Lincoln Aviator

Overview: Is the Lincoln Aviator a Good Luxury SUV?

Originally appearing in Lincoln’s 2003-2005 lineup as a rebadged twin of the Ford Explorer, the Aviator was resurrected for the 2020 model year. This midsize luxury SUV continues to share its underpinnings with the Explorer but in a more distinctive wrapper. This overview looks at the newest generation of the Aviator, which brings together premium features, advanced technology, and sophisticated powertrains. The automaker’s current model range also includes the Lincoln Navigator, Corsair, and Nautilus.

Note: Equipment, features, and trims can vary by model year. Always confirm these details when looking for used Lincoln Aviator cars for sale.

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Related: The Lincoln Aviator Years To Avoid

Key Features

The Lincoln Aviator offers:

• Midsize luxury SUV body style
• Three-row, six- to-seven-passenger seating
• Rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD)
• Twin-turbocharged V6 engine or plug-in hybrid powertrain (varying by year)
• 10-speed automatic transmission

Trims

The Lincoln Aviator is available in five trim levels: Standard, Reserve, Grand Touring, Black Label, and Black Label Grand Touring. The Grand Touring trims feature a plug-in hybrid powertrain, while the Black Label trims offer the highest level of luxury. The Standard and the Grand Touring variants were dropped, along with the plug-in hybrid engine, after 2023.

Comfort, Technology & Cargo

The Lincoln Aviator interior is spacious, well-appointed, and tech-laden. The cabin features premium materials, comfortable seating for up to seven passengers, and ample cargo space of up to 77.7 cubic feet. Standard features include a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a 10-speaker audio system, and tri-zone automatic climate control. Higher trims and optional packages add amenities like a head-up display, a 360-degree camera system, and massaging front seats.

How It Drives

The Lincoln Aviator comes standard with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine that produces 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, paired with a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission. The Grand Touring is a Lincoln Aviator hybrid that pairs the V6 engine with an electric motor, generating a combined 494 horsepower and 630 lb-ft of torque. Power is more than adequate with the base powertrain, but the plug-in hybrid edition brings V8-like performance.

Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has awarded the Lincoln Aviator a 5-star overall safety rating.

Reviews

Lincoln Aviator reviews on Kelley Blue Book are underwhelming. Owners give their vehicles an average rating of 3.6 out of 5; they are less favorable about quality, value, and reliability.

Learn More: How Long Do Lincoln Aviators Last? The Scoop on Vehicle Lifespan

FAQs

Is Lincoln discontinuing the Aviator?

No, Lincoln is not discontinuing the Aviator. The SUV was reintroduced for the 2020 model year and continues to be a part of Lincoln's lineup.

Is the Lincoln Aviator just an Explorer?

While the Lincoln Aviator shares its platform with the Ford Explorer, it is not simply a rebadged version. The Aviator features unique styling, a more luxurious interior, and exclusive features that distinguish it from its Ford counterpart.

What compares to the Lincoln Aviator?

The Lincoln Aviator competes with other midsize luxury SUVs such as the Audi Q7, BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, Volvo XC90, and Acura MDX. These vehicles have a similar size, features, and performance, catering to buyers seeking a balance of luxury, practicality, and technology.

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