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Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →The 2026 Ford Explorer is the value-and-flexibility choice, while the 2026 Lincoln Aviator is the standard-luxury-and-power choice. The Explorer starts $17,650 below the Aviator, offers more passenger and cargo space, and gives buyers a wider range of missions through its four-cylinder, V6, ST, Platinum, and new Tremor configurations. The Aviator counters with a 383-horsepower V6 in every trim, standard adaptive suspension, more consistently upscale equipment, four years of included BlueCruise, and longer warranty coverage.
That means the Aviator is not simply a Ford Explorer with a different badge, and the Explorer is not automatically the better deal for every buyer. This comparison uses U.S.-market 2026 models, current as of August 10, 2026. Used 2020–2025 Explorers and Aviators can differ substantially in powertrain, infotainment, hybrid availability, warranty coverage, and recall exposure.
The short answer
Choose the Ford Explorer if you want to spend less, carry more people or cargo, choose among more distinct configurations, or take advantage of the new Tremor off-road model. Choose the Lincoln Aviator if you want V6 performance without moving to a sport trim, a more pampering cabin, standard adaptive suspension, four years of BlueCruise included, and longer factory warranty coverage.
| Category | 2026 Ford Explorer | 2026 Lincoln Aviator | What it means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting U.S. MSRP | $39,260 | $56,910 | The Explorer is much cheaper at the entry point. |
| Standard engine | 2.3-liter turbo four-cylinder, 300 hp | 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, 383 hp | The Aviator delivers high-output performance in every trim. |
| Available high-output engine | 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, 385 hp | 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, 383 hp | The Explorer ST has two more horsepower, but requires a performance trim. |
| Drivetrain choices | Rear-wheel drive or Intelligent 4WD, depending on configuration | Rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, depending on configuration | Both can be configured for traction, but availability is trim-specific. |
| Maximum towing | 5,000 pounds when properly equipped | 5,000 pounds when properly equipped | Neither has a maximum-rating advantage on paper. |
| Third-row legroom | 31.8 inches | 29.2 inches | The Explorer is the better choice for frequent third-row use. |
| Maximum cargo volume | 85.3–85.8 cubic feet, depending on trim | 75.9 cubic feet in the detailed specifications | The Explorer is the more useful bulky-cargo hauler. |
| BlueCruise | Available on selected configurations; equipment and subscription terms vary | Included for four years on every 2026 model | The Aviator has the simpler ownership proposition. |
| Bumper-to-bumper warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles | Lincoln coverage lasts longer. |
| Powertrain warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 6 years/70,000 miles | Lincoln again provides longer coverage. |
Prices are manufacturer starting MSRPs and are not out-the-door prices. Destination and delivery charges, taxes, government fees, retailer charges, options, geographic availability, and transaction pricing can change the amount you actually pay. See the Ford Explorer pricing page and Lincoln Aviator pricing page for current listings.
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1. Price: the Explorer lets you choose how much SUV to buy
The biggest difference is positioning. Ford sells the Explorer as a mainstream three-row SUV with multiple personalities. Lincoln bundles more power, comfort, and luxury equipment into a vehicle that starts in premium-SUV territory.
2026 starting prices
| 2026 Ford Explorer trim | Starting MSRP |
|---|---|
| Active 100A | $39,260 |
| Active | $40,585 |
| ST-Line | $45,155 |
| Tremor | $49,460 |
| Platinum | $50,965 |
| ST | $54,905 |
| 2026 Lincoln Aviator trim | Starting MSRP |
|---|---|
| Premiere | $56,910 |
| Reserve | $66,730 |
| Black Label | $85,910 |
The base-price gap between an Explorer Active 100A and Aviator Premiere is $17,650 before destination, taxes, fees, options, and retailer pricing. That comparison also hides a major power difference: the entry Explorer has a 300-hp four-cylinder, while the base Aviator has a 383-hp V6.
