Better family road trips start with a better SUV. Trips through Sarasota, Bradenton, and Venice, FL and beyond are made better with luxurious amenities and superior design. There are many models out there vying for your attention, including the Lincoln Aviator and the Ford Explorer, but which has the qualities that you and your kin need for weekend getaways?
Deciding on your next SUV is easier when you have helpful research on hand. That’s why we’ve compared the Lincoln Aviator and the Explorer in this in-depth guide. Let our Ed Howard Lincoln team guide you and you’ll find out which of these SUVs is the better fit for your next chapter.
EXTERIOR WELCOME LIGHTING
WIRELESS CHARGING
STANDARD HORSEPOWER
Bumpy paths, steep inclines, and winding roads are all potential obstacles that you’ll encounter while out and about with your family. Your SUV needs to be ready to rise to the occasion so the adventure can continue. There’s plenty of power to be found in both models, but which has the capability to live up to your needs?
Engineering is at the core of any great vehicle. Countless hours of precision design are required to make a model that can take on everything from standard trips downtown to week-long highway adventures. The Lincoln Aviator and the Explorer each include the power you need to transport three rows of people and their luggage, though Lincoln goes the extra mile with its standard offering.
Lincoln Aviator | Ford Explorer | |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Engine | Twin-turbocharged 3.0L V6 | Turbocharged 2.3L I-4 |
| Standard Horsepower | 400 HP | 300 HP |
| Standard Torque | 415 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft |
While there are plenty of paths each SUV can take, only the Lincoln Aviator adds an extra boost in power for every model. That extra engineering strength will make a significant difference when the drive becomes demanding, or when there’s a long stretch of open road ahead. You’ll thank yourself for the added power.
An advanced transmission is key to a smoother drive. Each SUV comes standard with a 10-speed automatic transmission to increase the possibilities and ensure your drive is as efficient as possible. When you have an expertly tuned transmission under the hood, you’ll enjoy a better drive with these benefits:
- Improved fuel economy
- Faster acceleration
- Easier handling
SelectShift® capability is present in both the Lincoln Aviator and the Explorer, giving you more control. Paddle shifters give you the choice to slip into a new gear on demand when the occasion arises, while the smooth automatic transmission commands the vehicle the rest of the time. This system comes standard in the Lincoln Aviator, while it’s only available in select Explorer models.
Comfort, convenience, and style are all hallmarks of an exceptional vehicle. You and your family will be spending many hours inside the cabin of your next SUV, so it should be a place that caters to everyone’s wellbeing. Thoughtful design and robust features are both part of what makes an interior better, and only one of these models goes above and beyond.
Relaxation is equally important for both short drives and extended trips. Having the right setup will make the many years and miles ahead much more enjoyable. There’s ample space in each SUV’s cabin for up to seven passengers to spread out. Multiple seating materials are available for the Lincoln Aviator and the Explorer as well, giving you more options to make your own ideal oasis.
The driver and copilot have especially important jobs to do while the family is out and about. They’ll be taken care of with the available 30-way Perfect Position Front Seats. You and your front-seat rider can find your ideal positions, and it’s only available through Lincoln. The second-row passengers can enjoy the standard Panoramic Vista roof for extra sun as well—Explorer riders only have that as an option on select models.
The luxurious style of the Lincoln Aviator sets it in a class of its own. While the Explorer has some features available as upgrades from its base model, the Lincoln Aviator has them standard across all trims. Some of these standard offerings include:
- Wireless device charging
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Power heated steering wheel
- Bluecruise hands-free highway driving
Additionally, the Lincoln Aviator offers exclusive features you won’t find in the Explorer. Auto Air Refresh, 22-inch wheels, LED headlamps with welcome animation, and the Lincoln Digital Experience suite are just some of the examples of how Lincoln goes the extra mile.
Modern conveniences make driving a cohesive and state-of-the-art experience. When your SUV is equipped with all the latest innovations, you and your family will enjoy the ride more than ever before. While each SUV has ample tech to make driving fun and safe, only one comes out ahead.
Daily life can be demanding, from important calls to sudden changes in plans. Convenient features commanded from the driver’s seat make those times easier. Both models give you access to a range of different systems, including:
- Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ support
- 5G Wi-Fi capability
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Amazon Alexa Built-In
While each vehicle includes a 13.2-inch touchscreen to control your apps, there’s a difference in how your favorite playlist will sound. Inside the Explorer, you’ll have access to an available 14-speaker premium audio system. The Lincoln Aviator and its available Revel® Ultima 3D Audio System takes that capability and doubles it with 28 high-fidelity speakers. It turns your cabin into the ultimate party zone for your road trips.
Anything can happen while you’re out in traffic, so it’s best to be prepared. Driver-assistive technologies provide an extra layer of security, ensuring you and your riders have peace of mind. The Lincoln Aviator and the Explorer each come with vast suites of driver-assistive features that give you the edge you need when the unexpected happens, including:
- Lane-Keeping System
- Rear Parking Sensors
- Blind Spot Information System
- Adaptive Cruise Control
The Lincoln Aviator and its Lincoln Co-Pilot 360® collection of technologies gives you extra advantages over the Explorer. When you drive the Lincoln Aviator, you’ll have a better view with the standard 360-degree camera to improve your awareness. It also comes with front parking sensors to make pulling into a space easier. Each Lincoln Aviator comes standard with these additional features to make a comprehensive ring of protection from every angle.
The luxurious touches and elegant design within the Lincoln Aviator set it in its own echelon of greatness. Each drive through Sarasota, Bradenton, and Venice, FL will be better thanks to the exquisite craftsmanship and state-of-the-art features of this remarkable SUV.
Now that you’ve seen what the Lincoln Aviator has to offer, it’s time to experience it firsthand. Contact Ed Howard Lincoln today to discover your next favorite SUV.
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