2023 Ford Explorer Vs. Lincoln Aviator
Discerning SUV drivers want to know: What’s the difference between the 2023 Ford Explorer versus the 2023 Lincoln Aviator in Rapid City? At McKie Ford Lincoln, we break down the details for a closer look at the two SUVs. Dive into the 2023 Explorer vs. Aviator specs below. 
Not only are there far more trim levels available with the 2023 Ford Explorer, but the starting price is also lower.
The 2023 Ford Explorer has a six-speaker sound system, four USB ports, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and an 8-inch touchscreen. The 2023 Lincoln Aviator includes a 10.1 -inch touch screen, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, four USB ports, a Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth, and a 10-speaker stereo system.
Both SUVs come standard with rear-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is available on both models, giving drivers extra handling capability in bad weather.
Not only are there far more trim levels available with the 2023 Ford Explorer, but the starting price is also lower.
Price & Trim Levels | Ford Explorer
- Base | $38,355
- XLT | $40,165
- ST-Line | $47,600
- Limited | $48,665
- Timberline | $50,475
- ST | $51,600
- King Ranch | $55,415
- Platinum | $56,975
Price & Trim Levels | Lincoln Aviator
- Standard | $54,535
- Reserve | $59,700
- Grand Touring | $70,385
- Black Label | $81,920
- Black Label Grand Touring | $90,475
Exterior & Colors
The 2023 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator are comparably sized. The new Explorer measures 199 inches long x 79 inches wide x 70 inches high, with 18- to 21-inch wheels. In comparison, the 2023 Aviator is 199 inches long x 82 inches wide x 70 inches tall, with 19- to 22-inch wheels. With either SUV, there are several color options.Interior Design & Seating
The 2023 Ford Explorer has three rows that hold six to seven people. The same applies to the Lincoln Aviator, depending on how the second row is configured.
Infotainment & Features
The 2023 Ford Explorer has a six-speaker sound system, four USB ports, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and an 8-inch touchscreen. The 2023 Lincoln Aviator includes a 10.1 -inch touch screen, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, four USB ports, a Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth, and a 10-speaker stereo system.
Cargo Capacity
Additionally, these two models have comparable cargo holds. The 2023 Ford Explorer models include 18.2 cubic feet of space in the rear, 47.9 cubic feet behind the second row, and 87.8 cubic feet with both back rows down. The Lincoln Aviator holds 18.3, 41.8, and 77.7 cubic feet, respectively.Towing Capacity
The 2023 Ford Explorer has a maximum towing capacity of 5,600 pounds. The 2023 Lincoln Aviator tows a maximum of 6,700 pounds, and the plug-in hybrid models can tow 5,600 pounds.
Drivetrain & Suspension
Both SUVs come standard with rear-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is available on both models, giving drivers extra handling capability in bad weather.
Engine
The 2023 Ford Explorer comes equipped with a 2.3L four-cylinder engine that outputs 300 horsepower. There’s also a 400-horsepower 3.0L twin-turbo V6 and a hybrid configuration with a V6 engine and an electric motor. The Explorer hybrid pushes out 318 horsepower, and both engines come with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The 2023 Lincoln Aviator has a standard 3.0L twin-turbo V6 motor that pushes out 400 horsepower, and the plug-in hybrid engine is rated at 494 horsepower.Performance & MPG
The base model of the 2023 Ford Explorer has an EPA rating of 21/28 mpg, while the AWD mode is rated at 20/27 mpg, and the V6 gets 18/26 mpg. The 2023 Lincoln Aviator with RWD earns 18/26 mpg, and an AWD model gets 17/24 mpg.Safety Features
The 2023 Ford Explorer comes standard with blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, forward automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, a rearview camera, driver drowsiness monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and the MyKey secondary driver system. In a 2023 Lincoln Aviator, you get standard lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, automated emergency braking, a rearview camera, and forward-collision warning.Ratings & Reviews
The 2023 Ford Explorer has earned a reputation as an IIHS Top Safety Pick. It’s also important to know that Car and Driver says, “It's a competent vehicle that's more than capable of getting the job done, especially when the job is hauling a family and its gear, and there's even a high-performance version...” The 2023 Lincoln Aviator is also a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS, with Car and Driver saying, “Like the size-XXL Navigator, the Aviator welcomes passengers into Lincoln’s world of easy-going luxury, but in a much more manageable size.”Buy a New Ford Explorer or Lincoln Aviator
The 2023 Ford Explorer and the Lincoln Aviator are ready to buy in Rapid City. Schedule a test drive at McKie Ford Lincoln today. We have excellent financing deals to meet your budgeting needs.View New Explorer Inventory OR View New Lincoln Inventory
Buy a Used Ford Explorer or Lincoln Aviator
We have many used Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator models. Browse the online inventory at McKie Ford Lincoln to see what’s available and schedule your test drive.View Used Explorer Inventory OR View Used Lincoln Inventory