A more useful performance comparison is the $54,905 Explorer ST versus the $56,910 Aviator Premiere. The difference is only $2,005 before charges and options. However, these vehicles spend that money differently. The Explorer ST prioritizes performance equipment and the V6. The Aviator Premiere includes a more luxury-focused equipment package, including features such as heated and ventilated front seats, adaptive suspension, acoustic-laminated front-door glass, a head-up display, a panoramic Vista Roof, and four years of BlueCruise.
The Explorer Platinum creates another important edge case. At $50,965, it costs less than an Aviator Premiere and can be equipped with premium leather, quilted trim, heated and ventilated massaging front seats, a panoramic roof, and a 14-speaker B&O audio system. But the Platinum uses the 2.3-liter engine as standard. A buyer who wants Platinum luxury and the Explorer V6 must account for the additional engine and equipment cost before deciding that it is a direct Aviator alternative.
The practical interpretation: the Explorer is less expensive because it lets you stop at a basic family configuration, add sport equipment, choose an off-road model, or build toward luxury. The Aviator costs more because it makes a powerful engine and a greater amount of luxury equipment standard.
2. Powertrains: V6 power is standard in the Aviator, optional or trim-dependent in the Explorer
Every 2026 Aviator uses a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 producing 383 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. It uses a 10-speed automatic transmission and can be configured with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, depending on the vehicle.
The Explorer gives buyers two engines:
- 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder: 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.
- 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6: 385 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque.
The Explorer Active, ST-Line, and Platinum use the four-cylinder as standard. The V6 is standard in the ST and optional on the Tremor; other engine and drivetrain combinations depend on the exact configuration listed in Ford’s 2026 Explorer order guide.
This gives the Explorer a broader range but makes the comparison easy to misrepresent. A base Explorer is not a performance match for an Aviator simply because both are three-row SUVs. The Aviator’s 383 hp is present at its entry price. The Explorer’s equivalent V6 requires moving to the ST or selecting a V6-equipped higher trim.
The Explorer ST technically produces two more horsepower than the Aviator. That does not automatically make it faster in every situation. Acceleration also depends on drivetrain, curb weight, tires, wheels, traction, and testing conditions. The fair conclusion is that the Aviator provides near-Explorer-ST output without requiring a sport-oriented trim, while the Explorer ST offers the strongest performance-value argument.
Fuel economy and fuel grade
Lincoln lists the 2026 Aviator at 18 city/25 highway/21 combined mpg with rear-wheel drive and 17 city/25 highway/20 combined mpg with all-wheel drive. Lincoln identifies 87-octane gasoline as the minimum but recommends 91 octane or higher for performance and longevity.
Ford inventory examples show a 2.3-liter rear-wheel-drive Explorer at 20 city/29 highway mpg and a 2.3-liter 4WD example at 20 city/27 highway mpg. Those figures are examples rather than a universal Explorer rating. Engine, drivetrain, wheels, tires, and trim affect EPA results, so check the window sticker for the exact vehicle.
The four-cylinder Explorer is the logical choice if fuel cost matters, but it is not a direct substitute for the Aviator’s V6 in heavy-load or high-performance use. Conversely, an Explorer ST or V6-equipped Tremor narrows the powertrain difference while also narrowing the price gap.
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One important model-year correction: stale comparison pages sometimes list the 2026 Aviator at 400 hp. Lincoln’s current U.S. 2026 pricing and specification information lists 383 hp. The 400-hp figure may refer to older information or an outdated database entry and should not be used for the current model.
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The former Aviator plug-in-hybrid Grand Touring powertrain is also not offered for the 2025 or 2026 model years. That matters when comparing current vehicles with used Aviators.
3. Cabin and technology: the Aviator feels more consistently luxurious, while the Explorer offers strong equipment for less
The cabin is where Lincoln most clearly separates the Aviator from the Explorer. The difference is not just the emblem on the steering wheel; it is the amount of comfort, isolation, seat adjustment, and convenience equipment included or available throughout the range.
