Compare the2025 Ford Escape PHEVVS 2025 Lincoln Aviator

In a Vehicle-to-Vehicle Frontal Crash Prevention 2.0 test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Ford Escape PHEV achieved a “Acceptable” rating - the second highest possible - for its performance in forward collision warning and automatic braking systems, demonstrating its excellent capabilities in preventing collisions. The Lincoln Aviator has not been tested.

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 5 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 20 points higher than the Aviator.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Ford vehicles are better in initial quality than Lincoln vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Ford above average in initial quality. With 45 more problems per 100 vehicles, Lincoln is rated below average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Ford vehicles are more reliable than Lincoln With 12 fewer problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, J.D. Power ranks Ford higher than Lincoln.

On the EPA test cycle the Escape PHEV running on electricity gets better mileage than the Aviator:

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

The Escape PHEV can travel with zero emissions for 37 miles. The Aviator can’t move without running its internal combustion engine.

Regenerative brakes improve the Escape PHEV’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The Aviator doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

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 on average about 84.9 cents more per gallon.

The Escape PHEV has a standard locking fuel door with a power remote release convenient to the driver. The fuel filler door is not lockable on the Aviator. A locking fuel door helps prevent fuel theft and vandalism, such as sugar in the tank.

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). 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.

The Escape PHEV stops shorter than the Aviator:

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 850 to 1000 pounds less than the Lincoln Aviator.

The Escape PHEV is 1 foot, 6.1 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.

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 almost six to one during 2024.