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.
Explorer
Aviator![](https://images.betweentheaxles.net/lincoln_aviator_2nd_gen_2018/2019-lincoln-aviator-00029-crop_1fc46x.jpg)
![](https://images.betweentheaxles.net/ford_explorer_6th_gen_2019/2020-ford-explorer-00004-crop_usz1px.jpg)
![](https://images.betweentheaxles.net/lincoln_aviator_2nd_gen_2018/2019-lincoln-aviator-00029-crop_1fc46x.jpg)
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.
Explorer
Aviator![](https://images.betweentheaxles.net/lincoln_aviator_2nd_gen_2018/2019-lincoln-aviator-00028-crop_z79pgx.jpg)
![](https://images.betweentheaxles.net/ford_explorer_6th_gen_2019/2020-ford-explorer-00006-crop_y9huwx.jpg)
![](https://images.betweentheaxles.net/lincoln_aviator_2nd_gen_2018/2019-lincoln-aviator-00028-crop_z79pgx.jpg)
Both cars share the same profile, but every exterior panel and design element is different.
Explorer
Aviator![](https://images.betweentheaxles.net/lincoln_aviator_2nd_gen_2018/2019-lincoln-aviator-00004-crop_kagojx.jpg)
![](https://images.betweentheaxles.net/ford_explorer_6th_gen_2019/2020-ford-explorer-00007-crop_z8mqpx.jpg)
![](https://images.betweentheaxles.net/lincoln_aviator_2nd_gen_2018/2019-lincoln-aviator-00004-crop_kagojx.jpg)
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.
Explorer
Aviator![](https://images.betweentheaxles.net/lincoln_aviator_2nd_gen_2018/2019-lincoln-aviator-00024_bjjffx.jpg)
![](https://images.betweentheaxles.net/ford_explorer_6th_gen_2019/2020-ford-explorer-00024-crop_t0rjxx.jpg)
![](https://images.betweentheaxles.net/lincoln_aviator_2nd_gen_2018/2019-lincoln-aviator-00024_bjjffx.jpg)
Ford has also invested significant effort in differentiating their interiors. Both feature a unique dashboard design, and most major design elements are different.
Explorer
Aviator![](https://images.betweentheaxles.net/lincoln_aviator_2nd_gen_2018/2019-lincoln-aviator-00016-crop_hil05x.jpg)
![](https://images.betweentheaxles.net/ford_explorer_6th_gen_2019/2020-ford-explorer-00011-crop_1i5box.jpg)
![](https://images.betweentheaxles.net/lincoln_aviator_2nd_gen_2018/2019-lincoln-aviator-00016-crop_hil05x.jpg)
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.
Explorer
Aviator![](https://images.betweentheaxles.net/lincoln_aviator_2nd_gen_2018/2019-lincoln-aviator-00038_53iugx.jpg)
![](https://images.betweentheaxles.net/ford_explorer_6th_gen_2019/2020-ford-explorer-00024-steering_43ucox.jpg)
![](https://images.betweentheaxles.net/lincoln_aviator_2nd_gen_2018/2019-lincoln-aviator-00038_53iugx.jpg)
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.
Explorer
Aviator![](https://images.betweentheaxles.net/lincoln_aviator_2nd_gen_2018/2019-lincoln-aviator-00037_1tblwx.jpg)
![](https://images.betweentheaxles.net/ford_explorer_6th_gen_2019/2020-ford-explorer-00015_dumgnx.jpg)
![](https://images.betweentheaxles.net/lincoln_aviator_2nd_gen_2018/2019-lincoln-aviator-00037_1tblwx.jpg)
Most switchgear seems to be unique, but both Ford and Lincoln have decided to ditch traditional transmission shifters for the 10-speed automatic.
Explorer
Aviator![](https://images.betweentheaxles.net/lincoln_aviator_2nd_gen_2018/2019-lincoln-aviator-00029-front_8d6psx.jpg)
![](https://images.betweentheaxles.net/ford_explorer_6th_gen_2019/2020-ford-explorer-00004-front_a5a5sx.jpg)
![](https://images.betweentheaxles.net/lincoln_aviator_2nd_gen_2018/2019-lincoln-aviator-00029-front_8d6psx.jpg)
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.
Explorer
Aviator![](https://images.betweentheaxles.net/lincoln_aviator_2nd_gen_2018/2019-lincoln-aviator-00022_epb1fx.jpg)
![](https://images.betweentheaxles.net/ford_explorer_6th_gen_2019/2020-ford-explorer-00019-crop_rud0tx.jpg)
![](https://images.betweentheaxles.net/lincoln_aviator_2nd_gen_2018/2019-lincoln-aviator-00022_epb1fx.jpg)
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.
Explorer
Aviator![](https://images.betweentheaxles.net/lincoln_aviator_2nd_gen_2018/2019-lincoln-aviator-00011_56ayvx.jpg)
![](https://images.betweentheaxles.net/ford_explorer_6th_gen_2019/2020-ford-explorer-00012_a0jvux.jpg)
![](https://images.betweentheaxles.net/lincoln_aviator_2nd_gen_2018/2019-lincoln-aviator-00011_56ayvx.jpg)
We love the look of Lincoln's 'Perfect Position' seats, especially with nice, soft leather. Really makes it a step up from the Ford.
Explorer
Aviator![](https://images.betweentheaxles.net/lincoln_aviator_2nd_gen_2018/2019-lincoln-aviator-00019_gzvhtx.jpg)
![](https://images.betweentheaxles.net/ford_explorer_6th_gen_2019/2020-ford-explorer-00022_m5ftix.jpg)
![](https://images.betweentheaxles.net/lincoln_aviator_2nd_gen_2018/2019-lincoln-aviator-00019_gzvhtx.jpg)
Explorer
Aviator![](https://images.betweentheaxles.net/lincoln_aviator_2nd_gen_2018/2019-lincoln-aviator-00045_z8grrx.jpg)
![](https://images.betweentheaxles.net/ford_explorer_6th_gen_2019/2020-ford-explorer-00023_5sg8vx.jpg)
![](https://images.betweentheaxles.net/lincoln_aviator_2nd_gen_2018/2019-lincoln-aviator-00045_z8grrx.jpg)
The Lincoln and Ford both have three rows of seats, and available captain's chairs for the second row.
Explorer
Aviator![](https://images.betweentheaxles.net/lincoln_aviator_2nd_gen_2018/2019-lincoln-aviator-00023_fbmtvx.jpg)
![](https://images.betweentheaxles.net/ford_explorer_6th_gen_2019/2020-ford-explorer-00017_d9rp8x.jpg)
![](https://images.betweentheaxles.net/lincoln_aviator_2nd_gen_2018/2019-lincoln-aviator-00023_fbmtvx.jpg)
Trunk space isn't too bad even with all three rows up.