When you take a side-by-side look at the 2025 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator, it’s clear that these midsize SUVs appeal to totally different Colorado drivers. Which kind are you? Our comparison guide is here to help you decide!
Key Takeaways
- The Explorer helps you save thousands on a brand new three-row SUV!
- With the longest list of cushy features, the Aviator earns its stripes as the luxury version of the Explorer.
- When it comes to technology, the Explorer gives you the best bang-to-buck ratio.
- These family-friendly SUVs have a powerful engine in common, treating you to 400 horses’ worth of thrills, on-road and off!
Starting Price: 2025 Ford Explorer
When you’re deciding between the 2025 Explorer and Aviator, price is certainly a big factor. If you’re looking for a great price on a sporty family hauler, give the Explorer a whirl. Even after a high-tech makeover for the 2025 model year, Ford’s three-row SUV starts at just $40,050*.
The Aviator might be more luxurious, but it’s also a lot more expensive, with an MSRP of $59,295*. Then again, compared to other three-row luxury SUVs, the Aviator comes at an excellent price!
*Price as of 6/5/25.
Interior Luxury: 2025 Lincoln Aviator
The Aviator comes standard with quite the list of upscale features, making a name for itself as the luxury version of the Explorer. Where the Explorer comes standard with heated front seats and three-zone automatic climate control, the Aviator also throws in driver’s seat memory settings and synthetic leather upholstery!
The Aviator is also available with some prime upgrades. On higher trim models, soft-close doors and premium leather seating put the finishing touches on a plushly appointed cabin. Of course, the Explorer’s more exclusive trim models deliver upscale features of their own, from leather-trimmed upholstery to heated-and-ventilated front seats.
Modern Technology: 2025 Ford Explorer
This was a close call, but the Explorer takes the lead when it comes to tech features, thanks to its desirable bang-to-buck ratio. Thanks to an update for the 2025 model year, every Explorer now comes standard with the all-new Ford Digital Experience infotainment system. This setup includes a 13.2-inch central touchscreen, Google-based navigation and voice controls, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity! Better still, the new Explorer adds the Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ suite of advanced safety aids to its list of standard features. They cast a wide safety net, helping you do everything from avoid a crash to maintain a safe cruising distance!
Because these SUVs have a parent company in common, the Lincoln Aviator sports many of the same tech features. It, too, introduces new, Google-based infotainment with the Lincoln Digital Experience. Of course, the Aviator comes standard with a few extras — including wireless smartphone charging and BlueCruise hands-free driving.
But for drivers who don’t want to spend extra money on these features, the Explorer remains the best buy. Better still, Explorer shoppers can spend a little extra to enjoy upgrades like hands-free BlueCruise and still end up spending less than they would on the Aviator!
Sporty Performance: It’s a Tie!
With a 400-horsepower engine in common, each of these SUVs delivers as much rugged adventure as the other. For drivers who don’t want to spend more on speed, the Explorer’s base 300-horsepower EcoBoost engine remains a strong option. And for drivers willing to spend more on athleticism, the performance-based Explorer ST comes at a better price than any of the Aviator trim models! Both SUVs are available with all-wheel drive to help you navigate your favorite Colorado trails.
2025 Ford Explorer Powertrain Specs
- Standard turbocharged 2.3L four-cylinder engine (300 hp, 311 lb-ft)
- Optional for Platinum, standard for ST: turbo 3.0L V6 (400 hp, 415 lb-ft)
- 10-speed automatic transmission
- Rear-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive
2025 Lincoln Aviator Specs
- Turbo 3.0L V6 (400 hp, 415 lb-ft)
- 10-speed automatic transmission
- Rear-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive
For Colorado clans, there’s no better midsize SUV than the Ford Explorer. The latest version of this all-American classic delivers rugged performance and premium comfort at a great price. Ready to upgrade your family adventures? Stop by Brighton Ford to test-drive the newly updated Explorer!