Ford and Lincoln may be blood brothers, but the models they have on offer couldn’t be any more different. With Lincoln representing all out luxury, and Ford pulling no punches for practicality. This Ford Explorer versus Lincoln Aviator SUV showdown comes down to which car provides the best all around deal in the 2025 model year.
Key Takeaways
- The Ford Explorer receives plenty of new updates, with practicality and comfort being the focus in this latest round of revisions.
- The Aviator introduces a major tech update this year, making for a much nicer interior.
- The Explorer similarly tweaks its tech, adding google assistant voice commands as part of its new suite of upgrades.
Is the 2025 Ford Explorer a redesign?
There’s plenty new about the 2025 Ford Explorer. For 2025, the Ford Explorer receives a significant refresh that includes updated front and rear styling along with four new grille designs and all-LED headlights. The XLT and ST-Line trims have been merged into a new Active grade, while the 10-speed automatic transmission benefits from updated tuning.
A Class-III hitch capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds is now standard. Inside, the cabin is redesigned with softer, more upscale materials and features the new Ford Digital Experience infotainment system. This system includes Google Assistant voice commands, built-in Amazon Alexa apps and services, and even gaming and media viewing capability.
A 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster are now standard, and Ford BlueCruise 1.2 hands-free highway driving is available. Rounding out the updates are new 18-, 20-, and 21-inch wheel options, along with a new Vapor Blue Metallic paint color for the ST, ST-Line, and Active trims.
How much should I pay for a 2025 Lincoln Aviator?
As of writing, the 2025 Lincoln Aviator has a starting sticker price of $60,590, with the range-topping Aviator Black Label kicking off at $88,990. A full list of available trims reads as:
- Premiere - $60,590
- Reserve - $67,790
- Black Label - $88,900
Five years into its second generation, the Lincoln Aviator receives a tech-focused update designed to keep it competitive for years to come. The centerpiece is a new, larger infotainment touchscreen that now supports Amazon Alexa and Prime Video, YouTube, Apple CarPlay, Google Assistant, and even a couple of web browsers, all with over-the-air update capability.
BlueCruise hands-free driving is now standard, along with convenient features like phone-as-key functionality, wireless charging, a heated and power-adjustable steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, and a panoramic roof. The front end has been subtly refreshed, while the Reserve trim gets new interior color options, and the Black Label trim receives new exterior paint choices.
Summary
There’s alot to love about the Lincoln Aviator, but it's no secret that it's extremely tough on your wallet. Ford offers the Explorer in part as a sensible alternative to the ultra luxurious Aviator, though its lack of out there features doesn’t mean its some bare bones SUV you have to settle for. The Explorer is a solid choice, being decently comfortable when compared to other models in its segment, and as such finds itself suiting a wider variety of needs than its fancier brother.