Compare the2023 Ford Escape PHEVVS 2023 Lincoln Aviator

Both the Escape PHEV and the Aviator have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available around view monitors.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Ford Escape PHEV is safer than the Lincoln Aviator:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Ford Escape PHEV is safer than the Lincoln Aviator:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

There are over 4 times as many Ford dealers as there are Lincoln dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Escape PHEV’s warranty.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the Escape PHEV’s reliability 34 points higher than the Aviator.

On the EPA test cycle the Escape PHEV running on electricity gets better mileage than the Aviator Grand Touring running on electricity (117 city/93 hwy vs. 54 city/58 hwy MPGe).

On the EPA test cycle the Escape PHEV running its gasoline engine gets better mileage than the Aviator running its gasoline engine:

The Escape PHEV can travel with zero emissions on electricity, only, on a full charge for 37 miles. The Aviator Grand Touring has to start its internal combustion engine after only 21 miles.

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Ford Escape PHEV uses regular unleaded gasoline. The Aviator requires premium for maximum efficiency, which can cost 20 to 55 cents more per gallon.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Ford Escape PHEV higher (7 out of 10) than the Lincoln Aviator (5 to 7). This means the Escape PHEV produces up to 8 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the Aviator every 15,000 miles.

The Escape PHEV has a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The Aviator doesn’t offer a CVT.

For better maneuverability, the Escape PHEV’s turning circle is 2 feet tighter than the Aviator’s (37.2 feet vs. 39.2 feet).

The Ford Escape PHEV may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 900 to 1800 pounds less than the Lincoln Aviator.

The Escape PHEV is 1 foot, 6.8 inches shorter than the Aviator, making the Escape PHEV easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The Escape PHEV is 5.5 inches narrower than the Aviator, making the Escape PHEV easier to handle and maneuver in traffic.

The Escape PHEV has a much larger cargo volume than the Aviator with its rear seat up (34.4 vs. 18.3 cubic feet).

The Escape PHEV can be flat towed on all four wheels (dinghy towed), allowing recreational vehicle owners to bring it with them on the road. When they reach their destination, the Escape PHEV can be unhitched and driven around locally. The Aviator can’t be towed flat on the ground.

A Trailer Sway Control is standard on the Escape PHEV, using the AdvanceTrac® sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. A trailer sway program costs extra on the Aviator.

The Escape PHEV has a standard locking fuel and charge port door with a remote release located convenient to the driver. A locking fuel door helps prevent fuel theft and vandalism, such as sugar in the tank. The Aviator doesn’t offer a locking fuel/charge port door.

The Escape PHEV has a standard heated steering wheel to take the chill out of steering on extremely cold winter days before the vehicle heater warms up. A heated steering wheel costs extra on the Aviator.

Insurance will cost less for the Escape PHEV owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the Escape PHEV will cost $1995 to $7980 less than the Aviator over a five-year period.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Ford Escape PHEV will be $19628 to $45997 less than for the Lincoln Aviator.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Ford Escape PHEV, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Lincoln Aviator isn't recommended.

The Ford Escape outsold the Lincoln Aviator by over six to one during 2022.