Blog / Dennis Sneed Ford

Why Kansas City Families Drive to Gower for a Ford Explorer

2026 Ford Explorer driving north out of the Kansas City metro on US-169 toward Dennis Sneed Ford in Gower, MO

There's a family-owned Ford store 45 minutes north of downtown Kansas City, in a town of about 1,500 people, that sells a surprising number of Explorers into the metro. Here's why so many KC families make the drive to Gower.

Why do Kansas City families drive to Gower for a Ford Explorer?

Roughly 60% of Dennis Sneed Ford's business comes from the Kansas City metro — from Overland Park, Lees Summit, Liberty, Smithville, and the surrounding suburbs. The reason is straightforward: low small-town overhead combined with one of the largest Ford remarketing sourcing programs in the country lets a 30-year, family-owned dealership in Gower stay genuinely competitive on Explorers against every metro Ford store.

If you've shopped three-row SUVs anywhere in the KC market lately, you know the routine. You walk into a big metro store, then another, and the experience is about the same. The major metro Ford dealers tend to land in similar territory on a 2026 Explorer because they carry similar overhead, similar inventory financing, and similar advertising budgets. Volume helps, but not as much as you'd expect.

Then someone mentions Sneed Ford in Gower. Maybe a coworker, maybe a neighbor, maybe a late-night search that turns up a small-town dealership with a 30-year track record and a phone number a real person answers. And the conversation goes differently. That's not a coincidence — it's a structural difference worth understanding.

Kansas City, MOOverland Park, KSLees SummitLibertySmithvilleLeavenworthExcelsior SpringsKearneySt. Joseph

How can a small dealership in Gower stay competitive on Explorers against the metro stores?

Two real, verifiable advantages: dramatically lower overhead in a small town versus a metro location, and one of the highest-volume Ford remarketing programs in the country — which means Sneed Ford sources Ford and Lincoln inventory directly from Ford at scale, an advantage most dealers simply don't have.

1. Small-town overhead is the math, not a slogan.

A metro Ford dealership pays metro real-estate prices, metro property taxes, metro wages, and metro advertising rates to maintain a facility big enough to compete on visibility. None of that is unreasonable — it's the cost of being a metro store. But every dollar of it is part of the operating reality behind every Explorer that store sells.

Gower is a town of about 1,500 in DeKalb County. The land costs less, the taxes are lower, and we aren't fighting for visibility against four other dealerships within a mile. Our advertising is targeted, not blanket. Our staff is family. The whole expense structure is fundamentally different from the metro reality.

2. Top-5 Ford remarketing status is the bigger advantage.

Dennis Sneed Ford has been recognized as one of the Top 5 Ford remarketing dealers in the country. We purchase more than 1,100 late-model, off-lease, and executive Ford and Lincoln vehicles every year directly from Ford. For a family shopping an Explorer, that sourcing relationship matters in two ways: it keeps our new-Explorer pricing competitive, and it means our used and off-lease Explorer inventory is unusually deep — often the exact late-model, low-mileage three-row SUV a growing family is looking for.

The Sneed Difference

30 years. Family-owned. Ford Credit Partners in Quality.

Dennis Sneed Ford has also been recognized as one of approximately 111 dealers nationally in Ford Motor Credit's Partners in Quality program — Ford Credit's most prestigious dealer recognition, awarded for the highest customer satisfaction and loyalty scores. Three numbers worth knowing:

  • 30 years as a family-owned Ford dealership in Gower, MO.
  • ~111 dealers nationally recognized in the Ford Credit Partners in Quality program.
  • 1,100+ Ford and Lincoln vehicles purchased directly from Ford each year through remarketing.

Read about Sneed Ford's awards and recognition →

Is the drive from Kansas City actually worth it for an Explorer?

For a family-SUV purchase, almost always yes — especially when you end up working with a family-owned dealership that has been doing this for three decades. The drive itself is roughly 45 minutes from the north metro and about an hour from the south metro.

Here's the practical view. From the I-35 corridor through Liberty or Kearney, you're looking at about 45 minutes to reach us in Gower. From Overland Park or Lees Summit on the south side, closer to an hour. We're easy to find on US-169, which runs straight to our front door at 1046 SW Highway 169.

