XT5 vs Aviator
The XT5 and the Aviator compete for the same spot on your shortlist, with Cadillac and Lincoln each making its case. This one has a front-runner. The Aviator wins 3 of 4 compared areas, and engine & performance is where the difference is hardest to miss. On top of that, the Aviator asked $15,000 more at launch.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Aviator wins
- Fuel Economy & Range XT5 wins
- Space & Practicality Aviator wins
- Off-road & Towing Aviator wins
- Price XT5 wins
- Engine & Performance0.0
- Fuel Economy & Range9.2
- Off-road & Towing3.3
- Engine & Performance4.0
- Fuel Economy & Range7.2
- Off-road & Towing7.9
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The Aviator has 165 hp more power
Among all the differences on this page, 400 hp against 235 hp is one of the most meaningful, and it favors the Aviator. The Aviator’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
-
The Aviator has 3,200 lb more towing capacity
The XT5 gives up a lot on max towing: 3,500 lb, compared with 6,700 lb on the Aviator. If you tow regularly, the Aviator’s higher rating gives you more margin.
-
The Aviator has 157 lb-ft more torque
Few buyers will miss this one. The Aviator brings 415 lb-ft to the table; the XT5 brings 258 lb-ft. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
-
The XT5 has better fuel economy
The XT5 has a modest edge on fuel economy (combined): 24 mpg against 21 mpg for the Aviator. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
-
The Aviator has room for 6 seats
It’s a small lead (6 seats versus 5 seats), but it’s real, and it goes to the Aviator. Third-row seats are often best for kids, so check legroom figures if adults will sit there.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | XT5 | Aviator |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 189.6 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 74.9 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 112.5 in | 119.1 in |
Engine & Performance
Aviator leads
For engine & performance, the verdict is easy: the Aviator leads, and not by a little. The Aviator makes its case with 165 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. For anyone who cares most about engine & performance, the Aviator is the safer choice.
Total system output
XT5: 235 hp Aviator: 400 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Torque
XT5: 258 lb-ft Aviator: 415 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Fuel Economy & Range
XT5 leads
When it comes to fuel economy & range, the XT5 is comfortably ahead. On the XT5, you get better fuel economy. The XT5 uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot. Prioritize fuel economy & range, and the XT5 is where you should land.
Fuel economy (combined)
XT5: 24 mpg Aviator: 21 mpg Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
Fuel economy (city)
XT5: 22 mpg Aviator: 18 mpg Hybrids often shine in the city, and the XT5 has the better rating here.
Space & Practicality
Aviator leads
The Aviator has the slight upper hand on space & practicality. The Aviator steps ahead thanks to room for 6 seats. Extra seats mean you can take more people along without taking a second car. The takeaway: on space & practicality, the Aviator is the stronger car.
Seats
XT5: 5 seats Aviator: 6 seats The Aviator has room for more passengers, useful for growing families and carpools.
Off-road & Towing
Aviator leads
The Aviator clearly takes the off-road & towing round. Choose the Aviator and you get 3,200 lb more towing capacity. Towing ratings depend on configuration and equipment, so check the exact trim you’re looking at. So if off-road & towing tops your list, lean toward the Aviator.
Max towing
XT5: 3,500 lb Aviator: 6,700 lb A higher towing capacity lets you pull bigger trailers, boats and campers.
Safety & Tech
Names, not numbers: the safety & tech rows below show what each one is built with, and it’s worth reading them side by side.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | XT5 | Aviator |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 3.0L twin-turbo V6 |
| Total system output | 235 hp | 400 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 415 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | RWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | XT5 | Aviator |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 24 mpg (winner) | 21 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 22 mpg (winner) | 18 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 29 mpg (winner) | 25 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | XT5 | Aviator |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats (winner) |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 30 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 63 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | XT5 | Aviator |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 3,500 lb | 6,700 lb (winner) |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | XT5 | Aviator |
|---|---|---|
| Driver-assist suite | N/A (not specified) | Lincoln Co-Pilot360 |
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | XT5 | Aviator |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 189.6 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 74.9 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 112.5 in | 119.1 in |
Price
| Spec | XT5 | Aviator |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $44,295 (winner) Lowest price in class | $59,295 |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Price & Value
At launch, the Aviator cost $15,000 more than the XT5. In percentage terms, that’s 34%. The Aviator justifies part of its $15,000 premium with 165 hp more power and 3,200 lb more towing capacity.
Prices shown are US launch prices as of launch. Retail prices change often, so it’s worth checking current offers.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the XT5 if…
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (24 mpg vs 21 mpg combined)
- you mostly drive in town (22 mpg vs 18 mpg in the city)
- you cover long highway distances (29 mpg vs 25 mpg on the highway)
- you want more value for your money ($15,000 less at launch)
Choose the Aviator if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (400 hp vs 235 hp)
- you want the higher towing capacity (6,700 lb vs 3,500 lb)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (415 lb-ft vs 258 lb-ft of torque)
- you regularly carry extra passengers (6 seats vs 5 seats)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the XT5 or the Aviator?
For most buyers, the XT5 makes more sense: it launched $15,000 below the Aviator.
Is the XT5 cheaper than the Aviator?
At launch, the XT5 undercut the Aviator by $15,000. These figures are as of launch, and street prices can change.
Executive Summary
Let’s set the logos aside for a minute. The XT5 and the Aviator are close competitors, and their spec sheets tell an interesting story. Start with the headline difference (the XT5 has better fuel economy), and a lot of the decision falls into place. A second point goes to the XT5 for better highway fuel economy. The Aviator does have a strong card to play: 165 hp more power.
Fit matters more than scores here. The XT5 suits buyers focused on fuel economy & range; the Aviator suits those focused on engine & performance.
My pick: honestly, the XT5; the Aviator is good, just not $15,000 better.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.