The Lincoln Aviator is a midsize, three-row SUV that can seat up to seven people. The Aviator SUV first made a brief appearance in Lincoln’s lineup between 2003 and 2005 but was not made or sold again until the 2020 model year. Now with several crossovers and SUVs in its lineup, Lincoln’s overall design aesthetic has moved closer to its flagship, the Navigator full-size SUV. As a result, the Aviator sports strong, muscular lines and a sharp style that gives it undeniable upscale appeal.

  The Aviator sports the same strong, muscular lines of Lincoln’s flagship Navigator. A new Monochromatic appearance package adds modern colors and contrasts to the plush crossover.  Lincoln

The Aviator is offered in five trims for 2021: Standard, Reserve, Grand Touring and the ultra-premium Black Label and Black Label Grand Touring. Two powertrains are on offer. The Standard, Reserve and Black Label trims feature a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 that produces 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. Alternatively, both Grand Touring variants come with a hybrid powertrain that combines the twin-turbo V6 with a plug-in hybrid system with a 13.6-kWh battery that delivers 494 total horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque. Both powertrains pair with a ten-speed automatic transmission. Aviator models powered by the standard V6 engine come standard with rear-wheel drive and available all-wheel drive. The Grand Touring and Black Label editions model come with standard all-wheel drive.

The Aviator is more potent than it needs to be in any configuration, especially for a vehicle so large, but the plug-in hybrid powertrain makes it almost shockingly quick, especially with 630 pound-feet of torque. Both engines easily outpower most of the Aviator’s competition, but the PHEV is lacking refinement. Its swaps between the electric motor and gas engine are noisy, giving the impression that something is broken. The Aviator’s weight will quickly eat into the 21-miles of all-electric range, but most buyers will choose the electrified powertrain for the instant torque and 56 MPGe in hybrid mode. 

The 10-speed automatic transmission picks gears obediently and is quick to downshift for better acceleration. It’s never confused or sluggish and shifts smoothly. Because the Aviator is big and the engines powerful, the transmission does what it can to keep fuel economy in check, which means that it opts for the highest gear possible in most cases. The Grand Touring’s hybrid setup does stumble at times, seeming to disagree with the transmission on the driver’s inputs. This is most noticeable at low speeds, with things smoothing out considerably at medium and higher speeds.

Standard and Reserve trims of the Lincoln Aviator come set with standard rear-wheel drive and a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6. High trims add standard all-wheel drive and a 494 plug-in hybrid powertrain.  Lincoln 

A trailer towing package with a class IV two-inch receiver and wiring harness, trailer sway control and additional towing tech is available. When equipped, the standard Aviator is rated to tow 6,700 pounds and the Hybrid versions are rated to tow 5,600 pounds.

Inside, the Aviator makes virtuous use of its size. Front-seat legroom (43 inches) and headroom (40.2 inches) are both excellent, and the power seat controls are on the door, which make changing positions convenient and free of distraction. The center stack is handsome, with wood and metal trims that give it a distinct and upscale look. Lincoln opted for a push-button gear shifter, which in the Aviator is mounted directly below the infotainment screen and center climate vents. It takes some re-orientation, but its operation becomes second nature in short order.  

Second-row passengers will find a simple but comfortable space that has more than enough room for adults and children in large car seats. Optional captain’s chairs lower carrying capacity but open up space in between for a storage console. Parents will also enjoy the fact that children riding in captain’s chairs have their own space, which in some cases can help ease potential back-seat conflicts.

The interior of the Lincoln Aviator is generously spacious, particularly when equipped with the optional second-row captain’s chairs. The third row, however, suffers from low positioning and thin padding.  Lincoln 

The third-row seats are a weak point for the Aviator’s interior. With thin padding and an awkwardly low seating position, the seats are best reserved for kids, and even then best reserved for short trips. Most of the legroom is reserved for second-row passengers–40.1 inches, a generous measurement for the class. The Aviator’s spacious cargo hold helps offset the almost useless third row, which measures 18.3 cubic feet with the third row in the upright position (it expands to 41.8 cubic-feet with the third row tucked away. That’s plenty of space for a family’s gear and is proficient to haul luggage and other items on a road trip.

The 2021 Aviator earned a Top Safety Pick award, which betters its predecessor’s safety scores. The IIHS awarded 2020’s model with the same award, but only for vehicles built after May 2020 and even then, only certain models earned the honor. The Lincoln sports a hefty list of standard safety features, including forward collision warnings, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitors and lane keep assist. Further additional upgrades include adaptive cruise control, a self-parking system and traffic sign recognition info.

Using the push-button gear select as it’s mounted where the center console and dashboard meet takes some getting used to, but it’s a small quirky in an otherwise uniquely stylish interior.  Lincoln

As is expected from a Lincoln nameplate, the Aviator’s options list is ample. Key highlights include a panoramic glass roof, 20-, 21- and 22- inch wheel options (standard trim wheels are 19-inch), a Revel audio system and the Dynamic Handling package with adaptive suspension and steering. The Reserve trim’s available Monochromatic Package brings dramatic wheel and paint contrasts, along with various other features.