What the Aviator brings
- Heated and ventilated front seats.
- Available 30-way Perfect Position front seats with massage.
- Available 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio.
- Standard head-up display.
- Acoustic-laminated front-door glass.
- Ambient lighting and more extensive leather and trim choices on higher trims.
- Panoramic Vista Roof standard for 2026.
- Lincoln Digital Experience with Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play.
- Four years of included Lincoln BlueCruise, including automatic lane change.
- Available Auto Air Refresh cabin filtration.
- Black Label interior themes and additional ownership benefits.
Lincoln’s Lincoln Digital Experience gives the Aviator a current Google-supported infotainment environment rather than the older descriptions sometimes repeated in used-car comparison articles.
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- 13.2-inch center touchscreen.
- Ford Digital Experience.
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- Available B&O audio.
- Available heated and ventilated front seats.
- Available massaging or multicontour front seats.
- Available panoramic fixed-glass roof.
- Available 360-degree camera.
- Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0.
- Available BlueCruise.
The Explorer Platinum can be equipped with premium leather seating, quilting, massaging front seats, a panoramic roof, and a 14-speaker B&O system. It can therefore reproduce much of the equipment shoppers associate with the Aviator, but usually at a higher Explorer trim and with more option decisions.
BlueCruise is not packaged the same way
Both vehicles can offer Ford Motor Company’s hands-free highway driving system, but the ownership proposition differs. Lincoln says BlueCruise is included for four years on every 2026 Aviator. Ford treats BlueCruise as an available Explorer feature, and the 2026 order guide shows that hardware, qualifying plans, trials, annual arrangements, and one-time purchase options can vary by trim and configuration.
So the accurate comparison is not that both SUVs simply have BlueCruise. It is that the Aviator includes four years across the range, while an Explorer buyer must verify the exact vehicle’s hardware and subscription arrangement before comparing prices.
Warranty and service
| Coverage | 2026 Explorer | 2026 Aviator |
|---|---|---|
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3 years/36,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Powertrain | 5 years/60,000 miles | 6 years/70,000 miles |
| Roadside assistance | 5 years/60,000 miles | Confirm current Lincoln warranty booklet and retailer terms |
Lincoln also advertises a four-year/50,000-mile pickup-and-delivery service benefit in its detailed Aviator specifications. This type of service convenience is part of what buyers are paying for, even though it does not increase cargo capacity or horsepower.
Cabin verdict: the Aviator is the better choice for buyers who want luxury to be evident every time they drive. The Explorer is increasingly well equipped and may offer the better value if you are willing to select Platinum or add specific packages rather than paying for Lincoln’s more consistent standard presentation.
4. Size and practicality: the Explorer is slightly smaller outside but roomier inside
The Aviator looks like the larger, more substantial SUV, and it is slightly longer and wider in some measurements. But the Explorer is actually the more practical choice for people, child seats, and bulky cargo.
Exterior dimensions
| Measurement | 2026 Explorer | 2026 Aviator |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 198.7 inches | 199.7 inches |
| Wheelbase | 119.1 inches | 119.1 inches |
| Width, mirrors folded | 82.7 inches | 82.3 inches |
| Width, mirrors extended | 89.3 inches | 89.9 inches |
| Width excluding mirrors | 78.9 inches | 79.6 inches |
The Aviator is approximately one inch longer and slightly wider with its mirrors extended, but both use the same 119.1-inch wheelbase. Those differences are small enough that you should measure your garage and check the specific vehicle’s mirror position rather than assume one will fit and the other will not.
