2020 Lincoln Aviator Hybrid
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2020 Lincoln Aviator Hybrid Review
- Upscale design inside and out
- Surprising acceleration
- Lots of advanced features
- Supremely quiet inside
- Doesn't have an abundance of headroom
- Overly soft handling saps driver confidence
- Subpar forward and rear visibility
- Clunky transition from electric to gas power
- All-new vehicle based on the Ford Explorer
- Part of the second Aviator generation introduced for the 2020 model year
It's been a while since Lincoln's three-row SUV has gone by the name Aviator. For more than a decade it's been the MK … something. With the introduction of a fully redesigned Ford Explorer, however, Lincoln saw an opportunity to resurrect the catchier Aviator moniker.
Thankfully, the new version has little in common with the short-lived Aviator of the early 2000s. The 2020 Lincoln Aviator is once again based on the Explorer. But this time around, the Aviator sports a distinctive design both inside and out, impressive standard equipment and features unique to Lincoln. In fact, the new Aviator is more like a scaled-down Navigator than a rebadged Explorer, and that's a good thing.
Our verdict | |
There's a lot to like about the all-new Lincoln Aviator. The top-notch interior, the modern tech and the excellent ride quality are all great. But the plug-in hybrid version is a bit of an odd duck. It has a useful electric range, impressive straight-line speed and increased fuel economy over the standard Aviator. But it's also only exclusively available as a top-level Touring trim and that will cost you quite a bit of extra money. | |
How does the Aviator drive? | |
Thanks to the powerful hybrid powertrain, the considerably hefty Aviator Hybrid accelerates faster than we'd expect. At our test track it scooted to 60 mph from a stop in 5.7 seconds, which is quite quick for a family hauler. Braking performance was impressive too. And while it isn't a sporty SUV, the Aviator does move around corners relatively well. What's less impressive about the Aviator Hybrid are its low-speed driving dynamics. The switchover from electric power to gasoline is clunky. And while we enjoy the fast, smooth shifts from the 10-speed automatic under full acceleration, they're less transparent when you're out for a cruise around town. | |
How comfortable is the Aviator? | |
Comfort is the Aviator Hybrid's strong suit. Our tester came with Lincoln's 30-way front seats with massage functions. They are incredibly luxurious. The Aviator also has comfortable second-row seating and very effective ventilated and heated first- and second-row seats. The third row isn't bad either — despite some relatively flat seat cushions, there's still a fair amount of comfort. The ride on the highway is generally smooth thanks to an adaptive suspension. It softens large impacts well but can sometimes feel a bit jiggly over smaller broken pavement sections. But the cabin is ultra quiet whether you're at idle or cruising along at 70 mph. | |
How’s the interior? | |
The large cabin is roomy enough for adults of any size and the 30-way front seats' seemingly infinite number of adjustments — combined with a good range from the tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel — means you can almost always find your preferred driving position. Adjusting those 30-way seats, however, is an overly complicated process. The cabin controls are easy to reach and easy to read. Entering and exiting the cabin is a breeze too, thanks to large door openings and an adaptive suspension that lowers the vehicle as you approach with the key in your pocket. Below-average visibility affects the overall score, with small rear windows and a big blind spot. Blind-spot monitoring is standard, however, and an excellent 360-degree parking camera is available. | |
How’s the tech? | |
A massive 10-inch touchscreen is center stage on the Aviator's dash with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Bluetooth connections were error-free over our test of the vehicle. The 28-speaker Revel stereo provides audiophile-approved levels of sound quality even if the maxed-out volume didn't bump as loud as we expected it to. The Aviator's crisp screen means easy-to-see navigation guidance and various infotainment controls. Adaptive cruise control works well, keeping a conservative but respectable distance on the closest settings. But the lane-keeping assist system tends to let this SUV wander in between the lane lines a bit more than we'd prefer. The parallel and perpendicular parking systems are effective and accurate, but this big vehicle requires a pretty large spot to engage those features. | |
How’s the storage? | |
The Aviator has an edge over competitors in storage behind the third row. Space behind the second row is average, and many competitors offer more maximum cargo volume. Small-item storage is impressive, with lots of large cubbies, cupholders and various areas to store your devices. Most car seats will easily fit in the second row, and there's easy third-row access for seats that have the proper dimensions to fit. An available Class IV trailer package means you can tow as much as 5,600 pounds with the Aviator Hybrid. It also adds trailer coverage for the blind-spot monitoring and cross-traffic alert systems — unique features for the class. | |
