2020 Lincoln Aviator vs 2021 Ford Explorer

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator was positioned between the larger Navigator and the smaller MKC, which was later replaced by the Corsair. Lincoln's shift from alphanumeric names to real vehicle names signaled a move away from mimicking imports. The Aviator featured a cohesive design language across Lincoln's lineup, with striking headlights and a prominent chrome grille. Its tapered roofline and low, wide beltline gave it an elongated, almost nautical appearance. Inside, the Aviator boasted a flowing cabin design with soft-touch materials and elegant seats. The shifter buttons resembled piano keys, adding a touch of luxury reminiscent of the Golden Age. The Aviator's interior was plush, with leather extending to areas not typically covered, showcasing Lincoln's commitment to luxury. Unique features like a panoramic moonroof and orchestral warning jingles recorded by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra highlighted Lincoln's holistic approach to luxury.

The 2021 Ford Explorer, part of Ford's "small, medium, large, XL" SUV lineup, shared a family resemblance with its siblings, the Escape, Edge, and Expedition. The Explorer's exterior was sporty, with raked belt lines and distinctive grilles varying by trim. It offered six trims, from the base model to the luxurious Platinum, with prices ranging from $32,925 to $52,730. Inside, the Explorer provided three rows of seating, with cloth upholstery on the base model. The dash was clean, featuring an 8-inch LCD touchscreen and a rotary gearshift for added storage space. The XLT trim, popular among buyers, offered better equipment, while leather upholstery was standard on higher trims. The Explorer's interior was practical, with ample storage and a focus on functionality.

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator came standard with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, producing 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. The Grand Touring model enhanced this setup with a 100-hp electric motor, resulting in a combined 494 hp and 630 lb-ft of torque. Both powertrains used a 10-speed automatic transmission, with the base V6 offering RWD or AWD, while the PHEV was AWD only. The Aviator's acceleration was smooth and confident, with a 0-60 mph time of about 4 seconds. The PHEV's electric power at low speeds improved fuel efficiency and driving experience. The Aviator's steering was light, and its brakes provided cushioned feedback. It featured an "Excite" drive mode for a more dynamic experience, though its 5,600-pound weight limited its agility. Fuel economy for the RWD Aviator was 18 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined, while the AWD version achieved 17, 24, and 20 mpg. The PHEV offered a combined 23 mpg, with a 21-mile electric-only range and a 56 MPGe rating.

The 2021 Ford Explorer, weighing 4,345 pounds at its lightest, featured a base 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The Limited Hybrid trim increased power to 310 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque. Higher trims, including the ST, offered a 3.0-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V6, delivering 365 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque, with the ST reaching 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. All trims used a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Explorer prioritized towing capacity, with a range of 5,000 to 5,600 pounds, depending on the configuration. While not exceptional in its class, it was competitive with other SUVs like the Subaru Ascent. The Explorer's performance was more about practicality than sportiness, with the ST trim offering the most engaging driving experience.

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator, with its three rows, competed with luxury SUVs like the Audi Q7 and Mercedes-Benz GLE. The optional second-row captain's chairs were highly praised, while the power-closing third row was suitable for children on longer trips. With the second and third rows folded, the Aviator offered 77 cubic feet of cargo space, comparable to the Cadillac XT6. However, some controls, like the 30-way seats and door handles, were overly complicated. The seat controls required navigating a touchscreen menu, and the door-release function was unconventional, raising concerns about usability in emergencies.

The 2021 Ford Explorer provided seating for seven in the base model, with captain's chairs in higher trims reducing capacity to six. It offered 39 inches of second-row legroom, surpassing some competitors but falling short of others like the Kia Telluride. With the third row in use, the Explorer had 21 cubic feet of cargo space, and 81 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, which was less impressive compared to some rivals. The Explorer's interior focused on practicality, with ample legroom and cargo space, though it lagged behind in overall cargo volume.

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator featured the Sync 3 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen in a landscape layout, providing a user-friendly interface for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The fully digital instrument panel and head-up display offered a wealth of information in a minimalist design. The Aviator's tech setup was intuitive and well-integrated, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2021 Ford Explorer offered an 8-inch touchscreen as standard, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G WiFi hotspot. Higher trims included a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system and an optional 10.1-inch touchscreen. The Explorer provided multiple charging options, including USB ports and 12-volt power points, with a 110-volt AC outlet available on higher trims. The Explorer's tech offerings were comprehensive, catering to a wide range of needs.

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator came equipped with a full array of airbags, traction control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Lincoln Co-Pilot360 suite included forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring and a head-up display, providing a robust safety package.

The 2021 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and an "Acceptable" rating for adaptive headlights. The Ford Co-Pilot360 suite, standard on all trims, included auto high-beam headlights, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane keeping assist, forward-collision warning, and more. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ suite, available on higher trims, added adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, and other advanced features, offering a comprehensive safety package.