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.


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.


Both cars share the same profile, but every exterior panel and design element is different.


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.


Ford has also invested significant effort in differentiating their interiors. Both feature a unique dashboard design, and most major design elements are different.


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.


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.


Most switchgear seems to be unique, but both Ford and Lincoln have decided to ditch traditional transmission shifters for the 10-speed automatic.


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.


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.


We love the look of Lincoln's 'Perfect Position' seats, especially with nice, soft leather. Really makes it a step up from the Ford.




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


Trunk space isn't too bad even with all three rows up.
2020 Ford Explorer
2020 Lincoln Aviator
TAGS: | aviatorexplorerfordlincolnsecond generationsixth generation |
FILED UNDER: | Comparison |
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Derek FungEditor-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] |
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