How economical is the Aviator? | |
The Aviator plug-in hybrid is rated to return 23 mpg combined, which is 3 mpg better than the non-hybrid version with all-wheel drive and 2 mpg better than the rear-wheel-drive model. It puts up better numbers than some luxury plug-in SUVs such as the Range Rover but falls short of the Volvo XC90 T8. What you're getting with the Aviator, though, is real plug-in power that you can use in city traffic (even if it's slow) and about 21 miles of usable electric range. Unfortunately, in our testing, we had a hard time even meeting the standard Aviator's EPA ratings with our hybrid test vehicle, so we aren't optimistic about the hybrid's score in this category. | |
Is the Aviator a good value? | |
The Aviator Hybrid is only available in the highest of Aviator trim levels, the Grand Touring, and that means it's expensive. Our Grand Touring Black Label test vehicle had an MSRP of $90,645. Thankfully, you get a lot of equipment for the money. What's more, the cabin is built with top-notch materials all around. Lincoln's warranty of four years/50,000 miles is average, while its drivetrain warranty and roadside assistance coverage of six years/70,000 miles are above average. The Black Label trims get some nice features such as vehicle pickup (in certain regions) for complimentary maintenance and free car washes. | |
Wildcard | |
The Aviator Hybrid is big on power thanks to the twin-turbocharged V6 combined with the electric motor. It's also a sleek-looking car from the outside, but it's not as shouty as some of its V8 luxury rivals from BMW and Mercedes. It's also relatively fun to drive. For the right buyer, this SUV could be a refreshing alternative to Europe's finest. | |
Which Aviator does Edmunds recommend?
The standard Grand Touring has a wealth of features and will be enough for most people. That said, we'd still put money down for the Grand Touring I package, which adds advanced driving aids that a modern luxury vehicle should have. We also like the 30-way adjustable seats (even though they're a pain to adjust) and the 28-speaker Revel audio system that come bundled in the Luxury package. If, however, you intend to opt for the Grand Touring II package, you might as well pay a little more for the full Black Label experience — a service only matched by exotic luxury brands.
Lincoln Aviator models
The 2020 Lincoln Aviator plug-in hybrid is a three-row midsize SUV sold in two well-equipped trim levels: Grand Touring and Black Label Grand Touring. Both come standard with seating for six, though a second-row bench seat that expands capacity to seven is available for the Grand Touring.
Save as much as $7,874 with Edmunds
2020 Lincoln Aviator Hybrid pricing
in Ashburn, VA
Grand Touring
3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 10A
Edmunds Suggested Price$75,962
Black Label Grand Touring
3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 10A
Edmunds Suggested Price$81,756
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Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2020 Lincoln Aviator.
Trending topics in reviews
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- maintenance & parts
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Most helpful consumer reviews
4/5 stars, Hybrid potential recall problem
MikeH,
Black Label Grand Touring 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 10A)
We leased a 2020 Black Label unit (white with white interior) absolutely gorgeous! What a great ride. Averaging 38 mpg between battery and gas.Then one day, it threw a check engine code. 10 days in the shop and no one could figure it out so the computer was reset and we were on the road again. One week after that, the unit stopped in the middle of a busy intersection with my wife driving. We turned off the battery and went straight to gas and limped to the dealer with the check engine light again. After 40 days in the shop, it became a lemon. No clue from Detroit and only an idea from the dealer. The unit was completely torn apart and they did find a factory bolt in the chassis that was too long protruding into the wiring harness and had worn the wires. Their best idea is that this was a QC issue at the factory and this long bolt may be in all of them. The wear was possibly causing a short and false codes on the dash and an inconsistency in the hybrid mechanism.
We have a new vehicle coming and we're hoping for the best because we absolutely LOVED this vehicle - - - when it ran.
New vehicle came. Got it home and found out the charge cable was bad. Went back quickly to the dealership and they were able to give me the working cable out of my last Aviator. Had the new Aviator for several months now with no repeat of the problems from the last vehicle. My wife is absolutely thrilled - and - I'm jealous! Super Super nice vehicle.