What that drive gets you is real choice and a different experience. Most metro families we talk to have already shopped two or three big KC stores before they call us. By the time they arrive, they have a configuration in mind and a clear sense of what the metro experience felt like. Our job is simple: show them the Explorer they want, do it without a runaround, and earn their family's business going forward.

"The reason we get the second Explorer sale, and the third one, is the experience after the drive."

What kind of Explorer inventory does Sneed Ford carry?

Across new and pre-owned, we stock the 2026 Explorer lineup — Active, ST-Line, ST, Platinum, and the new Tremor — in the configurations Missouri and Kansas families actually buy, weighted toward all-wheel-drive models for winter. Our pre-owned Explorer inventory is unusually deep thanks to the remarketing program.

Most metro Ford stores carry Explorer inventory weighted toward whatever regional allocation gives them. We carry that allocation too, and we go after the specific configurations our customer base asks for — well-equipped Active and ST-Line 4WD models being the most common family conversation we have. We'll also gladly factory-order an Explorer built exactly the way you want it. Not sure which trim fits? Our 2026 Explorer trims guide walks through all six in plain language.

Want to see what's on the ground right now? Search our 2026 Explorer inventory here, or call us at 816-409-1975 and we'll walk you through what's arriving in the next two weeks.

What about service after the sale — is that practical from Kansas City?

More practical than most KC buyers expect. Routine service and warranty work can be done at any Ford dealer, so metro families typically use a KC Ford dealer for oil changes and minor work while keeping Sneed Ford for purchases, trade-ins, and bigger conversations. Plenty of customers simply drive back up because the experience is better.

Ford's national warranty network means a 2026 Explorer you buy in Gower can be serviced at any Ford dealership in the country — including every Ford dealer in the KC metro. The warranty travels with the vehicle, not the dealer. So buying from us doesn't lock you into driving to Gower for every oil change.

How do I get started with Sneed Ford as a Kansas City Explorer buyer?

Three easy paths: search inventory online, value your trade in about a minute, or get pre-qualified for financing before the drive up. Most KC families do at least one before they call, which makes the in-person visit faster and more productive.

If you already know what you want, start with the complete 2026 Ford Explorer buyer's guide, then move to inventory or financing. Still deciding between trims or engines? The buyer's guide and our Explorer MPG guide cover the details families ask about most.


Kansas City Explorer buyer questions, answered

How far is Sneed Ford from Kansas City?

Dennis Sneed Ford is approximately 45 minutes north of downtown Kansas City via I-35 and US-169. The drive from north metro suburbs like Liberty, Smithville, and Kearney is closer to 30 minutes. From south metro suburbs like Overland Park and Lees Summit, plan on about an hour. Our address is 1046 SW Highway 169, Gower, MO 64454.

Why does Sneed Ford stay competitive against the larger Kansas City Ford dealers?

Two reasons. First, a small-town dealership in Gower has dramatically lower overhead than a metro Ford store — lower real-estate costs, lower taxes, and a leaner operating structure. Second, Sneed Ford is one of the Top 5 Ford remarketing dealers in the country, purchasing 1,100+ late-model Ford and Lincoln vehicles directly from Ford each year, which keeps both new and used Explorer inventory competitive.

Can I get my Ford Explorer serviced in Kansas City if I buy from Sneed Ford?

Yes. Ford's national warranty network means any 2026 Ford Explorer you purchase from Sneed Ford can be serviced at any Ford dealership in the United States, including every Ford dealer in the Kansas City metro. The warranty travels with the vehicle, not the dealer.

Does Sneed Ford have a good selection of used Explorers?

Yes — unusually deep for a dealership our size. Because Sneed Ford is a Top 5 Ford remarketing dealer, we purchase 1,100+ late-model, off-lease, and executive Ford and Lincoln vehicles directly from Ford each year. That often includes low-mileage, late-model Explorers, which makes us a strong stop for families cross-shopping new versus used.

Does Sneed Ford take trade-ins from Kansas City buyers?

Yes. We take trades from anywhere — Kansas City, Overland Park, St. Joseph, wherever you're driving in from. You can get a no-obligation trade value online with our Value Your Trade tool before the drive, so we have your paperwork ready when you arrive.

