Lincoln Aviator Reserve AWD (2020)
Occasionally, I get in a vehicle and it feels just right and the Lincoln Aviator is one of them. Positioned as a three-row large, luxury SUV, the Aviator has the capability to take on almost any task you ask of it, from long distance cruising to early morning school carpooling, this versatile and handsome SUV can handle all these tasks with ease.
But first, let’s revisit Lincoln. This is a brand that has been under the Ford umbrella for over 70 years.
It’s unfortunate that the last 25 years, Lincoln has been in the shadows of Ford with lukewarm product offerings and confusing branding. Fortunately, this has now changed. Lincoln is now exclusively a luxury SUV brand with the imminent departure of its last sedan, the Continental. Make no mistake, the all-new SUV’s are gorgeously designed, elegant and with a lot more style, technology and features than the Lincolns of the last 25 years.
Inside the Aviator’s cabin, the driver and guests are greeted with an expanse of rich leather, elegant trim levels that are full of amenities and an easy to understand infotainment system. Everything in the Aviator has a sense of style or luxury attached to it. From the logo floor lighting when you approach with the key fob, to the unique and elegant seat belt warning sound, upon start up, (Lincoln calls it Symphonic Chimes), it does feel special. Second row seats are comfortable captain’s chairs that are easy to move and adjust. Rear seats are ok to use for adults in a pinch if need be. However, with the optional center console, it does take some effort to get in and out the third-row.
There are subtle, elegant touches everywhere, like the finger touch LED reading lights and the individual electric buttons to open the front doors. These features create an air of luxury in the day-to-day use of the Aviator.
The overall design is gorgeous, featuring a sloping roof line that ends with a raked tailgate. The tail lights are slim and elegant, extending full width just below the rear window. The front grille shows off the elegant corporate large mesh design with the iconic company logo in the middle. The wheels are 22” and fit the profile nicely without being over the top. Exhaust tips are integrated into the lower bumper offering a nice design touch.
The vehicle we drove featured the twin turbo, six-cylinder engine that fit the Aviator particularly well. We averaged just over 20 MPG in mixed city and highway driving which is right in the range quoted by the EPA/DOT. At typical highway speeds, the cabin is serenely quiet and smooth. Acceleration is powerful and brisk, so passing is never a nervous affair. Brakes are strong, direct and easy to modulate, even in heavy stop and go traffic. Our test Aviator came with the optional Dynamic Handling Package. A $3,000.00 option that I didn’t realize the vehicle had it until I went over a traffic calming bump and it felt as if the we floated over it. Very cool feature, but not sure if it’s worth the extra 3K.
Competitors include: Audi Q7, BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE 450
The 2020 Lincoln Aviator is an elegant and stately three-row luxury SUV that looks and feels great in every occasion.
The Essentials:
MSRP: $58,700.00 MSRP (As Tested): $75,815.00
Fuel Economy (observed): 20.7 MPG
Engine: V6, 3.0 liter, twin turbo, 400 HP, 415 Lb-Ft of Torque
Popular Options: Convenience Package ($2,200), Dynamic Handling Package ($3,000)
Please visit: www.lincoln.com
*Photos furnished by Lincoln
