A 3-ROW SUV COMPARISONLincoln Aviator vs Ford Explorer

DEEP-DIVING INTO THE
2026 Lincoln Aviator vs 2025 Ford Explorer

When shopping for a three‑row SUV, many drivers in Savannah and the Lowcountry find themselves weighing the Lincoln Aviator vs Ford Explorer. Both models share a strong heritage within the Ford Motor Company family, yet they cater to very different needs. The 2026 Lincoln Aviator is designed as a luxury midsize SUV, blending refined power with premium comfort and advanced technology. The 2025 Ford Explorer, on the other hand, remains one of America’s most popular family SUVs, offering versatility, value, and a wide range of trims to suit different lifestyles.

This in‑depth comparison highlights how the Aviator and Explorer differ in performance, towing, interior space, technology, and overall value. Whether you’re commuting through downtown Savannah, planning weekend trips to Hilton Head, or managing family life in Pooler or Richmond Hill, understanding these distinctions will help you choose the SUV that best fits your needs. By the end, you’ll see why both vehicles are strong contenders—but only one may align perfectly with your priorities.

The comparison of Market Position, Pricing & Overall Appeal highlights how the 2026 Lincoln Aviator and 2025 Ford Explorer are designed to serve very different audiences.

The Aviator is firmly positioned as a luxury midsize SUV, offering premium craftsmanship, advanced driver‑assist technology, and exclusive ownership perks. Its pricing reflects that positioning, starting at $56,910 MSRP and climbing to $85,380 MSRP for fully equipped Black Label trim. This makes it the right choice for buyers who prioritize refinement, prestige, and a luxury ownership experience.

The Ford Explorer, by contrast, remains a mainstream midsize SUV with a much broader reach. With a starting MSRP of $38,465 and the top trim reaching $50,965, it appeals to families and value‑minded shoppers who want space, safety, and versatility without stepping into the luxury segment. Its wide range of trims ensures there’s an option for nearly every budget and lifestyle.

Overall, the Aviator delivers unmatched sophistication and performance for those seeking a premium SUV, while the Explorer offers everyday practicality and affordability. This distinction makes the Aviator ideal for drivers who want their vehicle to reflect status and comfort, while the Explorer is best suited for households needing a reliable, family‑friendly SUV at a more accessible price point.

When comparing the Lincoln Aviator vs Ford Explorer — the performance differences become clear.

The Aviator comes standard with a 3.0L twin‑turbocharged V6 producing 400 horsepower and 415 lb‑ft of torque, delivering smooth, confident acceleration in about 5.6 seconds. By contrast, the Explorer starts with a smaller 2.3L EcoBoost® I‑4 at 300 horsepower, though its ST trim does offer a 400‑horsepower V6 that matches the Aviator’s output. This means that while the Explorer can compete in higher trims, the Aviator provides luxury‑level performance right out of the gate.

For Savannah drivers navigating I‑95 or heading toward Hilton Head, the Aviator’s standard powertrain ensures effortless highway merging and towing confidence. The Explorer, with its Intelligent 4WD system and lighter base engine, appeals more to families in Pooler or Richmond Hill who prioritize efficiency and value. Both models achieve similar EPA ratings of 18 city / 25 highway mpg, but the Aviator balances this with a more refined ride and available rear‑wheel drive dynamics.

Ultimately, the Aviator positions itself as the premium choice for Lowcountry buyers seeking luxury performance without compromise, while the Explorer remains a versatile, budget‑friendly option for everyday use. This balance of power, efficiency, and drivetrain flexibility highlights why the Aviator is often favored by those who want both prestige and capability in the Savannah, GA market.

When evaluating towing and payload, the Lincoln Aviator vs Ford Explorer comparison highlights two SUVs designed for different priorities.

The 2026 Lincoln Aviator offers a maximum towing capacity of 6,700 pounds when properly equipped, giving it a clear advantage for Savannah drivers who may need to haul boats to the Lowcountry coast or trailers up toward Hilton Head. By contrast, the 2025 Ford Explorer tops out at 5,000 pounds, which is still respectable for family camping trips around Pooler or Richmond Hill but falls short of the Aviator’s capability.

Payload capacity is nearly identical, with both models supporting around 1,400 pounds, making them equally capable of handling passengers and gear for weekend getaways. Where the difference lies is in how each SUV delivers that strength: the Aviator pairs its higher towing with luxury refinement and a twin‑turbo V6, while the Explorer emphasizes versatility and affordability across its trims.

For buyers in Savannah and the surrounding Lowcountry, the Aviator is the better fit if towing power and premium comfort are top priorities. The Explorer remains a practical choice for families who want balanced capability at a more accessible price point. This side‑by‑side look makes it clear that while both SUVs serve their purpose well, the Aviator stands out for those who demand more muscle and refinement in their daily drive.

When looking at exterior dimensions in the Lincoln Aviator vs Ford Explorer comparison, the two SUVs are nearly identical in footprint, but subtle differences shape their personalities.