Passenger and cargo space
| Interior measurement | 2026 Explorer | 2026 Aviator |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger volume | 143.8–150.3 cubic feet, depending on trim | 140.6 cubic feet |
| Third-row legroom | 31.8 inches | 29.2 inches |
| Cargo behind third row | 16.3 cubic feet | 16.5 cubic feet |
| Cargo behind second row | 46.0 cubic feet | 39.9 cubic feet |
| Maximum cargo | 85.3–85.8 cubic feet | 75.9 cubic feet in detailed specifications |
The Explorer has 2.6 inches more third-row legroom and considerably more cargo space behind the second row and with the rear seats folded. Its behind-third-row figure is nearly identical to the Aviator’s, so neither vehicle offers a huge advantage when all three rows are occupied and the family is packing luggage.
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Seating configurations
Both SUVs can seat six or seven depending on the second-row configuration. The Aviator uses second-row captain’s chairs as standard and offers an available bench seat. The Explorer uses second-row captain’s chairs on most models, while the ST-Line has a bench seat as standard. The Tremor does not offer the seven-passenger bench configuration.
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For families, the published measurements are only the starting point. Bring the child seats you actually use and test access to the third row, the distance between installed seats, the liftgate opening, and the amount of luggage space remaining. A brochure cannot show whether a rear-facing seat blocks the front passenger’s preferred position.
Practicality verdict: choose the Explorer if adults will regularly sit in the third row, if you carry strollers and sports equipment, or if maximum cargo volume matters. Choose the Aviator if the third row is occasional-use seating and the first two rows are more important than maximum utility.
5. Driving mission: relaxed luxury, sport performance, or light off-road use
The Explorer and Aviator are mechanically related, but their chassis tuning and trim strategies target different buyers. The Aviator emphasizes smooth, powerful luxury. The Explorer gives buyers more ways to specialize the same basic family-SUV concept.
Aviator: comfort and effortless power
Adaptive suspension is standard across the 2026 Aviator lineup. The available Dynamic Handling Package adds Air Glide suspension, which can adjust ride height and lower the vehicle for easier entry. Lincoln’s intended character is a powerful, composed highway cruiser rather than a sport utility vehicle built around trail driving.
Car and Driver describes the current Aviator as pursuing a traditional, relaxed luxury experience while sharing a broader mechanical family with the Explorer. That is an independent tester’s characterization, not a laboratory measurement, and the actual ride can vary with wheels, tires, suspension equipment, and drivetrain.
Explorer: broader range of personalities
- Active and ST-Line: lower-cost family configurations, generally using the 2.3-liter engine.
- ST: a sport-oriented model with the 3.0-liter V6 as standard and 385 hp.
- Platinum: a luxury-oriented Explorer that can be fitted with premium seating, audio, and comfort equipment.
- Tremor: the 2026 off-road-focused model, with off-road-tuned suspension, underbody protection, auxiliary lights, all-terrain tires, and a Torsen limited-slip rear axle.
The Explorer Tremor has 8.7 inches of minimum running ground clearance, compared with 7.6 inches on many Active and ST-Line configurations. It is not a substitute for a dedicated body-on-frame off-roader, but it is the clear choice between these two models for buyers who regularly use forest roads, muddy campsites, or rougher trails.
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Towing: a tie in maximum rating
Both vehicles have a maximum rated towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. Ford says the Class III Tow Package is standard on all 2026 Explorers and supports the 5,000-pound rating with either engine. Lincoln lists the same 5,000-pound maximum for all Aviator trims when properly equipped.
That is a maximum rating, not a promise that every loaded vehicle can safely tow a 5,000-pound trailer in every condition. The real limit depends on passengers, cargo, payload, trailer tongue weight, hitch equipment, drivetrain, axle loading, and the specific vehicle’s certification label. If towing is central to the purchase, compare the actual payload and tow ratings on the VIN-specific door label and window sticker.
Driving verdict: choose the Aviator for a relaxed, powerful luxury highway experience; the Explorer ST for performance value; and the Explorer Tremor for trail-oriented equipment. Do not assume the Explorer is inherently rougher or that the Aviator cannot handle poor weather. Wheels, tires, suspension, and drivetrain make a meaningful difference.
