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Lincoln Aviator: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 13, 2026
The Lincoln Aviator is a midsize three-row luxury SUV known for its quiet cabin, strong V6 power, and relaxed, comfort-focused road manners. It is a smaller, easier-to-manage alternative to the Lincoln Navigator.
Since its 2020 revival, the Aviator has emphasized calm, easy travel rather than sporty handling. Strong twin-turbo V6 power, an adaptive suspension, and a quiet cabin have remained central to its character. The 2025 refresh modernized the screens, styling, and driving aids without changing that comfort-first approach.
Strengths
- The quiet cabin and smooth road manners make the Aviator well suited to relaxed family trips.
- Its twin-turbo V6 delivers strong power without turning the SUV into a sport-focused vehicle.
- Six- or seven-seat layouts in 2027 give families useful flexibility for carrying people.
- The 2025 refresh brought larger screens and hands-free highway driving technology to make travel feel easier.
- A 2027 Aviator is rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds.
- It delivers three-row usefulness in a package that is easier to manage than the larger Navigator.
Who it's for
The Aviator fits families who want three rows and upscale comfort without the size of a Navigator. It especially suits drivers who value quiet cruising, easy power, and technology that reduces effort more than sharp, sporty handling.
Lincoln Aviator lineup
Since 2024, Premiere has been the renamed entry trim, so pick it for the Aviator’s core V6-powered comfort without stepping into a better-equipped version. Reserve is the move when added cabin technology and convenience matter; across multiple years, it received equipment beyond the lower trims. Black Label sits above Reserve in the 2027 lineup, while Livery appears as a separate trim. Shoppers looking at 2020 through 2023 models will also encounter Grand Touring, the plug-in hybrid with a powertrain identity distinct from the gas versions.
Lincoln Aviator generations
From 2020 to 2027, the Aviator spans 1 generation. The current 2nd Generation arrived for 2020.
2nd Generation (2020–Present)
The Aviator returned for 2020 as a three-row luxury SUV built around a twin-turbo V6, with a plug-in hybrid also offered in its earlier years. A 2025 refresh brought new front styling, updated lighting, larger screens, and a redesigned digital cabin.
46 In Stock
2027
Carries over with the same V6, 10-speed automatic, adaptive suspension, 13.2-inch touchscreen, and driver-assistance hardware.
2026
The connectivity package gets a new name, a Premiere III equipment group is added, and lower trims replace the mini-spare with a tire inflator and sealant kit.
2025Mid-cycle update
Refreshed front styling and lighting join a redesigned cabin with larger screens, a new touchscreen system, and BlueCruise hands-free driving assistance.
2024Trim changes
The Standard trim is renamed Premiere, and the lineup moves to a single twin-turbo V6 powertrain.
2023
Minor updates add appearance and lighting packages to certain trims, along with new paint colors.
2022
Reserve and Grand Touring gain a head-up display and wireless phone charging as standard equipment.
2021Trim changes
A high-efficiency cabin air filter becomes standard, while a Monochromatic appearance package and new colors bring smaller lineup updates.
2020New generation
The Aviator returns as an all-new three-row SUV with a twin-turbo V6, rear-drive-based layout, 10.1-inch touchscreen, and a Grand Touring plug-in hybrid.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Lincoln Aviator.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Lincoln Aviator a three-row SUV?
Yes. The Lincoln Aviator is a midsize luxury SUV with three rows and seating for six or seven, depending on the second-row layout. A power-folding third row helps when you need more cargo room.
What is the Lincoln Aviator known for?
The Aviator is known for quiet, relaxed travel, strong V6 power, and a comfort-focused cabin. Its adaptive suspension and driver-assistance technology are designed to make family trips feel easier rather than sporty or demanding.
Is the Lincoln Aviator a good fit for a family?
Yes, especially for a family that wants three-row flexibility in a vehicle smaller than a full-size Navigator. Six- and seven-seat layouts exist, and the folding third row makes it easier to switch between carrying people and cargo.
Does the Lincoln Aviator come as a hybrid?
Yes, but only in the earlier part of this generation. The 2020–2023 Grand Touring and Black Label Grand Touring are plug-in hybrids with a twin-turbo V6, electric assistance, standard AWD, and a short electric-only driving mode.
What engine does the Lincoln Aviator use?
This generation centers on a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 paired with a 10-speed automatic. Gas models use rear-wheel drive or AWD depending on trim and model year, while the 2020–2023 plug-in hybrids use standard AWD.
What are the main Lincoln Aviator generations and updates?
The current Aviator generation began in 2020, when Lincoln revived it as a three-row luxury SUV. A substantial 2025 refresh brought a redesigned front end, a 13.2-inch touchscreen, a 12.4-inch driver display, and newer driver-assistance technology.
How much can a Lincoln Aviator tow?
The refreshed Aviator is rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. Capacity can vary across used examples, so check the specific vehicle’s equipment and rating before towing.
Lincoln Aviator Reviews
What owners are saying about the Lincoln Aviator.
4.2
Lincoln Aviator
(916 reviews)
“If you're considering a luxury (or near luxury) vehicle, you really need to consider an Aviator. They stack up very well in every aspect of design, performance, comfort, etc.”
“We are having some issues with the electronics of this vehicle. Overall we like the vehicle except for the electronic issues we are having.”
“Great auto but I had an accident in mine and Lincoln does not have parts to fix it.”
“Vehicle feels great in all manners, power, handling, comfort, features, performance and look.”
“The Aviator is a delight to look at as well as drive! It's an excellent all-around vehicle and worth a look when shopping premium CUVs. Did I mention it's gorgeous?”
Sources
- media.lincoln.com — 02 / 05 / Elegance Meets Tech In The New Lincoln Aviator
- lincoln.com — 2025 / Models / Premiere
- lincoln.com — 2025 / Models / Reserve
- lincoln.com — 2025 / Models / Black Label
- lincoln.com — Aviator / 2025 / Compare Models
- media.lincoln.com — 2024 / Aviator / 25 Aviator Tech Specs
- lincoln.com — 2025 / Models / Premiere
- lincoln.com — 2025 / Models / Reserve
- lincoln.com — 2025 / Models / Black Label
- media.lincoln.com — Media Kits / 2019 / All New Lincoln Aviator
- lincoln.com.pr — Pr / Brochure / Lincoln Pr Aviator 2023 Brochure Download Eng
- media.lincoln.com — 08 / 20 / 2020 Aviator Advance Performance Grand Touring