Overview
Introduced last year, the Aviator is Lincoln’s latest mid-size, three-row crossover SUV model, which replaced the MKT. It also serves to get Lincoln into the growing market for electrified SUVs with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain. The Aviator sees no major changes for 2021.
Available Trims
Lincoln sells the Aviator in Reserve and Grand Touring trim levels. Reserve uses a 3.0L turbocharged V6 engine and a 10-speed transmission, while Grand Touring gets the PHEV powertrain, which includes a continuously variable transmission.
Both Aviator configurations are standard with AWD.
Standard Features
Reserve trim’s exterior and mechanical highlights are an adaptive suspension, engine auto start/stop, 20-inch wheels and tires, LED headlights with automatic high beams, LED fog lights, passive keyless entry, rain-sensing wipers, a hands-free tailgate, power-folding side mirrors, and aluminum roof rack rails.
Inside, there’s ambient lighting, a frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror, four-zone automatic A/C, a power-adjustable/heated/leather-trimmed steering wheel, heated/ventilated front and second-row seats, 12-way front comfort seats, leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and power-folding third-row seats.
Tech tricks include a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen, active noise control, a 110-volt power outlet, a 14-speaker stereo, satellite radio, Wi-Fi hotspot, and navigation.
Aviator’s standard driver assists are a lane keeping system, 360-degree camera views, forward collision detection with automatic braking, blind spot monitoring, cross traffic alert, and forward and reverse parking sensors.
Grand Touring adds 21-inch wheels.
Key Options
Options start with a luxury package that bundles a 28-speaker stereo, 30-way adjustable front seats, and rear door sun shades.
A convenience package brings a head-up display, wireless phone charging, and phone-as-a-key technology.
You can also add Lincoln’s Co-Pilot360 Plus highway driving assist suite.
Fuel Economy
Lincoln’s fuel consumption estimates are 13.7/9.7 L/100 km (city/highway) for the Aviator Reserve’s turbo V6; the Grand Touring’s PHEV setup is rated for 10.9/9.6 L/100 km when running as a gas-electric hybrid, and 4.2 Le/100 km on electricity.
Competition
The Aviator gives Lincoln a serious mid-size crossover to compete with some of the class’s poshest three-row models, like the Land Rover Range Rover, Audi’s Q7, the BMW X7, and Mercedes-Benz’s GLS-Class.