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Are the Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer just the same SUV?
No, but they are closely related. The Explorer was redesigned for 2020 and the Aviator arrived for the same model year. They share a mechanical relationship and some broader platform and engineering DNA, but that does not make them identical underneath or a simple rebadge.
The two vehicles differ in standard engines, suspension calibration and equipment, cabin design, feature packaging, styling, pricing, warranty coverage, driver-assistance packaging, and brand support. The Aviator’s standard V6 and adaptive suspension materially change the ownership experience. The Explorer’s Tremor, ST, wider trim range, and greater cargo capacity give it capabilities the Aviator does not directly duplicate.
The most accurate description is that the Aviator is a more luxurious, more consistently equipped relative of the Explorer—not merely the same SUV wearing a different emblem.
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Safety: compare the test results carefully
Do not describe either 2026 SUV as having a current NHTSA five-star result based on the available model-year information. NHTSA’s 2026 model-year testing-selection page does not list either the Explorer or Aviator among the vehicles selected for that model year’s 5-Star testing. The absence from that selection page is not the same thing as a finding that either vehicle is unsafe.
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IIHS testing provides a different source of information. The 2026 Explorer IIHS page reports Good ratings in the small-overlap front, updated moderate-overlap front, updated side, pedestrian front-crash prevention, and headlight evaluations, and the Explorer appears on IIHS’s 2026 Top Safety Pick list.
The 2026 Aviator IIHS page reports Good results for its listed crashworthiness tests and standard pedestrian front-crash prevention, but the Aviator is not shown in the 2026 Top Safety Pick winners list. IIHS ratings are not interchangeable with NHTSA star ratings, and results can depend on the test, equipment, and applicable build date.
Which one should you buy?
Buy the 2026 Ford Explorer if…
- Your budget is below the Aviator’s $56,910 entry price.
- You want more third-row legroom or maximum cargo space.
- You prefer the fuel-economy potential and lower entry cost of the 2.3-liter four-cylinder.
- You want V6 power but are comfortable choosing the ST or a V6-equipped Tremor.
- You want a sport-focused ST rather than a comfort-focused luxury SUV.
- You want the 2026 Tremor’s ground clearance, underbody protection, all-terrain tires, auxiliary lights, and Torsen limited-slip rear axle.
- You prefer a wider range of trims, rear-wheel-drive availability, and more control over which options you pay for.
Buy the 2026 Lincoln Aviator if…
- You want 383-hp V6 performance in the base trim rather than climbing to a performance Explorer.
- Heated and ventilated seats, premium materials, seat adjustability, audio quality, cabin isolation, and a head-up display matter more than maximum cargo.
- You value four years of included BlueCruise across the lineup.
- You want the longer four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper and six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranties.
- You will use the third row occasionally rather than carry adults there every day.
- You are willing to pay more for a consistently upscale experience instead of recreating it through Explorer options.
- You value Lincoln ownership programs such as advertised pickup-and-delivery service and Black Label benefits on applicable trims.
Best choice by buyer profile
| Buyer priority | Best starting point | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest-cost new three-row SUV | Explorer Active or Active 100A | Much lower starting MSRP and a 300-hp engine. |
| Performance value | Explorer ST | 385-hp V6 and sport-oriented equipment for less than an Aviator Reserve. |
| Light off-road use | Explorer Tremor | The only directly off-road-focused model in this comparison. |
| Luxury value | Aviator Premiere | Standard V6, adaptive suspension, luxury equipment, and included BlueCruise. |
| High-end experience | Aviator Reserve or Black Label | More extensive interior materials, comfort features, and Lincoln-specific ownership benefits. |
| Maximum cargo and third-row use | Explorer | More third-row legroom and substantially more maximum cargo volume. |
What used-car shoppers need to check
A used Aviator or Explorer should never be evaluated solely from this 2026 comparison. Identify the exact model year, trim, engine, drivetrain, infotainment system, warranty status, and equipment package before comparing vehicles.
