2023 Ford Explorer vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

Does your lifestyle call for countless exciting adventures? You’ll need an SUV that can effortlessly guide you through any journey. If you’re wondering which vehicles are best built for the task, you’ll want to consider either the 2023 Ford Explorer or the 2023 Lincoln Aviator. Both are designed to be tough while offering you maximum comfort and entertainment. But which ride does it better? Essential Ford of Stuart is here to compare the two to help you decide! Also, feel free to browse our new inventory online at any time. 

2023 Ford Explorer vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

Not only does a good SUV need to be powerful, but it also needs to have great mileage so you can traverse more land without worry. And of course, you should be extremely comfortable and safe throughout your entire drive. After taking a closer look, the new 2023 Ford Explorer excels in every way while offering a lower starting price point than the Lincoln Aviator.


Performance

The new 2023 Ford Explorer actually comes with 3 different engine types to choose from to better fit your lifestyle. The standard 2.3L EcoBoost engine is already impressive at 300 horsepower, but it only gets better. For more power, you can go with the 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engine at 400 horsepower, or for better mileage, you can go with the 3.3L V6 hybrid engine as it’s the better gas saver with 27 in-city and 28 highway miles per gallon. The Ford Explorer can tow up to 5,600 pounds with the tow/haul drive mode and 4WD assistance. This impressive SUV also comes with many more drive modes including sport, eco, slippery, trail, deep snow/sand, and of course, normal. And with the addition of SelectShift paddle shifters, you can switch out your 10-speed automatic for a manual on the fly anytime!

The new 2023 Lincoln Aviator comes standard with a 3.0L V6 engine at 400 horsepower which is pretty much similar to one of the Explorer’s engine choices, but the matter of hybrid engines isn’t even a competition. Although the Aviator’s Plug-in hybrid option brings you 494 horsepower, you’re not likely to utilize it since 400 is more than adequate for most road trips. What matters most is the mileage rating, and that’s where the Aviator greatly falls behind. Its hybrid engine only gives you 22 in-city and 25 highway miles per gallon while the Explorer has a rating of 27/28. When you’re far away from the nearest gas station, every bit counts.

Safety & Features

When going on daring adventures, your safety is of the utmost importance. Ford understands this which is why the Explorer comes with a load of safety features like the Ford Co-Pilot360 package which comes standard. There are even safety features specifically for when you’re towing, such as trailer sway control which automatically selects and adjusts your engine power and brakes accordingly to help you stay on course. Side-wind stabilization also comes into play for safe towing during high winds. Along with these incredible features, you can also ask about the 360-degree split-view camera, the post-collision braking system, and the rear parking sensors.

Taking a look at the new Aviator, you can receive the Co-Pilot360 1.5 Plus package, but it only comes as an available option rather than standard safety measures. The Aviator already comes at a higher starting price than the Explorer, so the fact that you have to pay even more to use these useful features is rather disappointing.

Standard Ford Co-Pilot360

• Auto High Beam
• Rear View Camera
• Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert
• Pre-Collision Assist
• Lane-Keeping System
• Adaptive Cruise Control

 
Available Lincoln Co-Pilot360 1.5 Plus

• Evasive Steering Assist
• Reverse Brake Assist
• Active Park Assist 2.0
• Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control

 

Interior

Inside the Explorer, you’ll find a unique 10.2-inch touchscreen with a portrait layout which can come as more practical for your personal use. You can sit and relax on available multi-contour seats with Active Motion massage elements, including five upper and lower settings to help reduce fatigue while on the road. Looking up, you’ll notice a twin-panel moonroof that opens up the cabin’s atmosphere, and ambient lighting further livens up the mood with 7 varying color choices. For more fun, crank up the B&O sound system with 12 total speakers which includes a subwoofer! And for those long camping trips, there’s an available cargo management system that adds side pockets and underfloor storage compartments to your 87.8 cubic feet of maximum cargo space.

While B&O is a popular brand name, the Aviator comes with a Revel sound system which many would consider less recognizable. Aside from that, the Aviator also comes with Active Motion seats, a dual-panel moonroof, and ambient lighting. But with the interior features being so similar to the Explorer, why bother paying roughly $20,000 more for the Lincoln?


Bottom Line

Both the Explorer and Aviator offer similar features, but that’s precisely why it’s difficult to justify paying tens of thousands more for an SUV that does pretty much the same thing. Not only that, but the Explorer offers better mileage and more safety features. This is why we will gladly recommend Ford’s famed utility vehicle over Lincoln’s every time!

Take the 2023 Ford Explorer for a Test Drive!

Come to Essential Ford of Stuart anytime to ask about the 2023 Ford Explorer! We’ll gladly give you all the details to help you find the perfect SUV for all of your road trips and off-roading adventures! You can call our friendly staff at (727) 287-0955 or check out our new inventory online!