What hours is Sneed Ford open for Kansas City families driving up after work?

We're open evening hours during the week and Saturdays for exactly this reason — a meaningful share of our metro customers drive up after work. For exact hours and to schedule a time so we have the Explorer you want pulled up and ready, contact us here or call 816-409-1975.


Carey Sneed

Dennis Sneed Ford · Gower, MO · 30 Years Family-Owned

Carey Sneed represents the second generation at Dennis Sneed Ford, a Ford Credit Partners in Quality dealer and one of the Top 5 Ford remarketing dealers in the country. Meet the Sneed Ford team →

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On 2027 models, the Navigator is about 10 inches longer than the Aviator, makes 440 horsepower versus the Aviator's 400, and tows up to 8,700 lb versus up to 5,000 lb. The Navigator also seats up to eight, while the Aviator seats up to seven. 2027 specification Lincoln Aviator Lincoln Navigator Engine Twin-turbo 3.0L V6 Twin-turbo 3.5L V6 Horsepower / torque 400 hp / 415 lb-ft 440 hp / 510 lb-ft Transmission 10-speed SelectShift automatic 10-speed SelectShift automatic Max towing Up to 5,000 lb 8,700 lb (4x4 with Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package, 22-inch wheels) Overall length 199.7 in 210.0 in (Navigator L: 221.9 in) Wheelbase 119.1 in 122.5 in (Navigator L: 131.5 in) Maximum seating Up to 7 8 (7 standard) Cargo behind third row 16.5 cu ft 21.6 cu ft (Navigator L: 36.1 cu ft) Cargo behind second row 39.9 cu ft 60.8 cu ft (Navigator L: 75.4 cu ft) Cargo behind first row 75.9 cu ft 107 cu ft (Navigator L: 121.6 cu ft) BlueCruise hands-free driving Standard Standard Trims Premiere, Reserve, Black Label Premiere, Reserve, Black Label (each also as Navigator L) Horsepower and torque ratings are based on premium fuel. 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Both ratings are based on premium fuel, and both use a 10-speed automatic. The Navigator's extra 95 lb-ft of torque matters most when it is loaded with passengers or pulling a trailer. For everyday driving, both are strong performers. Do the Aviator and Navigator have the same features? They share a lot on 2027 models. Both come with BlueCruise hands-free highway driving as standard, and both are offered in Premiere, Reserve, and Black Label trims. The Navigator adds the Lincoln Split Gate and a choice of two lengths. The all-new 2025 Navigator introduced a 48-inch panoramic display spanning the instrument panel. The 2025 Aviator refresh added a 13.2-inch touchscreen and a 12.4-inch digital cluster. On any used Lincoln, ask how much of the original BlueCruise term remains. Should I buy a Lincoln Aviator or a Lincoln Navigator? Buy the Lincoln Aviator if you want a three-row luxury SUV that is easier to park and you tow 5,000 lb or less. 