2018 Lincoln Aviator 3.0L V6 10AT AWD (400 HP)

Vehicle Overview

After a 14-year hiatus, the Aviator nameplate returned to Lincoln’s inventory as a mid-size, three-row luxury SUV based on the same platform as the Ford Explorer.

While its bigger brother, the Navigator, stole the customers who bought the full-size SUV mainly to be driven inside, the mid-size Aviator was a luxury SUV for the one behind the wheel. Whether used as a family hauler or a company car for their executives, the Aviator promised to gladly fulfill all its missions. As a result, it was no wonder that it overtook it outsold its larger sibling. Its shorter dimensions made it easier to drive around town while still being able to carry seven people onboard.

Lincoln introduced a new design language for its vehicles in 2016, along with the launch of the tenth generation of the Continental. Even though that model was not highly successful, it still provided plenty of design ideas adapted to larger vehicles, such as the Aviator. The flat front fascia featured a broad metallic mesh grille where the brand’s badge took center stage. A pair of swept-back, dynamic-looking adaptive LED headlights flanked it and gave the vehicle a sporty, young look. The lower side of the bumper sported, depending on the grade, a chromed or satin-silver trim below the apron.

When Lincoln created the 2020 Aviator, it tried to conceal any resemblance with the Explorer. As a result, no body panels were shared with its blue-oval badged sibling. The greenhouse started with a raked windshield followed by a slightly descending roof and a raked-forward tailgate. Its doors didn’t have any sculptured lines on them. A chromed trim adorned the window line, and a metallic badge sat proudly in front of the door mirrors on the front fenders. Unlike its larger sibling, the Aviator wasn’t fitted with retractable running boards. However, customers could order the vehicle with an air suspension that lowered the SUV while approaching it with the key in the pocket. At the back, the automaker placed broad taillights extended from the quarter panels onto the tailgate and visually connected them via a red stripe and a chromed slat. Under the bumper, a quad-exhaust system with round tips was in place, depending on the engine version.

Inside, customers found a luxurious cabin with wide, comfortable front seats and ten-way adjustments. They were separated by a flat center console housing the drive select mode and a couple of cup holders. The push-button selector for the automatic transmission was on the center stack, right above the climate control buttons. Above the rectangular center vents, Lincoln placed a ten-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The Revel sound system with 14 speakers was standard, while a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System with 28 speakers was available. Customers could get the Aviator with a split-folding bench seat for the second row or two individual seats separated by a center console. Unlike its bigger sibling, the Navigator, the Aviator had room for two on the rearmost row instead of three and, as expected, a smaller trunk.

A three-liter turbocharged V6 from the EcoBoost family powered the mid-size luxury SUV. However, Lincoln also provided the vehicle with a plug-in hybrid version with the same powerhouse under the hood, albeit helped by an electric motor. Despite the 900 lbs (450 kg) added weight to the brawny body-on-frame vehicle, that variant provided lower fuel economy and better performance. A ten-speed automatic transmission sent the power to the rear or in all corners for both versions.