2020 Ford Explorer vs Lincoln Aviator: Differences compared side by side

Posted by on Friday, 18 January 2019

The 6th-gen Ford Explorer and 2nd-gen Lincoln Aviator both use a new RWD/AWD platform, but the FoMoCo has gone to great lengths to diffentiate the two cars.

2020 Ford Explorer PlatinumExplorer
2020 Lincoln AviatorAviator
Back in the day, Ford would just change the headlights, grille, hood, and bumpers and leave it at that. With the latest Explorer and Aviator, they've gone a lot further than that.
2020 Ford Explorer PlatinumExplorer
2020 Lincoln AviatorAviator
Both cars share the same profile, but every exterior panel and design element is different.
2020 Ford Explorer PlatinumExplorer
2020 Lincoln AviatorAviator
The crossovers may be riding on an all-new platform, but the Explorer looks little different to the fifth-generation model. The contrast with its Aviator sibling is stark, though.
2020 Ford Explorer InteriorExplorer
2020 Lincoln AviatorAviator
Ford has also invested significant effort in differentiating their interiors. Both feature a unique dashboard design, and most major design elements are different.
2020 Ford Explorer PlatinumExplorer
2020 Lincoln AviatorAviator
Only high-end versions of the Explorer have this unusual portrait 10.1-inch infotainment screen, cheaper models have a more traditional 8-inch landscape screen. The Aviator, we believe, will only have landscape display.
2020 Ford Explorer InteriorExplorer
2020 Lincoln AviatorAviator
A 12.3-inch instrumentation screen is standard on the Aviator, and available on the Explorer. Despite being the same screen, the Ford and Lincoln models will have different graphics.
2020 Ford Explorer PlatinumExplorer
2020 Lincoln AviatorAviator
Most switchgear seems to be unique, but both Ford and Lincoln have decided to ditch traditional transmission shifters for the 10-speed automatic.
2020 Ford Explorer PlatinumExplorer
2020 Lincoln AviatorAviator
Sorry to keep harping on about this, but Ford has also put quite a bit of effort into differentiating the cars' powertrain options. The Aviator comes standard with a 400hp (298kW) 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6. This is shared with the sporty Explorer ST, although this car has 15 lb-ft (20Nm) of extra torque.
2020 Ford Explorer PlatinumExplorer
2020 Lincoln AviatorAviator
The Aviator also has an exclusive (for now, anyway) 450hp (335kW) plug-in hybrid setup with the same twin-turbo V6. The Explorer is also available with a 300hp (224kW) 2.3-litre turbo 4-cylinder, 365hp (272kW) 3-litre turbo V6, and 318hp (237kW) 3.3-litre V6 hybrid.
2020 Ford Explorer PlatinumExplorer
2020 Lincoln AviatorAviator
We love the look of Lincoln's 'Perfect Position' seats, especially with nice, soft leather. Really makes it a step up from the Ford.

2020 Ford Explorer InteriorExplorer
2020 Lincoln AviatorAviator

2020 Ford Explorer InteriorExplorer
2020 Lincoln AviatorAviator
The Lincoln and Ford both have three rows of seats, and available captain's chairs for the second row.

2020 Ford Explorer PlatinumExplorer
2020 Lincoln AviatorAviator
Trunk space isn't too bad even with all three rows up.

2020 Ford Explorer

◄ Prev

Credit: Ford

2020 Ford Explorer Platinum

View Gallery (33 Photos)

  • 2020 Ford Explorer Platinum
  • 2020 Ford Explorer Platinum
  • 2020 Ford Explorer Limited
  • 2020 Ford Explorer Interior
  • 2020 Ford Explorer Platinum
  • 2020 Ford Explorer Platinum

2020 Lincoln Aviator

◄ Prev

Credit: TYLER GOURLEY

2020 Lincoln Aviator

View Gallery (48 Photos)

  • 2020 Lincoln Aviator
  • 2020 Lincoln Aviator
  • 2020 Lincoln Aviator
  • 2020 Lincoln Aviator
  • 2020 Lincoln Aviator
  • 2020 Lincoln Aviator

TAGS:
aviatorexplorerfordlincolnsecond generationsixth generation
FILED UNDER:
Comparison
Derek Fung

Derek Fung

Editor-at-large — Derek has a lifelong love for all things automotive, from the dullest Camry to record shattering Bugattis. Prior to starting up Between the Axles he was a reviewer for CNET Australia and the founding editor of its Car Technology channel. [Read more]
Comparison

2020 Ford Explorer vs Lincoln Aviator: Differences compared side by side

Comparison 2020 Volkswagen Passat vs 2012-2019: Differences c…
Comparison 2020 Hyundai Palisade vs Kia Telluride: Difference…