Lincoln Aviator

Name: 2026 Lincoln Aviator
Brand: Lincoln

CR MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Road Test

Predicted Reliability Details

Predicted Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

The Aviator delivers an upgraded driving experience with a more sophisticated, luxurious cabin than the Ford Explorer with which it shares the same platform. We’re not thrilled with some of the Aviator’s tricky controls and the so-so fuel economy, but in most other ways it is a pleasant and well-rounded three-row luxury midsized SUV.

New Models Predicted Reliability

This Car

100

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Lincoln Aviator

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Safety

CR Safety Verdict: Best

5 / 5

Meets Federal Safety Requirements.
Meets all CR Core Safety Requirements.
Meets all CR Advanced Safety Requirements.

Critical Active Safety Features

AEB-P

Standard

AEB-H

Standard

BSW

Standard

RCTW

Standard

Learn More in CR Safety Guide

Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

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Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

View all Owner Satisfaction

Lincoln vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Safety

CR Safety Verdict: Best

5 / 5

Meets Federal Safety Requirements.
Meets all CR Core Safety Requirements.
Meets all CR Advanced Safety Requirements.

Critical Active Safety Features

AEB-P

Standard

AEB-H

Standard

BSW

Standard

RCTW

Standard

Learn More in CR Safety Guide

Lincoln vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Safety

CR Safety Verdict: Best

5 / 5

Meets Federal Safety Requirements.
Meets all CR Core Safety Requirements.
Meets all CR Advanced Safety Requirements.

Critical Active Safety Features

AEB-P

Standard

AEB-H

Standard

BSW

Standard

RCTW

Standard

Learn More in CR Safety Guide

Lincoln vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

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Features & Specs

4-door SUV

2 front, 3 rear, 2 third

AWD, Rear

3-liter V6 turbo (400 hp)

10-speed automatic

Join Consumer Reports cu. ft.

Basic 4 years/50,000 miles
Drivetrain 6 years/70,000 miles
Corrosion 5 years/unlimited miles
Roadside Aid NA
Maintenance NA

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Model History

2020-Present

Current Generation

The new for 2020 Aviator is a three-row luxury SUV, positioned between the company's Nautilus and Navigator. It's powered by a 3.0-liter V6 turbo engine that provides effortless thrust. Handling is remarkably agile for such a large vehicle, the ride is comfortable, and the cabin stays hushed. The interior is lavishly furnished with chrome, wood, and leather, and the seats are plush and supportive. However, some controls are unintuitive, such as the push-button gear selector and electronic door latches. Fortunately, the large infotainment screen responds quickly and is easy to use. The second-row seat is roomy, but the third row is tight. Lincoln's Co-Pilot360 safety suite, with automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic warning, lane keeping assistance, and automatic high beams, is standard. Lincoln's active driver assistance system, BlueCruise, is standard on the 2025 model for four years along with a new infotainment system and updated styling. 2026 brought standard automatic lane changes to the BlueCruise system, as well as a standard hands-free liftgate.

2003-2019

2003 Redesign Year

The Aviator is Lincoln's version of the Mercury Mountaineer and Ford Explorer. It's made for people who find the Lincoln Navigator too imposing and expensive. It comes with a smooth, strong 302-hp V8 that is mated to a five-speed automatic. Without low-range gearing, it's not meant for serious off-roading. A standard third row expands seating to seven and folds flat into the floor when not in use, expanding the cargo space. The premium price buys lots of leather, wood, satin-nickel decoration, a powerful V8 engine, and a quiet cabin. The Aviator was discontinued after 2005, and its replacement, the car-based MKX, arrived in 2007.