“It is a luxurious and comfortable workhorse with the ability to save money on gas through its plug-in hybrid feature.”
2021 Lincoln Aviator: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026

The main change for the 2021 Lincoln Aviator is a new high-efficiency cabin air filter across the lineup. Otherwise, this is a light carryover year, with a new Livery trim and a few appearance and equipment adjustments rather than a redesign.
About the 2021 Lincoln Aviator
2nd generation, second model year after the 2020 return; no refresh.
Lincoln positions the Aviator as a three-row luxury SUV built around quietness, effortless power, and a calm, high-end cabin rather than sporty sharpness. The core appeal is a strong twin-turbo V6, an upscale interior, and easy long-distance comfort, with the plug-in-hybrid Grand Touring models adding extra power and short electric driving. Compared with many German rivals, the Aviator is marketed more as a serene, American-style luxury family SUV than a performance-first machine.
The 2021 Aviator remains a three-row luxury SUV with a twin-turbo V6, a 10.1-inch touchscreen, and a power-folding third row in the base model. Grand Touring models pair a plug-in-hybrid system with 494 horsepower and short-distance electric driving, while Black Label versions focus on richer interior themes, massaging front seats, and a 28-speaker audio system.
What changed, by category
2021 Lincoln Aviator specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, Twin Turbo, 3.0 Liter | V6, Twin Turbo, 3.0 Liter | V6, Twin Turbo, 3.0 Liter | V6, Twin Turbo, 3.0 Liter | V6, Hybrid, Twin Turbo, 3.0 Liter | V6, Hybrid, Twin Turbo, 3.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 10-Spd w/SelectShift | Automatic, 10-Spd w/SelectShift | Automatic, 10-Spd w/SelectShift | Automatic, 10-Spd w/SelectShift | Automatic, 10-Spd Modular Hybrid w/Selectshift | Automatic, 10-Spd Modular Hybrid w/Selectshift |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | RWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Plug-In Hybrid | Plug-In Hybrid |
| MPG City | 18 mpg | 18 mpg | 18 mpg | 17 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 24 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg |
| Horsepower | 400 hp | 400 hp | 400 hp | 400 hp | ||
| Torque | 415 lb-ft | 415 lb-ft | 415 lb-ft | 415 lb-ft | 630 lb-ft | 630 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 5600 lb | 5600 lb | 5600 lb | 5600 lb | 5600 lb | 5600 lb |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Electric Range | 21 | 21 | ||||
| MPGe Combined | 56 | 56 | ||||
| 4-Wheel Disc Brakes | ||||||
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||||
| Adaptive Headlights | ||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Anti-Lock Brakes | ||||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||
| Cruise Control | ||||||
| Driver Attention Assist Monitor | ||||||
| Hill Start Assist | ||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||
| Parental Control System | ||||||
| Park Assist | ||||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| Stability Control | ||||||
| 360 Camera | ||||||
| Traction Control | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||||
| LED Headlights | ||||||
| LED Tail Lights | ||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | ||||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||||
| Power Mirrors | ||||||
| Privacy Glass | ||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||
| Roof Rails | ||||||
| Side Steps | ||||||
| Trailer Hitch Receiver | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||
| Rear DVD Entertainment System | ||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||
| Subwoofer | ||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||||
| 4-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning | ||||||
| Aluminum Interior Trim | ||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||||
| Folding Rear Seat | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||||
| Memory Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Power Folding Rear Seat | ||||||
| Power Folding Third Row Seat | ||||||
| Power Locks | ||||||
| Power Steering | ||||||
| Power Windows | ||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||||
| Rear Window Shades | ||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||
| Third Row Seat | ||||||
| Tilt/Telescoping Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Tri-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning | ||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2021 Lincoln Aviator?
The biggest lineup-wide change is a new high-efficiency cabin air filter. Other updates are limited to the new Livery trim, an appearance package, and a few trim-level equipment changes.
Was the 2021 Lincoln Aviator redesigned?
No, the 2021 Aviator was not redesigned or refreshed. It is the second model year of the generation introduced for 2020 and carries over without major mechanical or structural changes.
Did the 2021 Lincoln Aviator powertrains change from 2020?
No, the core powertrains carry over from 2020. Gas models retain the twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6, while Grand Touring models keep the 494-horsepower plug-in-hybrid system.
What changed on the 2021 Aviator Reserve?
The 2021 Aviator Reserve gains a standard panoramic Vista Roof and the lineup-wide high-efficiency cabin air filter. Its other notable equipment includes leather-trimmed heated front seats, a 360-degree camera, and a 14-speaker Revel audio system.
What is new about the 2021 Aviator’s appearance?
The 2021 Aviator gains a Monochromatic appearance package along with changes to the exterior color selection. The body itself is not restyled.
2021 Lincoln Aviator Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Lincoln Aviator.
“Is a beautiful vehicle that is technologically advanced. Performance is wonderful.”
“This is a great car! Perfect for the family, easy to drive and brings comfort knowing all of the safety features included.”
Sources
- media.lincoln.com — 07 / 10 / Lincoln Suv Growth Continues Introduces Monochromatic Package
- media.lincoln.com — 08 / 20 / 2020 Aviator Advance Performance Grand Touring
- media.lincoln.com — 06 / 22 / Soothing Sanctuary Lincoln Aviator Wards 10 Best Interior
- media.lincoln.com — 2020 / Aviator / 2020 Aviator Grand Touring Fact Sheet2