer also lacks a lot of the luxe materials and features that the Aviator has. The Lincoln equivalent of the Explorer is the Lincoln Aviator, as it has almost the exact same dimensions, and borrows the high powered V6 engine from the Explorer as its powertrain. The two vehicles are both powerful family SUVs that offer loads of speed and fun features.
Is the Lincoln Aviator built on the Explorer chassis?
The Lincoln Aviator is built off the Explorer chassis, but the frame has been widened by two inches on the Lincoln Aviator. This means that the Ford Explorer and the Linvoln Aviator share quite a few of the same interior design cues, and have almost the same amount of space. The Aviator not only shares a chassis with the Explorer, it also shares an engine. The Ford Explorer’s most powerful engine is a 400 horsepower V6 with a 10 speed automatic transmission, which is the base engine on the Aviator. The Aviator also has a hybrid engine that pairs a battery with the same V6 engine, but gets up to 494 horsepower. Even though the two vehicles share a lot of characteristics the Explorer and the Aviator do not look that similar, the Aviator has a much different front end than the Explorer does which makes it look a bit more refined while the Explorer looks a bit more athletic.
What is the Luxury Version of the Explorer and Is the Lincoln Aviator a Luxury vehicle?
The luxury version of the Ford Explorer is the Lincoln Aviator, which yes is a luxury vehicle. The Ford Explorer is a more rugged, athletic vehicle, while the Aviator is most definitely a luxury vehicle. The most obvious difference between the two is the price tag, as the Explorer starts at around $38,400 and the Aviator starts around $54,700, a difference of $16,300. Beyond that the Ford Explorer does not have massage seats as a standard option on any of its trims, and it is only available as an option on the top tier King Ranch trim. The Aviator has massaging chairs available on its second tier trim, and standard on its top tier trim.
Which is better: the Ford Explorer or the Lincoln Aviator?
The Ford Explorer might be the better option as it starts about $16,000 less than the Aviator. Beyond that the two are very similar, but the Explorer has a slightly more gas friendly hybrid getting up to 28 mpg while the Aviator’s hybrid engine only gets 23 mpg combined with its hybrid engine.
The main difference here is if you want to pay for a luxury vehicle which comes with real wood, leather and other materials, or if you want a very comfortably designed interior with nice materials that add to a comfortable drive. Also price plays a big role, and simply for how much you save going with the Explorer, we think that the Explorer is the better option.