2020 Lincoln Aviator Review

　　

2020 Lincoln Aviator Review

byWill KaufmanSenior Editor and Content Strategist, CarMax

　　Will Kaufman has worked in the automotive industry since 2017. He has written hundreds of car-related articles and reviews over the course of his career. Will is a senior editor and content strategist for CarMax at zzdcar. Will has been featured in the Associated Press and a number of major outlets on the topics of infotainment and vehicle data, vehicle subscription services and autonomous vehicles. Will started his career in online publishing by writing and editing standardized test guides, but he has a lot more fun writing about cars.

　　It's been a while since Lincoln's three-row SUV has gone by the name Aviator. For more than a decade it's been the MK … something. Who can keep those letter-coded names straight? With the introduction of a fully redesigned Ford Explorer, however, Lincoln saw an opportunity to resurrect the catchier Aviator moniker.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 Lincoln Aviator 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 10A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$219/mo  for Aviator Base

　　Aviator Base

　　4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $51,100 MSRP4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $53,600 MSRPReserve 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $56,190 MSRPReserve 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 10A) (Most Popular) - $58,700 MSRPGrand Touring 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 10A) - $68,800 MSRPBlack Label 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $77,695 MSRPBlack Label Grand Touring 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 10A) - $87,800 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　Thankfully, the 2020 version has little in common with the short-lived Aviator of the early 2000s. It's once again based on the Explorer. But this time around, the 2020 Aviator sports a distinctive design both inside and out, impressive standard equipment and features unique to Lincoln. In fact, the new Aviator is more like a scaled-down Navigator than a rebadged Explorer, and that's a good thing.

　　The Aviator's plush interior and improved cabin noise management make it an excellent highway cruiser, while its robust turbocharged V6 provides plenty of power. There's even a plug-in hybrid model that makes more power and improves fuel economy while providing a bit of EV range.

　　On the downside, the Aviator's pricing is above average, especially when you're looking at an example with a lot of added options. It might be a little hard to justify when cross-shopping against established three-row luxury crossover SUV rivals such as the Acura MDX, Audi Q7 and Volvo XC90. But overall we recommend giving the new Aviator a look if you want an appealing mix of versatility, power and features.

　　Notably, we picked the 2020 Lincoln Aviator as one of zzdcar' Best 3-Row SUVs for 2020.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　7.7

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.0/10

　　How does the Aviator drive? The Aviator is quick in a straight line. While there's a slight delay when you ask it for power, the Aviator really gets going after that. In zzdcar testing, our all-wheel-drive Aviator Black Label covered 0-60 mph in a quick 5.9 seconds.

　　Braking and handling are less exemplary. The brake pedal is overly soft and hard to modulate smoothly. The Aviator also feels big and wallowy when you're driving around turns and doesn't give you much confidence in its stability. Another problem is the transmission's clunky and slow transition between forward and reverse. All of these issues combine to make driving the Aviator less pleasing than we expected.

　　

Comfort

8.5/10

　　How comfortable is the Aviator? The Aviator reminds us a bit of Lincoln models of old: It's big, heavy and cushy. Bumps are absorbed nicely, although there can be a bit of residual body motion. Wind and traffic noise is minimal, so you can have a quiet conversation in the cabin if you want.

　　The highly adjustable seats are quite comfortable once you've managed to dial them in. One notable demerit: The seat is a bit narrow, so you may feel the hard frame on your hips. As for the climate control system, it does a good job of regulating cabin temperature, though the seat heating and cooling are a bit weak.

　　

Interior

7.5/10

　　How’s the interior? The third row is pretty much a kids-only affair; there's just not much legroom back there. The second row is better and has a lot of legroom, but headroom is a bit limited if you have an Aviator with the optional sunroof. Up front, headroom can be tight for tall adults.

　　Visibility is another concern. The windshield and rear window are short, blocking some of your view of the road. There are also a lot of surfaces around the cabin that can cause distracting glare and reflections. As for the controls, they're generally easy to use, though the transmission shift buttons and the multifunction buttons on the steering wheel can require taking your eyes off the road to push.

　　

Technology

7.5/10

　　How’s the tech? The infotainment screen has large text and virtual buttons, making it friendly no matter your comfort level with technology. However, it's a less sophisticated system than some competitors and lacks some of the coolest new features. For device integration, the first two rows have plenty of options for plugging in devices. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard, but using them locks you out of basic voice controls and creates annoyances with things such as adjusting vehicle settings or switching radio stations.

　　The Aviator's driver aids are quite good. The lane keeping and centering system works well and isn't overly noticeable, for instance. Adaptive cruise is smooth in heavy traffic, although it will brake aggressively if you set it to follow the vehicle ahead closely.

　　

Storage

8.0/10

　　How’s the storage? The Aviator has an edge over competitors for storage behind the third row. Space behind the second row is average, and many competitors offer more maximum cargo volume. Our Aviator test vehicle had the optional air suspension, which you can use to lower the ride height and make it easier to load cargo. If you want to tow, the Aviator offers a solid 6,700 pounds of max towing capacity. The strong V6 engine helps out too.

　　Inside the cabin, all three rows offer a handful of useful storage options, though the center console box is a bit shallow. Small-item storage isn't class-leading, but it is certainly sufficient. For family taxi duty, the Aviator's second-row seat is roomy enough to install even bulky rear-facing safety seats. The car seat anchors are easy to access.

　　

Fuel Economy

6.5/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? The EPA-estimated ratings of 20 mpg combined (17 city/24 highway) for AWD and 21 combined (18 city/26 highway) for RWD are acceptable for the class. But in our time with the Aviator, our best tank only returned 18 mpg, and our overall average was under 16 mpg.

