When considering a new car, one of the most important factors will be one’s priorities when sifting through the various options on the market. Oftentimes, it may seem like you’re being forced to pick one of many various trade-offs, making the choice between a luxurious but expensive full-size SUV or a practical but smaller compact.
Luckily, there are two new for 2025 models that provide a happy middle ground between practicality and luxury in the market this year: the Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator. But which one has the best package for the new year? Today, we’ll be pitting the two midsize SUVs head-on to find out who wins in this 2025 Ford Explorer vs Lincoln Aviator price and features showdown.
Key Takeaways:
- The Aviator is a standout model for its uncompromising luxury features.
- The Explorer provides the more affordable alternative, additionally bringing an extra layer of practicality.
- Though the Aviator is based on the Explorer platform, there are still a wide array of differences between the two.
What are the trims for the Lincoln Aviator 2025?
The Lincoln Aviator comes in a small, but smart array of three trims this year, Car and Driver reports. The price of the 2025 Lincoln Aviator is set to start at $60,590 as of writing, and should go up to $88,990 depending on the trim and options selected. The rest of the available trims currently read as:
- Premiere - $60,590
- Reserve - $67,790
- Black Label - $88,990
Car and Driver says that the mid-tier Reserve trim represents the ideal balance of luxury and value, offering the upscale features most buyers seek without a steep price tag for the class. It comes well equipped to boot, with some highlights being four zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, a 14-speaker audio system, and a 360-degree camera setup. An upgrade to optional all-wheel drive only serves to sweeten the deal.
What is the Black Label Trim on the Lincoln Aviator?
Lincoln adds even more luxe to the Black Label luxury trim in the Aviator’s 2025 lineup. This year it adds the Moonbeam theme to the other gorgeous themes optional on the Black Label trim. This theme uses light green leather upholstry with dark green piping. It also integrates khaya wood accents that are textured for a more tactile experience. This trim is meant to be the best of the best and gives you the best materials with each theme. Other themes include Flight, Chalet, Destination, and many more.
How many miles can you expect to get out of a Ford Explorer?
In 2025, Kelley Blue Book reports that Ford Explorer’s turbocharged inline-four engine delivers a lively 300 horsepower while achieving an impressive 24 mpg combined for city and highway driving.
That figure places it as one of the most efficient gas-only SUVs in its class when equipped with rear-wheel drive. Choosing all-wheel drive lowers that figure slightly to 23 mpg. For those opting for a V6-powered Explorer, fuel economy drops to 21 mpg with rear-wheel drive and 20 mpg with all-wheel drive, though that drop is accompanied by a sizable boost in performance to match.
Is the 2025 Explorer redesigned?
Yes! For 2025, Motortrend reports that the latest iteration of the Explorer brings newly refreshed front and rear styling, accentuated by four new grille designs and all-LED headlights. The XLT and ST-Line trims have been merged into a new Active trim, while the 10-speed automatic transmission receives updated tuning for improved handling, efficiency, and power delivery. Additionally making the list is a newly standard Class-III trailer hitch, designed with a 5,000-pound towing capacity in mind.
Summary
It’s no secret that the Explorer will serve you well in the practicality department - but if you’re looking for the car to provide you with the ultimate in luxury while still providing a respectable amount of mileage on the road, the Aviator has you covered and then some. Rife with features that are sure to keep you cozy in any conditions, it gets the nod from us in this head on comparison. We are happy to help you find your perfect Lincoln at Jarrett-Gordon!