2025 Ford Expedition vs 2026 Lincoln Aviator

$57,400 · SUV

$56,910 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the rugged 2025 Ford Expedition and the refined 2026 Lincoln Aviator often boils down to deciding between pure capacity and maneuverability. While both boast a strong 400 horsepower output, their personalities diverge quickly. The Expedition, coming in at an MSRP of $57,400, offers substantial capability with 480 lb-ft of torque and standard four-wheel drive, albeit returning only 18 combined MPG. Conversely, the Aviator starts slightly cheaper at $56,910 and presents itself in a more manageable crossover size (199.7 inches long), leveraging a Rear-Wheel Drive platform. A major factor is running costs: if fuel economy is a primary concern, the Expedition's 15 MPG city rating compared to the Aviator's implied better efficiency due to its lighter crossover structure is a major deciding point. For those needing maximum towing and outright space, the Expedition’s sheer scale—evident in its much larger cargo volume than the Aviator's 19.2 cu ft—makes it the traditional heavy-hitter.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Lincoln Aviator

The Lincoln Aviator, being a smaller crossover, will offer better maneuverability and likely superior fuel economy for daily stop-and-go city driving.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Ford Expedition

The Ford Expedition is the superior choice for large families needing maximum seating and overall cargo capacity, given its SUV design.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Ford Expedition

The Expedition wins on raw grunt, delivering 480 lb-ft of torque compared to the Aviator's 415 lb-ft, which is better suited for heavy hauling.

💰 Best Value

2026 Lincoln Aviator

The Lincoln Aviator offers similar horsepower for $490 less MSRP and is expected to save money annually due to its better fuel efficiency rating.

Choose the Ford Expedition if...

You absolutely need the highest possible towing and hauling grunt, evidenced by its 480 lb-ft of torque.
Maximum interior space is non-negotiable, outweighing the 18 combined MPG penalty.
Standard four-wheel drive is required for challenging terrain.

Choose the Lincoln Aviator if...

You prioritize saving at the pump, given the significant 18 MPG difference expected between the two.
You prefer a vehicle with slightly easier urban maneuverability, reflected in its smaller crossover dimensions.
Your maximum cargo needs can be satisfied by its 19.2 cu ft capacity.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Ford Expedition	Lincoln Aviator
Length	-	199.7"
Width	-	79.6"
Height	-	69.2"
Wheelbase	-	119.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Ford	Lincoln
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	✓	—
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Preparation System	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Ford	Lincoln
Base Engine Displacement	3.5 L	3.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	V6
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	400 hp	400 hp
Torque	480 lb-ft	415 lb-ft
Number of Valves	24	24
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Ford	Lincoln
Transmission Type	10-speed shiftable automatic	10-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	four wheel drive	rear wheel drive
Transfer Case Gearing	Electronic Hi-Lo	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Ford	Lincoln
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	15/22 MPG	—
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	18 MPG	—
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	0/0 mi.	0/0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	—	20.2 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Ford	Lincoln
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Front View Camera	—	✓
Side View Camera	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors with Side Sensing	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Ford	Lincoln
Infotainment Display	24.0 in	13.2 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	10
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	With Real Time Traffic	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Video Monitor	✓	—
Subwoofer Count	—	1
Rear Volume Controls	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Ford	Lincoln
One-Touch Power Windows	2	4
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass Extended
Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Ford	Lincoln
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	10-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	—
Front Head Room	—	40.2 in.
Front Leg Room	—	43.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	—	61.5 in.
Front Hip Room	—	58.5 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	3
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Ford	Lincoln
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Rear Head Room	—	38.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	—	40.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	—	61.3 in.
Rear Hip Room	—	58.3 in.
Power Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Ford	Lincoln
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 8.5 in	—
Tire Type	All Terrain	All Season
Tire Size	P265/70R18	255/55R20
Spare Tire Type	Full Size Non-Matching	—
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	—
Wheel Diameter	—	20 in.

Suspension

Feature	Ford	Lincoln
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	—	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Ford	Lincoln
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	6 yr./ 70000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	unlimited yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	4 yr./ 50000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Ford Expedition and 2026 Lincoln Aviator.

How much better is the 2026 Lincoln Aviator's fuel economy than the 2025 Ford Expedition?

The Expedition is explicitly noted to have an 18 MPG difference in fuel efficiency compared to the Aviator, suggesting the Aviator offers significantly better mileage for daily driving.

Which vehicle offers more power, despite both having 400 horsepower?

The 2025 Ford Expedition delivers more torque to the wheels, boasting 480 lb-ft compared to the 2026 Lincoln Aviator's 415 lb-ft, making the Expedition better for heavy-duty tasks.

Is the price difference between the two worth noting?

Yes, the 2026 Lincoln Aviator has a slight price advantage, starting at $56,910 versus the Expedition's $57,400 MSRP, contributing to better overall value.

How does the size comparison affect everyday usability?

The Expedition is the larger SUV, while the Aviator is a more compact crossover measuring 199.7 inches in length, which generally makes the Aviator easier to park and navigate in city environments.

Do both vehicles use the same type of premium fuel?

Yes, according to the provided specifications, both the 2025 Ford Expedition and the 2026 Lincoln Aviator recommend using premium unleaded fuel.

Which vehicle is designed more for traditional off-road or rough road conditions?

The 2025 Ford Expedition comes standard with a four-wheel drive system, giving it an immediate advantage over the Aviator's standard rear-wheel drive setup for tough conditions.