Based on the price for used Aviator over ST Explorer, the Lincoln is a great deal @ 5yrs used, which is what I'm in the market for. And there are far more used Aviators on the market vs ST and most ppl don't abuse Lincolns but the ST probably?
I lease the Explorer's and just got the 2025 Platinum in Sept. It was loaded and cost 61k. Once I had it, I discovered that they took away the door panel keyless entry which has been on every explorer since I started getting them in 98. They also removed the hands free left gate and the illumination on the front cup holder which my 2021 Platinum had. For 61k this is petty. I recently looked at the Aviator for next time and if I equip it like my Platinum, it's in the 76k range. I like the Aviator a lot, however, I don't know that it's worth 15k more than the Platinum.
@ 2:44 - The Aviator's hood is new for 2025. It lost it's single fin running down the middle (from windshield to grill), in favor of two parallel fins.
You should have compared the Platinum with the upgraded ST engine to the Aviator. The price would have been closer, and the interiors/features would have matched up better.
2025 Aviator now comes with adaptive suspension as standard across all the trims, with the air springs a $2K additional option. Someone on TH-cam has yet to review how much variance there is in the adaptive suspension depending on settings. I found the Explorer Platinum too soft and Explorer ST too hard, so maybe the Aviator in "Excite" mode is "just right"...If Explorer Platinum offered the adaptive suspension, it may be the preferred choice for those who like to avoid paying for luxury brand equity.
Noone ever goes into detail on the Aviators front suspension, how it's different than explorers and not just the adaptive suspension option...also cargo space on Aviator is almost 10 cu ft. less than an Explorer. I think those are the main things that are a factor for me personally.
I had a 2020 Explorer Limited, Now a 2023 Platinum. The refresh on the Explorer isn't impressive in the least. I think the Aviator is next. Love the front end change but wishing they'd redo the taillights to give it a more luxurious look. Great review.
Austin, Does the 2025 Aviator’s rear seat sit lower and easier to get in and out than the 2025 Explorer? I test drove an Explorer, got in and out of back seat 💺 was a little bit to high up for shorter and older people. I have not drove the new Lincoln yet. I do have an older 2014 MKT. back seat on that is not as high up as the new 2025 Explorer, my MKT easier to get in and out! Please advise, TY 😊
Should have compared this Explorer Platinum to Aviator Reserve I (201A) instead of the lower end Aviator Premier which is basic with a lot less options. I have a Special Order Monochrome White Aviator Reserve (II) with $20k in additional options: All leather seats/dash/door trim, Revel 28 speaker Ultima 3D Audio, 30 way massaging seats, 2nd row window shades, 2nd row console with panoramic window shade controls, 22in blk alloy wheels, adaptive air ride suspension, etc...). I did NOT get (but can still add the optional trailing pkg, didnt since I also have a F150 4x4 King Ranch truck for pulling light-heavy trailers).
I recently purchased a 24 Yukon with the Duramax engine. I hate that the seats have so little cushioning that I needed to put a memory foam cushion in place to prevent pain during drives over 30 minutes. Are the Lincoln seats plush? Manufacturers have stopped making comfortable seats in favor of sporty ones. If the Lincoln has comfy seats, I will dump my Yukon in a heartbeat.
The Aviator hands down
I take the Aviator for sure.
Me too!
Based on the price for used Aviator over ST Explorer, the Lincoln is a great deal @ 5yrs used, which is what I'm in the market for. And there are far more used Aviators on the market vs ST and most ppl don't abuse Lincolns but the ST probably?
I lease the Explorer's and just got the 2025 Platinum in Sept. It was loaded and cost 61k. Once I had it, I discovered that they took away the door panel keyless entry which has been on every explorer since I started getting them in 98. They also removed the hands free left gate and the illumination on the front cup holder which my 2021 Platinum had. For 61k this is petty. I recently looked at the Aviator for next time and if I equip it like my Platinum, it's in the 76k range. I like the Aviator a lot, however, I don't know that it's worth 15k more than the Platinum.
Always the Lincoln
@ 2:44 - The Aviator's hood is new for 2025. It lost it's single fin running down the middle (from windshield to grill), in favor of two parallel fins.
love the Lincoln and would pay the premium for massaging seats
You should have compared the Platinum with the upgraded ST engine to the Aviator. The price would have been closer, and the interiors/features would have matched up better.
2025 Aviator now comes with adaptive suspension as standard across all the trims, with the air springs a $2K additional option. Someone on TH-cam has yet to review how much variance there is in the adaptive suspension depending on settings. I found the Explorer Platinum too soft and Explorer ST too hard, so maybe the Aviator in "Excite" mode is "just right"...If Explorer Platinum offered the adaptive suspension, it may be the preferred choice for those who like to avoid paying for luxury brand equity.
P.S I wish Explorer had option for adaptive suspension at least on the Platinum model!
Noone ever goes into detail on the Aviators front suspension, how it's different than explorers and not just the adaptive suspension option...also cargo space on Aviator is almost 10 cu ft. less than an Explorer. I think those are the main things that are a factor for me personally.
Good Review
I had a 2020 Explorer Limited, Now a 2023 Platinum. The refresh on the Explorer isn't impressive in the least. I think the Aviator is next. Love the front end change but wishing they'd redo the taillights to give it a more luxurious look. Great review.
But did they fix the transmission problems?
You should have used the black label Aviator since you used an St
That would not have worked for a price point comparison as that would have been no where near the same
My dream car Aviator......but reer wheel Ford.... Might smoke Lincoln
Austin, Does the 2025 Aviator’s rear seat sit lower and easier to get in and out than the 2025 Explorer? I test drove an Explorer, got in and out of back seat 💺 was a little bit to high up for shorter and older people. I have not drove the new Lincoln yet. I do have an older 2014 MKT. back seat on that is not as high up as the new 2025 Explorer, my MKT easier to get in and out! Please advise, TY 😊
Should have compared this Explorer Platinum to Aviator Reserve I (201A) instead of the lower end Aviator Premier which is basic with a lot less options. I have a Special Order Monochrome White Aviator Reserve (II) with $20k in additional options: All leather seats/dash/door trim, Revel 28 speaker Ultima 3D Audio, 30 way massaging seats, 2nd row window shades, 2nd row console with panoramic window shade controls, 22in blk alloy wheels, adaptive air ride suspension, etc...). I did NOT get (but can still add the optional trailing pkg, didnt since I also have a F150 4x4 King Ranch truck for pulling light-heavy trailers).
aviator all day
I recently purchased a 24 Yukon with the Duramax engine. I hate that the seats have so little cushioning that I needed to put a memory foam cushion in place to prevent pain during drives over 30 minutes.
Are the Lincoln seats plush? Manufacturers have stopped making comfortable seats in favor of sporty ones. If the Lincoln has comfy seats, I will dump my Yukon in a heartbeat.
Not as plush as you would like no, the more comfortable seats in my opinion are in full size trucks like the f-150
The lincoln has a longer warranty and better coverage
EXPLORER HAS BECOME A STAPLE IN THE SUV AND 3ROW VEHICLES
Indeed it has!