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Dennis Sneed Ford is a Ford dealership, not a Lincoln franchise, and our Lincolns come through Ford's own remarketing channel. Roughly 60% of our business comes from the Kansas City metro, and St. Joseph is roughly 30 minutes north of us. Call ahead to confirm which Aviators and Navigators are in stock before you make the drive. Kansas City Overland Park Lees Summit Liberty Smithville Kearney St. Joseph Leavenworth Search Used Aviators Search Used Navigators Call 816-409-1975 The Sneed Difference Top 5 Ford remarketing dealer: we purchase 1,100+ late-model Ford and Lincoln vehicles directly from Ford each year. Ford Credit Partners in Quality: one of roughly 111 dealers nationally recognized for the highest customer satisfaction and loyalty. Family-owned for 30 years: a family-owned Ford dealership in Gower, MO, serving Kansas City, St. Joseph, and northwest Missouri. Lincoln Aviator vs. Lincoln Navigator FAQ Is the Lincoln Navigator bigger than the Aviator? Yes. On 2027 models, the Navigator is 210.0 inches long versus 199.7 inches for the Aviator, and the Navigator L is 221.9 inches long. The Navigator also has more cargo space behind every row. How many people do the Aviator and Navigator seat? On 2027 models, the Lincoln Aviator seats up to seven, depending on whether the second row has captain's chairs or a bench. The Lincoln Navigator seats seven as standard and up to eight. Which tows more, the Lincoln Aviator or Navigator? The Navigator. A properly equipped 2027 Navigator 4x4 is rated at 8,700 lb with the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package and 22-inch wheels. The 2027 Aviator tows up to 5,000 lb. Do the Aviator and Navigator use the same engine? No. On 2027 models, the Aviator uses a twin-turbo 3.0L V6 rated at 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft, and the Navigator uses a twin-turbo 3.5L V6 rated at 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft. Both ratings are based on premium fuel. Do the Aviator and Navigator both have BlueCruise? Yes. BlueCruise hands-free highway driving is standard on both the 2027 Lincoln Aviator and the 2027 Lincoln Navigator. On used vehicles, ask how much of the original BlueCruise term remains. Where can I see a Lincoln Aviator and Navigator near Kansas City? Dennis Sneed Ford at 1046 S.W. Highway 169 in Gower, Missouri, about 45 minutes north of Kansas City, carries late-model used Lincoln Aviators and Navigators. Call 816-409-1975 to confirm availability before you visit. Written by Carey Sneed Dennis Sneed Ford · Gower, MO · 30 Years Family-Owned Carey Sneed represents the second generation at Dennis Sneed Ford, one of the Top 5 Ford remarketing dealers in the country. Meet the Sneed Ford team. Specifications are based on manufacturer information for the model years stated and vary by trim, drivetrain, wheel size, and installed equipment. Confirm features and ratings on any specific vehicle by VIN with our sales team. Towing ratings assume a properly equipped vehicle. Dennis Sneed Ford is a Ford dealership and is not a Lincoln franchise. All vehicles are subject to prior sale.