The 2020–2023 Aviator was available with a plug-in-hybrid Grand Touring powertrain. Current 2025 and 2026 Aviators are gasoline-only. Used Explorer engine outputs, trim names, infotainment hardware, driver-assistance packages, and warranty coverage also vary by year.
Recall exposure is VIN-specific. The two vehicles have appeared together in Ford recalls, including a 2025 recall involving second-row easy-entry seat switches on certain 2020–2025 Explorers and Aviators. That recall does not mean every vehicle is affected and should not be treated as a blanket reliability verdict. Use the NHTSA recall lookup and SaferCar resources, then confirm that any required repair was completed.
Before buying a used example:
- Run the vehicle identification number through NHTSA’s recall lookup.
- Confirm the model year and exact trim from the VIN or factory build sheet.
- Check whether the vehicle has the four-cylinder, gasoline V6, or—in an older Aviator—the plug-in-hybrid powertrain.
- Test every seat adjustment, screen, camera, driver-assistance feature, and second-row easy-entry function.
- Verify remaining bumper-to-bumper, powertrain, hybrid-system, and battery coverage where applicable.
- Have an independent technician inspect the vehicle, especially if it has been used for towing or off-road driving.
Final buying advice
The Explorer is the smarter purchase when your definition of value includes space, configuration choice, performance-per-dollar, or trail capability. The Aviator makes more sense when value means getting a powerful engine, a quieter and more luxurious environment, adaptive suspension, included BlueCruise, and longer coverage without building a heavily optioned mainstream SUV.
Compare the actual vehicles—not just the badges or base prices. An Explorer Active and an Aviator Premiere serve different missions. An Explorer ST and Aviator Premiere are much closer in price and power but still differ sharply in luxury equipment. An Explorer Platinum may overlap the Aviator’s comfort features while retaining the Explorer’s larger cargo area, but its standard four-cylinder changes the performance equation. Once those distinctions are clear, the choice is straightforward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2026 Lincoln Aviator faster than the Ford Explorer?
The Aviator has a standard 383-horsepower twin-turbo V6, while most Explorers use a 300-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder. The Explorer ST has a 385-horsepower V6, so it technically has two more horsepower than the Aviator. Actual acceleration depends on drivetrain, curb weight, tires, traction, and testing conditions.
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesWhich has more room, the Explorer or Aviator?
The 2026 Explorer has more third-row legroom—31.8 inches versus 29.2 inches—and more maximum cargo volume: 85.3–85.8 cubic feet versus 75.9 cubic feet in Lincoln’s detailed specification. The Aviator is slightly longer and wider in some exterior measurements, but it is not the roomier vehicle inside.
Does every 2026 Aviator include BlueCruise?
Lincoln says four years of BlueCruise is included on every 2026 Aviator, with automatic lane change included. BlueCruise is available on the 2026 Explorer, but hardware and trial, subscription, or purchase terms vary by trim and configuration.
Can both SUVs tow 5,000 pounds?
Yes. Both have a maximum rating of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The actual safe limit for a particular vehicle also depends on payload, passengers, cargo, trailer tongue weight, hitch equipment, drivetrain, and the vehicle’s certification label.
Was the Aviator plug-in hybrid available for 2026?
No. The 2025 and 2026 U.S. Aviator are gasoline-only. The plug-in-hybrid Grand Touring powertrain was available on 2020–2023 Aviators, so used shoppers must identify the model year before comparing powertrains or warranty coverage.
The Bottom Line
Buy the Explorer for value, usable space, trim flexibility, sport performance, or light off-road capability. Buy the Aviator for standard V6 power, a more consistently luxurious cabin, adaptive suspension, four years of included BlueCruise, and longer warranty coverage. They are closely related, but they are not simply the same SUV with different badges.
Quick Recap
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