The Lincoln Aviator and the Lincoln Navigator are both excellent luxury SUVs that boast many similarities. In fact, the biggest difference between the two is their size — and their price point. Although the Lincoln Navigator doesn’t differ much from the Lincoln Aviator, its base price is over $20,000 higher. So what exactly do you get with each vehicle, and why is the price difference so steep?

What you’ll get with the Lincoln Aviator

Ranking at No. 5 in Luxury Midsize SUVs by U.S. News, the Aviator has a powerful V6 engine that gets 494 hp. One of its biggest selling points is its impressive suite of convenience and entertainment features. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto both come standard with the Aviator, and the infotainment system is user-friendly and intuitive. The Aviator’s convenience features include rain-sensing wipers, keyless start, and remote engine start.

Additionally, the Aviator has plenty of cargo space. In fact, it is one of the best in its class with 18.3 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats. This luxury SUV is also very comfortable, and its impressive horsepower makes it easy to merge and pass on the highway. However, it’s worth noting that the Aviator has a fairly average fuel economy — 18 miles per gallon in the city and 26 miles per gallon on the highway.

What you’ll get with the Lincoln Navigator

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator ranks No. 1 in Luxury Large SUVs on U.S. News. Its turbocharged V6 engine gets 450 hp, and it manages a subpar 16 miles per gallon in the city and 22 miles per gallon on the highway. 

The Navigator offers an upscale, roomy cabin full of high-quality materials. It also has a spacious cargo, with approximately 19.3 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats. 

One downside of the Navigator is its infotainment system, which has some dull graphics. However, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, and the 10-inch touchscreen is overall easy to use.

Why the price difference?

If you’re thinking there aren’t a ton of differences between the Lincoln Aviator and the Lincoln Navigator, you’d be right. The biggest difference, ultimately, is size. While they both seat seven, adults may feel cramped in the third row of the Aviator. The Navigator, on the other hand, can comfortably seat adults in all three rows. In fact, if you opt for a second-row bench, you can comfortably seat eight adults.

However, this size difference doesn’t necessarily justify a $20,000 price jump. The vehicles have almost exactly the same lineup of standard safety features, with the only difference being the adjustable pedals included on the Navigator. Both SUVs also feature an impressive (and nearly identical) lineup of convenience features.

In fact, the Aviator outshines the Navigator in some areas, particularly when it comes to power. With higher horsepower and better fuel economy, the Aviator is well-equipped to provide speedy rides at a more affordable price point. While it may not be the best in its class when it comes to gas mileage, it is still the better choice when compared to the Navigator.

Other than size, the only real advantage the Navigator has over the Aviator is its towing capacity. The larger SUV is able to tow up to 8,700 pounds when properly equipped. The Aviator, on the other hand, can only tow 6,700 pounds — fairly average for a luxury midsize SUV.

Ultimately, unless you really need extra cargo space or particularly high towing power, there aren’t a lot of reasons why you should choose the Navigator over the Aviator. The Aviator offers power, luxury, and a comfortable ride — all with a significantly more affordable price tag.