Lincoln Navigator vs Ford Expedition Compared

Lincoln Navigator vs. Ford Expedition: How They Compare

The Lincoln Navigator and the Ford Expedition are full-size, three-row SUVs with almost identical footprints. On 2027 models, the standard Navigator and the standard Expedition share a 122.5-inch wheelbase, and the Navigator L and Expedition MAX share a 131.5-inch wheelbase. Where they split is power, towing, and how much luxury comes standard. Dennis Sneed Ford, about 45 minutes north of Kansas City, sells new Expeditions and buys late-model Lincolns directly from Ford, so both can sit on the same lot. Quick answer: Choose the Lincoln Navigator if you want 440 horsepower, BlueCruise hands-free driving, and Lincoln's luxury interior as standard. Choose the Ford Expedition if towing comes first: a properly equipped 2027 Expedition 4x4 is rated at up to 9,600 lb with the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package, versus 8,700 lb for the Navigator 4x4. How do the Lincoln Navigator and Ford Expedition compare on specs? On 2027 models, the Navigator's twin-turbo 3.5L V6 is rated at 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, the same output as the Expedition's available 3.5L EcoBoost V6 High-Output. The Expedition's standard 3.5L EcoBoost V6 is rated at 400 horsepower. The Expedition tows more, and the two are nearly the same size. 2027 specification Lincoln Navigator Ford Expedition Engine Twin-turbo 3.5L V6 3.5L EcoBoost V6, or 3.5L EcoBoost V6 High-Output Horsepower / torque 440 hp / 510 lb-ft 400 hp / 480 lb-ft. High-Output: 440 hp / 510 lb-ft Transmission 10-speed SelectShift automatic 10-speed SelectShift automatic Max towing, 4x4 with Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package 8,700 lb (Navigator and Navigator L, 22-inch wheels) 9,600 lb (Expedition), 9,000 lb (Expedition MAX) Towing, 4x2 6,200 lb (Navigator), 6,600 lb (Navigator L) 6,000 lb (Expedition), 6,300 lb (Expedition MAX) Length / wheelbase, standard 210.0 in / 122.5 in 209.9 in / 122.5 in Length / wheelbase, extended Navigator L: 221.9 in / 131.5 in Expedition MAX: 221.7 in / 131.5 in Maximum seating 8 (7 standard) 8 (King Ranch seats 7) BlueCruise hands-free driving Standard Optional on Active, equipped on Platinum, Tremor, and King Ranch Horsepower and torque ratings for both vehicles are based on premium fuel. Specifications are for the 2027 model year and vary by trim, wheel size, and equipment. Towing ratings assume a properly equipped vehicle. Do the Navigator and Expedition have the same engine? Both use a twin-turbocharged 3.5L V6. On 2027 models, every Navigator is rated at 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. The Expedition's standard 3.5L EcoBoost V6 is rated at 400 horsepower and 480 lb-ft, and its 3.5L EcoBoost V6 High-Output matches the Navigator at 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft. The High-Output engine is standard on the Expedition Tremor and available on the Platinum. In other words, the Navigator gives you the top engine output on every trim, while the Expedition reserves it for specific trims. Which tows more, the Navigator or the Expedition? The Ford Expedition tows more. A properly equipped 2027 Expedition 4x4 with the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package is rated at up to 9,600 lb, and the Expedition MAX 4x4 at 9,000 lb. The 2027 Navigator and Navigator L 4x4 are rated at 8,700 lb with the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package and 22-inch wheels. In 4x2 form the gap closes and flips: Lincoln lists the 2027 Navigator 4x2 at 6,200 lb and the Navigator L 4x2 at 6,600 lb, while Ford lists the Expedition 4x2 at 6,000 lb and the Expedition MAX 4x2 at 6,300 lb. If you tow a large camper or a heavy boat, the Expedition 4x4 with the Heavy-Duty package has the most capacity. Towing ratings for used Navigators vary by model year; our used Lincoln Navigator buying guide lists them year by year. Same wheelbase, same top engine output. The Expedition 4x4 out-tows the Navigator 4x4 by 900 lb when both have the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package. Are the Navigator and Expedition the same size? Nearly. On 2027 models, the standard Navigator is 210.0 inches long and the standard Expedition is 209.9 inches, both on a 122.5-inch wheelbase. The extended Navigator L is 221.9 inches and the Expedition MAX is 221.7 inches, both on a 131.5-inch wheelbase. Both seat up to eight. The Navigator seats seven as standard, and the Expedition King Ranch seats seven. If you need the extended-length version, compare the Navigator L against the Expedition MAX, not against the standard Expedition. What does the Navigator add over the Expedition? The 2027 Lincoln Navigator makes 440 horsepower, BlueCruise hands-free highway driving, and the Lincoln Split Gate standard, along with Lincoln's Premiere, Reserve, and Black Label luxury trims. On the