The Lincoln Aviator is powered by a 3.0L V6 engine fed by twin-turbochargers, making 400 horsepower. Power is sent to the wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission with an optional all-wheel drive system. Buyers opting for the Grand Touring trim will also get a hybrid version of this drivetrain with an additional 50 or so horsepower, though that version should make around 200 lb-ft of torque more than the non-hybrid. Either way, the Aviator isn't lacking in power, with strong acceleration relative to most of its competition.
The Aviator comes in three basic trims, along with a Black Label Special Edition (which is only available at participating Lincoln Black Label Dealers). The base trim is simply called Standard and comes with a long list of included features such as 19-inch machine finished aluminum wheels, a hands-free liftgate, power-adjustable heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals, full LED headlamps, tri-zone climate control, SiriusXM satellite radio, a 10.1-inch LCD touchscreen, a 10-speaker sound system, rain sensing wipers, a remote starter and heated front seats. Safety features included on the base model include a pre-collision system with automatic emergency braking, a rearview camera, blind spot detection and cross traffic alert, a lane keeping assist system and a rearview camera.
The Reserve trim includes 20-inch wheels, LED foglamps, better interior ambient lighting, 4-zone climate control, a power tilt and telescoping steering column, a 360-degree camera, a voice activated navigation system linked to the infotainment, a Revel 14-speaker sound system and nicer leather seats with more adjustability.
The Grand Touring Trim adds the hybrid drivetrain along with an adaptive steering system and regenerative braking. Other features on the Grand Touring include unique 20-inch wheels, a darker grille, a panoramic roof with a power sunshade and active noise cancellation for the cabin.
The top of the line Black Label comes in either hybrid or non-hybrid forms, though either version of the Black Label includes 22-inch wheels, Savanna Leather seating surfaces, heated and ventilated first and second row seats, a heated steering wheel, heated windshield wipers, adaptive cruise control with stop and go capabilities, a parking assist system, wireless phone charging, a heads up display, soft close doors, a rear sunshade and a Revel 28-speaker sound system.
Crisp, Clean Styling
Three Rows Of Seating
Available All-wheel Drive
Advanced Technologies
Available Hybrid Drivetrain
Luxurious Features
Though the Aviator name has been around for some time, it was last used by Lincoln in 2005 as the name for their mid-sized SUV. In contrast, the 2020 Lincoln Aviator is a brand-new vehicle for this year and while it occupies a similar part of the market as the old Aviator, the 2020 vehicle is far nicer, with 15 years of technology and know-how separating the two vehicles. The 2020 Aviator is a 3-row crossover made for hauling up to seven people in absolute comfort. It has a heavy emphasis on technology with some pretty innovative smartphone tech available, along with the option of a hybrid drivetrain.
Like all Lincoln products, the Aviator is first and foremost a luxury vehicle, offering a supple ride, low interior noise levels and an expansive interior. With a starting price of under $52,000, it competes with vehicles such as the Lexus GX, the BMW X5 and the Audi Q7. Relative to those vehicles, the Aviator offers a more spacious feeling cabin than the Q7 while priced significantly less than the BMW. The Lexus on the other hand is a relatively old design and is lacking some of the cutting-edge features available in the other cars. Speaking of features, Lincoln are banking heavily on smartphone integration for their new Aviator. The designers envision a world where the function of a key is largely taken over by a thing most drivers already carry around in their pockets or their purse: a phone. Get the Aviator app and up to four people can operate the vehicle without a key while saving preferences such as seating position and infotainment presets.
