The Lincoln Aviator three-row crossover SUV slots between the smaller Nautilus and the full-size Navigator. Related to the Ford Explorer but with a more refined cabin, a more advanced suspension, and a more powerful standard powertrain, the Aviator’s rivals range from the Acura MDX to the Audi Q7.
Mostly, yes. With a cleaner look and a revamped suite of the latest technology, the 2025 Lincoln Aviator improves the luxury liner’s TCC Rating to 7.1 out of 10. (Read more about how we rate cars.)
The Aviator is offered in a simple three-trim lineup including base Premier, middle-child Reserve, and top-shelf Black Label.
A muscular SUV with a long nose and big wheels doesn’t look that different from its predecessor. A larger grille presides over a broader lower grille flanked by vertical air intakes. Thinner LED headlights squint out over new daytime running lights that slit the edge of the larger grille. The Lincoln logo looks smaller in the new grille, but it can be illuminated with the right package. The Aviator rides on standard 20-inch wheels, but the distinctive 22-inch turbine wheel design returns.
Lincoln dresses the interior with big and boxy screens, including a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster and a 13.2-inch touchscreen. The integration of the large screen looks lumpier, the dash a mere support for the center screen, but it’s easy to reach and its surrounding bits can still be garnished in leather and wood trim. The electronic gear selector below the center vents returns. Unfortunately, the larger touchscreen ate all the climate control buttons that previously resided on the center console.
A twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 under the hood makes 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. It hooks into a 10-speed automatic transmission with rear-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive optional. Adaptive dampers are standard, and shoppers can select an air suspension to enhance cabin comfort even more.
Comfort is one of the Aviator’s historic strengths, and a Lincoln calling card. The front seats might be the comfiest on the market this side of a Volvo. Standard with heating and cooling, but available with wonderful 30 power adjustments and massagers, these thrones ease all the errand running and could induce the parking lot nap while waiting for Junior to finish practice.
The Aviator seats up to seven passengers, but most shoppers will opt for second-row captain’s chairs to seat six. The third row is still the kid zone at best as adults will have an unpleasant experience back there.
How much does the 2025 Lincoln Aviator cost?
The 2025 Aviator costs $60,525 including a $1,595 destination fee. That’s a price jump of $5,790. To make up for the premium, Lincoln loads the 2025 Aviator with many standard features. On the safety front, active lane control and a surround-view camera system join automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitors as standard, andLincoln kicks in a four-year trial of its limited hands-free driving system called Blue Cruise.
The standard tech upgrades are also notable, including the aforementioned screens, as well as an infotainment system running on Google built-in. It pairs with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and uses Amazon Alexa voice commands that promise to be more human-like, though Siri and Google voice can also be used.
Standard comfort features include wireless phone charging, power front seats that are heated and cooled, a heated steering wheel, a digital key, a panoramic sunroof, and a trailer tow package. The Black Label tops the lineup with its various interior themes, as well as a concierge service for scheduled maintenance, but it flirts with $90,000.
Where is the 2025 Lincoln Aviator made?
Lincoln builds the Aviator alongside the Ford Explorer on Chicago’s south side.
