2024 Lincoln Aviator SUV

　　

2024 Lincoln Aviator Review

byAlex NishimotoCorrespondent

　　Alex Nishimoto has worked in the automotive industry since 2007. He was a staff writer for MotorTrend for 10 years and since then has contributed to CNET, PRI, AutoWise and other publications.

　　, rating written byAlex NishimotoSenior 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.

　　If you want a Lincoln SUV with three rows of seats but don't need something as big as the full-size Navigator, the 2024 Lincoln Aviator might be just right for you. The current model was introduced in 2020, serving as Lincoln's three-row midsize luxury SUV and available in both conventional gas-powered and plug-in hybrid flavors. The latter variant can go about 21 miles on battery power alone before switching on the engine. Don't miss our test team's Expert Rating below to help you decide if the Aviator is a worthy choice.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 Lincoln Aviator Premiere 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 Premiere

　　Aviator Premiere

　　Premiere 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 10A) (Most Popular) - $53,340 MSRPPremiere 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $55,845 MSRPReserve 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $59,005 MSRPReserve 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $61,535 MSRPBlack Label 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $80,725 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　

zzdcar spotlight: What we expect for 2024

For its fifth year on the market, the Aviator is getting a refresh inside and out. Expect to see an updated front end complete with redesigned headlights and a larger grille similar to those seen on the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus. You can also expect a subtly revamped interior, possibly including an updated infotainment screen and center stack inspired by the new Nautilus. New or revised tech and convenience features might be in the cards, but drivetrain options will likely remain the same.

　　

Competitors to consider

The Lincoln Aviator competes with other premium midsize three-row SUVs, including the Audi Q7, Acura MDX, Cadillac XT6, Land Rover Discovery, Volvo XC90 and Infiniti QX60. You could also cross-shop it against higher trim levels of mainstream midsize three-row SUVs, such as the Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride and Jeep Grand Cherokee L. Luxury midsizers with available third rows, such as the BMW X5 and Genesis GV80, are also worth considering.

　　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