The 2026 Lincoln Aviator measures 199.7 inches long, just under an inch longer than the 2025 Ford Explorer at 198.8 inches. That extra length, combined with the Aviator’s wider stance at 89.9 inches, gives it a more commanding road presence—something Savannah drivers will notice when pulling up along River Street or navigating Lowcountry highways.

Height is where the Explorer edges ahead slightly at 70.2 inches compared to the Aviator’s 69.6 inches, which can translate into a touch more upright cabin feel. Both share the same 119.1‑inch wheelbase, ensuring similar stability and ride comfort. Ground clearance, however, highlights a key distinction: the Aviator’s available Air Glide Suspension allows adjustment between 6.7 and 8.7 inches, offering both a low, luxury‑oriented ride and extra clearance for rougher roads. The Explorer’s fixed 7.6–8.2 inches provides solid versatility but lacks the adaptive refinement.

For buyers in Savannah, Pooler, or Hilton Head, these small dimensional differences matter. The Aviator leans into luxury proportions and adaptive capability, while the Explorer emphasizes practicality and family‑friendly height. Both fit well in urban garages and Lowcountry driveways, but the Aviator’s adjustable suspension and wider stance underscore its premium positioning.

When comparing interior space in the Lincoln Aviator vs Ford Explorer, the differences reflect each SUV’s priorities. Both seat up to seven passengers, but the Explorer offers a larger overall passenger volume at 152.9 cu.ft. compared to the Aviator’s 140.6 cu.ft. This translates into slightly more headroom and shoulder room in the Explorer, particularly in the second and third rows, making it a stronger fit for families in Savannah or Pooler who regularly use all three rows.

The Aviator, however, balances its dimensions with a more refined second row. With 40.2 inches of legroom, it provides more stretch‑out comfort than the Explorer’s 39.0 inches, ideal for longer drives from Savannah to Hilton Head or Charleston. In the third row, the Explorer edges ahead with 32.2 inches of legroom versus the Aviator’s 29.2, giving it an advantage for occasional adult passengers.

Cargo space also favors the Explorer, with 87.8 cu.ft. behind the first row and 18.2 cu.ft. behind the third, compared to the Aviator’s 77.7 and 16.5 cu.ft. respectively. Still, the Aviator’s focus is on luxury comfort and premium finishes, making its slightly smaller dimensions feel more upscale.

For Lowcountry buyers, the Explorer emphasizes maximum space and practicality, while the Aviator delivers a more tailored, luxury‑oriented interior experience.

When it comes to luxury and technology, the Lincoln Aviator vs Ford Explorer comparison underscores how each SUV serves a different audience.

The 2026 Lincoln Aviator leans heavily into premium refinement, offering the Lincoln Digital Experience with Google apps, a standard wireless charging pad, and the option of a Revel® Ultima 28‑speaker 3D audio system. Its available 30‑way Perfect Position® seats with massage, heating, and ventilation set a benchmark for comfort, while touches like Lincoln Embrace welcome lighting and Auto Air Refresh elevate the cabin experience for Savannah drivers seeking sophistication on every trip.

The 2025 Ford Explorer, meanwhile, emphasizes versatility and value. Its Ford Digital Experience mirrors much of the Aviator’s connectivity, but audio tops out with a 12‑speaker Bang & Olufsen® system. Explorer buyers in Pooler or Richmond Hill will appreciate practical touches like up to eight USB ports across all three rows, available multicontour seats with massage, and a new integrated soundbar that modernizes the cabin. While its luxury features are more trim‑dependent, the Explorer still delivers strong convenience for families.

Ultimately, the Aviator distinguishes itself with standard luxury appointments and exclusive Black Label themes, while the Explorer offers a broader range of tech and comfort at a more accessible price point. For Lowcountry buyers, the choice comes down to whether premium craftsmanship or everyday practicality is the higher priority.

The overall Lincoln Aviator vs Ford Explorer comparison shows how these two SUVs, while similar in size and seating, are designed for very different buyers in Savannah and the Lowcountry.

The 2026 Lincoln Aviator delivers luxury from the start, with a standard 400‑horsepower twin‑turbo V6, refined ride quality, and premium features like 30‑way Perfect Position® seats and a Revel® 28‑speaker audio system. Its higher towing capacity of 6,700 pounds also makes it a strong choice for drivers hauling boats or trailers along the Georgia coast.

The 2025 Ford Explorer, on the other hand, emphasizes versatility and value. With a lower entry price, multiple trims, and a choice between a 300‑horsepower EcoBoost® I‑4 or a 400‑horsepower V6 in the ST, it appeals to families who want capability without the premium price tag. The Explorer also offers more generous third‑row legroom and cargo space, making it practical for larger households in Pooler, Richmond Hill, or Bluffton.

Technology and safety are strong in both models, but the Aviator includes longer BlueCruise coverage and more upscale touches like Lincoln Embrace welcome lighting and Black Label themes. Ultimately, the Aviator is best for Savannah drivers seeking prestige and comfort, while the Explorer remains a dependable, family‑friendly SUV with broad appeal across the Lowcountry.