2023 Lincoln Aviator: A Pure Lincoln SUV That Takes No Prisoners

The sophisticated nature of the new 2023 Lincoln Aviator is similar to James Bond in one of the many adventure spy movies many of us love to watch.

We see Bond, with his incredible self-confidence, swagger, and unnerved appearance taking out several criminals without breaking a sweat. The Aviator is Lincoln’s answer to the Genesis GV80, Audi Q7, and Infiniti QX60. In a world of upscale midsize SUVs, this Lincoln isn’t taking any prisoners and could be the right SUV for you to drive and enjoy. Let’s see what it brings to the table.

Two powerful engines get us started

We don’t expect high power numbers in the midsize SUV market. In fact, luxury models typically focus more on comfort than horsepower, but the Aviator gives us something more. The base powertrain of the Aviator is a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine attached to a 10-speed automatic transmission. This combination is good for 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque.

If you move to the Grand Touring trim, you find a PHEV powertrain, which adds an electric motor to the already powerful system. This added motor increased the power numbers to 494 horsepower and 630 lb-ft of torque. This PHEV model is good for 21 miles of electric-only range, giving you efficiency and power together.

What features does the base Lincoln SUV offer?

The Lincoln Aviator’s base trim is called Standard, and it brings a wonderful package of upscale features for your drive. Some of these items include:

• 19-inch alloy wheels
• Full LED headlights
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Power liftgate
• Keyless entry/push-button starting
• Tri-zone automatic climate control
• Simulated leather upholstery (called Lincoln Soft Touch)
• Heated/power-adjustable front seats with memory settings for the driver’s side
• Power-folding/sliding second-row seats
• Power-folding third-row seats
• Forward collision warning
• Automatic emergency braking
• Pedestrian detection
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alerts
• Front/rear parking sensors
• Automatic high beams
• 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment screen
• Apple CarPlay
• Android Auto
• Satellite radio
• Wi-Fi hotspot
• USB-A and USB-C ports
• 10-speaker audio system

Options for the Standard trim include:

• 20-inch alloy wheels
• Heated steering wheel
• Heated second-row seats
• Heated wiper blades
• Navigation system
• Panoramic sunroof
• Second-row captain’s chairs

What comes in the Reserve trim?

The first step up the ladder of the Aviator is the Reserve trim. This model brings you even more of what you want, including:

• 20-inch alloy wheels
• Heating for the steering wheel, second-row seats, and wiper blades
• Navigation system
• Panoramic sunroof
• Second-row captain’s chairs
• Hands-free tailgate
• Leather upholstery
• Quad-zone automatic climate controls
• Touchscreen climate controls for the second row
• Power-adjustable steering column with memory settings
• 360-degree camera system
• Wireless phone charging
• 14-speaker Revel audio system
• Adaptive air suspension
• Optional AWD

The Reserve trim offers several options, including:

• Heated/ventilated front and second-row seats
• 30-way power-adjustable/massaging front seats
• Head-up display
• Adaptive cruise control with stop/go and lane centering
• Side parking sensors
• Active parking assistance
• Evasive steering assistance
• Reverse braking assistance
• Phone As A Key function
• Adaptive LED headlights
• Rear-seat entertainment system
• Additional USB ports
• 28-speaker Revel surround-sound system
• Jet cosmetics package

Do you see more features in the Grand Touring trim?

The biggest difference between the Reserve and Grand Touring trims of the Lincoln Aviator is the powertrains. The PHEV powertrain for the Grand Touring offers a set of special selectable driving modes and standard AWD. This Aviator also has a set of 21-inch alloy wheels and can be had with the same options as the Reserve trim.

The top Aviator is the Black Label model

The Lincoln Aviator Black Label brings almost everything into the standard packaging to give this SUV the incredible luxury feeling you can admire. Items that remain options, even for this top-level trim, are:

• Air suspension
• Rear-seat entertainment system
• Additional USB ports
• Cosmetics packages

The Grand Touring Black Label is a PHEV version of the Black Label model. All Lincoln Aviator trims are eligible for the trailer towing package.

How much room does the Aviator offer?

This Lincoln SUV offers three rows of seats, but the third row is tight for adults, with only 29.2 inches of legroom. The first and second rows are comfortable for adults of all sizes, giving you the roominess desired. The cargo space behind the third row measures 18.3 cubic feet, with 77.7 cubic feet available when both rear rows are folded down.

Could the 2023 Lincoln Aviator be the ideal luxury SUV for you to drive? Take it for a spin and see for yourself.