1/5 stars, 2020 Lincoln Lemon
Colorado Driver,
Grand Touring 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 10A)
Our 2020 Aviator Grand Touring made it a grand total of 1,600 miles before Ford agreed to buy it back under the Colorado Lemon Law. The car was delivered to us without any heat working, the check engine light came on before we even put gas in the first time. After two visits to the dealer they replaced the entire computer which fixed the CEL but still no heat. A week later the entire air suspension collapsed rendering the car undriveable. Three weeks later the car is still at the dealer with no ETA on repair, the parts are not available. We owned the car 10 weeks and it spent 5 of those at the dealer. Fortunately Lincoln has moved quickly on the claim but this will be our first and last Ford product. We'll be replacing this with an Audi this weekend.
Helpful shopping links
2020 Lincoln Aviator videos
2020 Lincoln Aviator First Look | LA Auto Show
Edmunds Reviews Editor Cameron Rogers gets a sneak preview of the 2020 Lincoln Aviator ahead of its official debut at this year's LA Auto Show. The Aviator is a new three-row crossover that promises a supremely comfortable ride, upscale cabin materials and advanced technology features. It's a little too soon to tell if this Lincoln is a true rival to the best luxury SUVs on the market, but our first impressions are positive.
Safety
Our experts’ favorite Aviator safety features:
- Evasive Steering Assist
- Steers the vehicle out of harm's way if an impending collision is detected and you don't take sufficient action.
- Reverse Brake Assist
- Applies the brakes when the car is reversing if sensors indicate that the car is about to collide with an obstacle behind it.
- Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking
- Warns you of obstacles in the road ahead and applies the brakes automatically if you don't react quickly enough.
Lincoln Aviator vs. the competition
2020 Lincoln Aviator
2019 Lincoln Navigator
Lincoln Aviator vs. Lincoln Navigator
The Navigator — a full-size, body-on-frame luxury behemoth with massive towing capacity — is the Aviator's big brother. It's also currently our top-ranked full-size luxury SUV for its upscale and eye-catching interior, compliant ride and powerful engines. The Aviator should be more refined on the road thanks to its unibody construction, and it'll be cheaper and easier to park. But it doesn't have the Navigator's capability or presence.
Lincoln Aviator vs. Lincoln Nautilus
The Nautilus may have just gotten a new name, but under the skin it's a refreshed MKX. This two-row midsize SUV is a bit of a mixed bag, offering lots of space but lacking the refinement and style of competitors. The Aviator just has more to offer all around, although it is a bit pricier.
Lincoln Aviator vs. Audi Q7
The Audi Q7 is, for the time being, our top-ranked three-row midsize luxury SUV. It scores high on performance and comfort, and it offers Audi's impressive technology features. But the Aviator comes with a more powerful standard engine and has a bit more space for passengers and cargo. We'll be interested to see how these two stack up once we can test them side by side.
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FAQ
Is the Lincoln Aviator a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2020 Aviator both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.8 out of 10. You probably care about Lincoln Aviator fuel economy, so it's important to know that the Aviator gets an EPA-estimated 23 mpg. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Aviator has 18.3 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Lincoln Aviator. Learn more
What's new in the 2020 Lincoln Aviator?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2020 Lincoln Aviator:
- All-new vehicle based on the Ford Explorer
- Part of the second Aviator generation introduced for the 2020 model year
Is the Lincoln Aviator reliable?
To determine whether the Lincoln Aviator is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Aviator. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Aviator's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2020 Lincoln Aviator a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2020 Lincoln Aviator is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2020 Aviator and gave it a 7.8 out of 10. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2020 Aviator is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2020 Lincoln Aviator?
The least-expensive 2020 Lincoln Aviator is the 2020 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 10A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $68,800.
Other versions include:
- Grand Touring 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 10A) which starts at $68,800
- Black Label Grand Touring 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 10A) which starts at $87,800
What are the different models of Lincoln Aviator?
If you're interested in the Lincoln Aviator, the next question is, which Aviator model is right for you? Aviator variants include Grand Touring 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 10A), and Black Label Grand Touring 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 10A). For a full list of Aviator models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more