2023 Lincoln Aviator SUV

　　

2023 Lincoln Aviator Review

byChristian WardlawCorrespondent

　　Christian Wardlaw has worked in the automotive industry since 1994. He has written nearly 10,000 car-related articles and tested and reviewed more than 2,000 vehicles over the course of his career. Chris is a correspondent at zzdcar and was the first editor-in-chief of zzdcar.com in the 1990s. He has also contributed to Autotrader, CarGurus, J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, NADAguides, New York Daily News Autos and WardsAuto. His mom claims that his first word was “car,” and Chris believes that Miata is always the answer.

　　, rating written byChristian WardlawSenior 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.

　　A midsize luxury SUV equipped with three rows of seats, the 2023 Lincoln Aviator is based on the Ford Explorer and slots into Lincoln's SUV-only lineup between the five-passenger midsize Nautilus and the full-size Navigator.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Lincoln Aviator Standard 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 Standard

　　Aviator Standard

　　Standard 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $53,340 MSRPStandard 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $55,845 MSRPReserve 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $58,505 MSRPReserve 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 10A) (Most Popular) - $61,035 MSRPGrand Touring 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 10A) - $69,190 MSRPBlack Label 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $80,725 MSRPBlack Label Grand Touring 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 10A) - $89,280 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　Notably, the Aviator offers an available plug-in hybrid powertrain. It'll go about 21 miles on all-electric power before switching to regular hybrid operation. Recharge frequently either at home or at a public charging station and you can really start saving on gas. That electrified drivetrain option sets the Aviator apart from its primary rivals, which include two of our favorites in the class, the Audi Q7 and Acura MDX.

　　Like other Lincolns, the 2023 Aviator has distinctive design inside and out. It offers plenty of room for passengers and cargo, and it's quite comfortable, especially when equipped with its upgraded front seats. Lincoln hasn't made any substantial changes to the 2023 Aviator. Be sure to read our Expert Rating of this SUV to decide whether it deserves a slot on your consideration list.

　　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, making smooth control difficult. 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.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below