Expedition, BlueCruise and the High-Output engine depend on the trim. The Expedition also offers a split tailgate. Ford's multifunction Split Gate has powered upper and lower gates and a 500-lb capacity when used as a seat or loading platform. Lincoln's Navigator Split Gate is standard, and the 2025 Navigator added an available Cargo Tailgate Manager on a 500-pound-capacity tailgate. Should I buy a Lincoln Navigator or a Ford Expedition? Buy the Lincoln Navigator if you want the 440-horsepower engine, BlueCruise, and a Lincoln luxury interior on every trim. Buy the Ford Expedition if you need the highest towing rating, want a specialty trim like the Tremor or King Ranch, or want to pick equipment trim by trim. The Navigator fits buyers who want Standard 440-horsepower output, standard BlueCruise, and Lincoln's Premiere, Reserve, and Black Label trims in both lengths. A late-model used Navigator is also the most direct way into a Lincoln full-size SUV at a Ford store. The Expedition fits buyers who want Up to 9,600 lb of towing on a properly equipped 4x4 with the Heavy-Duty package, the off-road Tremor with standard 4x4 and the High-Output engine, or the King Ranch's seven-passenger layout. Where can I compare a Navigator and an Expedition near Kansas City? Dennis Sneed Ford in Gower, Missouri, about 45 minutes north of Kansas City on US-169, sells new Ford Expeditions and carries late-model used Lincoln Navigators. As one of the Top 5 Ford remarketing dealers in the country, we buy 1,100+ late-model Ford and Lincoln vehicles directly from Ford each year. When both are in stock, you can drive them back to back in one visit. Dennis Sneed Ford is a Ford dealership, not a Lincoln franchise, and our Lincolns come through Ford's own remarketing channel. Roughly 60% of our business comes from the Kansas City metro, and St. Joseph is roughly 30 minutes north of us. Considering a smaller Lincoln too? Our used Lincoln Aviator guide covers the midsize option. Kansas City Overland Park Lees Summit Liberty Smithville St. Joseph Leavenworth Excelsior Springs Search Used Navigators Search New Expeditions Call 816-409-1975 The Sneed Difference Top 5 Ford remarketing dealer: we purchase 1,100+ late-model Ford and Lincoln vehicles directly from Ford each year. Ford Credit Partners in Quality: one of roughly 111 dealers nationally recognized for the highest customer satisfaction and loyalty. Family-owned for 30 years: a family-owned Ford dealership in Gower, MO, serving Kansas City, St. Joseph, and northwest Missouri. Lincoln Navigator vs. Ford Expedition FAQ Is the Lincoln Navigator the same size as the Ford Expedition? Nearly. On 2027 models, the Navigator is 210.0 inches long and the Expedition is 209.9 inches, both on a 122.5-inch wheelbase. The Navigator L is 221.9 inches and the Expedition MAX is 221.7 inches, both on a 131.5-inch wheelbase. Which tows more, the Navigator or the Expedition? The Ford Expedition. A properly equipped 2027 Expedition 4x4 with the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package is rated at up to 9,600 lb, versus 8,700 lb for the 2027 Navigator 4x4 with the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package and 22-inch wheels. Do the Navigator and Expedition have the same engine? Both use a twin-turbocharged 3.5L V6. On 2027 models, the Navigator is rated at 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft. The Expedition's standard engine is rated at 400 horsepower and 480 lb-ft, and its available High-Output engine matches the Navigator at 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft. Is BlueCruise standard on the Navigator and Expedition? BlueCruise hands-free highway driving is standard on the 2027 Lincoln Navigator. On the 2027 Ford Expedition, it is optional on the Active and equipped on the Platinum, Tremor, and King Ranch. How many people do the Navigator and Expedition seat? Both seat up to eight on 2027 models. The Navigator seats seven as standard, and the Expedition King Ranch seats seven. Where can I test drive a Navigator and an Expedition near Kansas City? Dennis Sneed Ford at 1046 S.W. Highway 169 in Gower, Missouri, about 45 minutes north of Kansas City, sells new Ford Expeditions and carries late-model used Lincoln Navigators. Call 816-409-1975 to confirm availability before you visit. Written by Carey Sneed Dennis Sneed Ford · Gower, MO · 30 Years Family-Owned Carey Sneed represents the second generation at Dennis Sneed Ford, one of the Top 5 Ford remarketing dealers in the country. Meet the Sneed Ford team. Specifications are based on manufacturer information for the model years stated and vary by trim, drivetrain, wheel size, and installed equipment. Confirm features and ratings on any specific vehicle by VIN with our sales team. Towing ratings assume a properly equipped vehicle. Dennis Sneed Ford is a Ford dealership and is not a Lincoln franchise. All vehicles are subject to prior sale.

Lincoln Aviator vs Ford Explorer: Which to Buy

Lincoln Aviator vs. Ford Explorer: Which Three-Row SUV Fits You?

The Lincoln Aviator and the Ford Explorer are both three-row SUVs, and the 2025 and newer versions of both are built at Ford's Chicago Assembly Plant. They are aimed at different buyers, though. The Aviator is Lincoln's luxury three-row with a twin-turbocharged V6 on every model, while the Explorer offers a wider spread of trims, from the efficient 2.3L EcoBoost to the off-road Tremor and the performance ST. Dennis Sneed Ford, about 45 minutes north of Kansas City, sells new Explorers and buys late-model Lincolns directly from Ford, so both can sit on the same lot. Quick answer: Choose the Lincoln Aviator if you want a twin-turbo V6 and BlueCruise hands-free driving on every 2025 and newer model, plus Lincoln's luxury interior. Choose the Ford Explorer if you want more cargo space behind the second row, a choice of engines, or a specialty trim like the Tremor or ST. On 2027 models, both are rated to tow 5,000 lb with the standard Class III Trailer Tow Package. How do the Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer compare on specs? On 2027 models, the Aviator's standard twin-turbo 3.0L V6 is rated at 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, while the Explorer starts with a 2.3L EcoBoost rated at 300 horsepower and offers a 3.0L EcoBoost V6. Both tow up to 5,000 lb. The Explorer has more cargo space behind the second and first rows. 2027 specification Lincoln Aviator Ford Explorer Standard engine Twin-turbo 3.0L V6 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 Horsepower / torque 400 hp / 415 lb-ft 2.3L: 300 hp / 310 lb-ft. 3.0L EcoBoost V6: 400 hp or 385 hp depending on emissions version / 415 lb-ft Max towing Up to 5,000 lb 5,000 lb with standard Class III Trailer Tow Package Drivetrain Rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive Rear-wheel drive or Intelligent 4WD (standard on Tremor) Maximum seating Up to 7 7 (Tremor seats 6) Cargo behind third row 16.5 cu ft 16.3 cu ft Cargo behind second row 39.9 cu ft 46 cu ft Cargo behind first row 75.9 cu ft 85.8 cu ft (Active, ST-Line) or 85.3 cu ft (ST, Platinum, Tremor) BlueCruise hands-free driving Standard Available on ST-Line, Tremor, Platinum, and ST Horsepower and torque ratings for both vehicles are based on premium fuel. Specifications are for the 2027 model year and vary by trim and equipment. Used vehicles from earlier model years may differ. Do the Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer have the same engine? Not by default. Every Lincoln Aviator uses a twin-turbocharged 3.0L V6, while most Ford Explorer trims use a 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder. The Explorer's available 3.0L EcoBoost V6 is standard on the ST and available on the Tremor, and on 2027 models it matches the Aviator's 415 lb-ft of torque. That difference shapes how each one feels. The Aviator gives you V6 power no matter which trim you pick. With the Explorer, you choose between the 2.3L for everyday driving and the V6 for more power. For a full breakdown of the Explorer's engines, see our 2026 Ford Explorer engines explained guide. Which tows more, the Aviator or the Explorer? On 2027 models, they tie. The Lincoln Aviator tows up to 5,000 lb, and the Ford Explorer tows 5,000 lb with its standard Class III Trailer Tow Package. Older Aviators are a different story. Properly equipped 2020 and 2021 Aviator V6 models with the Class IV Trailer Tow Package are rated at up to 6,700 lb, and 2022 through 2024 models at 5,600 lb. If towing is a priority, a used Aviator from those years can out-tow a current Explorer. Our used Lincoln Aviator buying guide lists the rating for every model year. On 2027 models, the Aviator and Explorer tow the same 5,000 lb. A 2020 or 2021 Aviator with the Class IV package is rated at 6,700 lb. Which has more room, the Aviator or the Explorer? The Ford Explorer has more cargo space behind the second and first rows on 2027 models, with 46 cubic feet behind the second row versus the Aviator's 39.9. Behind the third row they are nearly even, at 16.5 cubic feet for the Aviator and 16.3 for the Explorer. Both seat up to seven. The Explorer Tremor seats six. On the Aviator, seating depends on whether the second row has captain's chairs or a bench, so check the configuration on the specific vehicle. If you regularly fold the third row and haul gear, the Explorer's extra cargo space is a real advantage. Which has hands-free driving, the Aviator or the Explorer? BlueCruise hands-free highway driving is standard on every 2025 and newer Lincoln Aviator. On the 2027 Ford Explorer, BlueCruise is available on the ST-Line, Tremor, Platinum, and ST trims. On used vehicles, ask how much of the original BlueCruise term remains. Lincoln included four years of BlueCruise from the original purchase on 2025 Aviators. Should I buy a Lincoln Aviator or a Ford Explorer? Buy the Lincoln Aviator if a V6 on every model, standard BlueCruise, and a Lincoln interior matter most. Buy the Ford Explorer if you want more cargo space, the choice of an efficient 2.3L engine, or a specialty trim like the off-road Tremor or the performance ST. The Aviator fits buyers who want Twin-turbo V6 power on every model, BlueCruise as standard equipment on 2025 and newer models, and Lincoln's Premiere, Reserve, and Black Label trims. A late-model used Aviator is also the way to get a plug-in hybrid version: the Grand Touring was offered on 2020 through 2024 models. The Explorer fits buyers who want More cargo space behind the second row, a choice of engines, Intelligent 4WD, and specialty trims. The Tremor comes with standard Intelligent 4WD, and the ST is built around the 3.0L EcoBoost V6. Read the 2026 Ford Explorer buyer's guide for the full trim breakdown. Where can I compare an Aviator and an Explorer near Kansas City? Dennis Sneed Ford in Gower, Missouri, about 45 minutes north of Kansas City on US-169, sells new Ford Explorers and carries late-model used Lincoln Aviators on the same lot. As one of the Top 5 Ford remarketing dealers in the country, we buy 1,100+ late-model Ford and Lincoln vehicles directly from Ford each year. When both are in stock, you can drive them back to back in one visit. Dennis Sneed Ford is a Ford dealership, not a Lincoln franchise, and our Lincolns come through Ford's own remarketing channel. Roughly 60% of our business comes from the Kansas City metro, and St. Joseph is roughly 30 minutes north of us. Learn more about the Explorer at our Ford Explorer research page. Kansas City Overland Park Liberty Smithville Kearney St. Joseph Leavenworth Cameron Search Used Aviators Search New Explorers Call 816-409-1975 The Sneed Difference Top 5 Ford remarketing dealer: we purchase 1,100+ late-model Ford and Lincoln vehicles directly from Ford each year. Ford Credit Partners in Quality: one of roughly 111 dealers nationally recognized for the highest customer satisfaction and loyalty. Family-owned for 30 years: a family-owned Ford dealership in Gower, MO, serving Kansas City, St. Joseph, and northwest Missouri. Lincoln Aviator vs. Ford Explorer FAQ Are the Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer built in the same plant? Yes. The 2025 and newer Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer are both built at Ford's Chicago Assembly Plant. Is the Lincoln Aviator more powerful than the Ford Explorer? On 2027 models, the Lincoln Aviator's standard twin-turbo 3.0L V6 is rated at 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel. The Ford Explorer's standard 2.3L EcoBoost is rated at 300 horsepower, and its available 3.0L EcoBoost V6 is rated at 400 or 385 horsepower depending on the emissions version, with 415 lb-ft of torque. Which tows more, the Lincoln Aviator or the Ford Explorer? On 2027 models, both are rated to tow 5,000 lb. Properly equipped 2020 and 2021 Lincoln Aviator V6 models with the Class IV Trailer Tow Package are rated at up to 6,700 lb. Does the Ford Explorer have more cargo space than the Lincoln Aviator? Yes, behind the second and first rows. On 2027 models, the Explorer has 46 cubic feet behind the second row versus 39.9 for the Aviator. Behind the third row they are nearly even, at 16.3 cubic feet for the Explorer and 16.5 for the Aviator. Is BlueCruise standard on the Lincoln Aviator? Yes, on 2025 and newer models. BlueCruise hands-free highway driving became standard on the Aviator for 2025. On the 2027 Ford Explorer, BlueCruise is available on the ST-Line, Tremor, Platinum, and ST trims. Where can I test drive an Aviator and an Explorer near Kansas City? Dennis Sneed Ford at 1046 S.W. Highway 169 in Gower, Missouri, about 45 minutes north of Kansas City, sells new Ford Explorers and carries late-model used Lincoln Aviators. Call 816-409-1975 to confirm availability before you visit. Written by Carey Sneed Dennis Sneed Ford · Gower, MO · 30 Years Family-Owned Carey Sneed represents the second generation at Dennis Sneed Ford, one of the Top 5 Ford remarketing dealers in the country. Meet the Sneed Ford team. Specifications are based on manufacturer information for the model years stated and vary by trim, drivetrain, and installed equipment. Confirm features and ratings on any specific vehicle by VIN with our sales team. Towing ratings assume a properly equipped vehicle. Dennis Sneed Ford is a Ford dealership and is not a Lincoln franchise. All vehicles are subject to prior sale.