　　

Value

7.5/10

　　Is the Aviator a good value? Lincoln has come a long way in terms of design, content and quality. The Aviator looks and feels luxurious inside and out, with lots of thought put into making sure the first- and second-row passengers have a premium experience. The chrome and piano-black trims are a bit chintzy, but other than that the Aviator offers something special.

　　We do question the value of the Aviator at its highest trim level. Our loaded Black Label test vehicle felt distinctly overpriced at $84,000. If you can live with a less luxe interior, go with the more competitively priced Reserve.

　　

Wildcard

8.0/10

　　The Aviator looks distinctive, which we like. At the same time, it reminds us a bit of Lincoln models of days gone by. This vehicle is best driven in a straight line since it lacks the poise and confidence of European competitors when the road gets twisty. Don't care? Then you'll just be pleased to see Lincoln staking out a distinctive luxury personality.

　　

Which Aviator does zzdcar recommend?

The Aviator Reserve hits a good balance of features and price. It includes some features worthy of a luxury SUV such as quad-zone climate control, a 360-degree camera and a hands-free liftgate. There are a lot of packages to choose from, but we'd certainly start with the Reserve I package for its added driver aids and heated and ventilated first- and second-row seats.

　　

2020 Lincoln Aviator models

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator is available in five trim levels: Standard, Reserve,  Black Label, Grand Touring and Grand Touring Black Label. The first three trim levels come with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 (400 horsepower, 415 lb-ft of torque) and a 10-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available as an optional upgrade except on the Black Label, which only comes with AWD. The Grand Touring and the Grand Touring Black Label use a plug-in hybrid powertrain based on the same V6. Power rises to 494 hp and 630 lb-ft of torque.

　　The standard Aviator is quite well-equipped, with a power liftgate, low-profile roof rails, full LED headlights and taillights, automatic high beams, power-folding mirrors with an auto-dimming driver-side mirror, rain-sensing wipers, puddle lamps, and proximity entry with push-button start.

　　Inside, you'll find 12-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, two-way lumbar support and seat memory, power tip-and-slide outboard sections of the second-row bench seat, simulated-leather upholstery, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with tilt-and-telescoping adjustment. You also get a frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror, tri-zone climate control, and a 5.8-inch touchscreen in the second row for climate control options. Heated wipers, a heated steering wheel and heated rear seats are optional.

　　On the tech front, the Aviator comes standard with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 10.1-inch infotainment screen running the latest version of Sync 3. You get satellite radio, navigation, Wi-Fi, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Aviator offers plenty of charging options, with one 110-volt outlet for the second row, two 12-volt outlets (with one in the cargo area), and USB and USB-C charging ports for the first and second rows.

　　Standard safety features include blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, lane keeping assist, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, and a rearview camera with a built-in washer.

　　The Reserve trim adds 20-inch wheels, a 360-degree camera view, a 14-speaker Revel stereo, ambient interior lighting, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, premium leather seats, quad-zone climate control, 14-way power-adjustable front seats with two-way lumbar, power tip-and-slide second-row captain's chairs, and a hands-free liftgate. With all-wheel drive or the optional 22-inch wheels, the Aviator Reserve is equipped with an adaptive suspension.

　　The Grand Touring comes with a panoramic sunroof, unique exterior accents, and the upgraded plug-in hybrid AWD powertrain.

　　There are several option packages available for the Aviator. The Class IV Trailer Tow package equips a Class IV hitch and wiring, four- and seven-pin connectors, a beefier 250-amp alternator, trailer sway control, and trailer coverage to the blind-spot monitoring system. The Elements Package Plus adds heated and ventilated first- and second-row seats, a heated steering wheel and heated windshield wipers.

　　You can also add the Reserve I package, which includes the Elements Package Plus as well as a panoramic sunroof, active parking assist, adaptive cruise control, lane centering, evasive steering assist, and reverse braking assist. You can further upgrade Reserve I-equipped Aviators with the Luxury package, which adds 30-way power-adjustable and massaging front seats, rear door sunshades, a 28-speaker Revel stereo, and rear-seat audio controls.

　　A Reserve II package makes the Luxury package, Elements Package Plus and Tow package standard, and it adds 22-inch wheels, adaptive headlights and a light-up Lincoln emblem in the grille. This package can be upgraded with the Convenience package, which installs a head-up display, soft-close doors and wireless charging pad and lets you use your phone as a key. The Dynamic Handling package adds adaptive steering, an adaptive suspension with road preview (it reads the road surface ahead and adjusts the suspension before bumps and potholes), and an automatically lowering air suspension.

　　If you prefer a second-row bench seat to captain's chairs, one is available as an option with all Reserve packages.

　　The Aviator Black Label starts with the Reserve II equipment, but it tacks on the Convenience package and offers the Tow package and the Dynamic Handling package as options. The Black Label comes with unique 22-inch wheels and appearance cues, and it offers a selection of interior design upgrades with special color schemes. You also get access to Lincoln's Black Label services.

　　The Black Label Grand Touring steps down to 21-inch wheels and adds the Dynamic Handling package along with the plug-in hybrid AWD powertrain.

　　

2020 Aviator Highlights

Type: SUVPlug-in HybridSUV

　　Trim: BaseReserveGrand TouringBlack LabelBlack Label Grand TouringBase

　　

Base MSRP	$51,100
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	21 MPG
Cost to Drive	$219/month
Seating	8 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	18.3 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles