2021 Lincoln Aviator Hybrid
What’s new
- Minor changes to option and appearance packages
- Part of the second Aviator generation introduced for 2020
Pros & Cons
- 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 visibility to the front and rear
- Clunky transition from electric to gas power
2021 Lincoln Aviator Hybrid pricing
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2021 Lincoln Aviator Review
The Lincoln Aviator is a three-row midsize luxury SUV based on the Ford Explorer. This new generation debuted just last year and takes its place between the bigger Navigator and the smaller MKC. It's priced competitively against its European rivals, though alternatives from Acura and Infiniti are more affordable.
The second-generation Aviator comes standard with a strong 400-horsepower turbocharged V6 engine. There's also a plug-in hybrid powertrain that Lincoln fits to the Grand Touring trim level. It increases output to 494 hp and delivers an estimated 21 miles of electric-only propulsion. Overall, we like the Aviator, though it has a few flaws that keeps it from being our top-ranked midsize luxury SUV. Check out our Expert Rating to get our in-depth take on the 2021 Aviator.
Our verdict
7.8 / 10How does it drive?
7.5What'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 it?
8.5The 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?
7.5The cabin controls are easy to reach and easy to read. Entering and exiting the cabin is a breeze 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?
8.0The 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?
8.0An 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 it?
7.0What 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 it a good value?
7.5Lincoln'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 car washes.
Wildcard
7.5Which Aviator does Edmunds recommend?
2021 Lincoln Aviator models
The Aviator is a three-row SUV that comes in five trim levels: Standard, Reserve, Black Label, Grand Touring and Grand Touring Black Label. The first three are powered by a turbocharged V6 engine, while the latter two are equipped with the more powerful hybrid version. Rear-wheel drive is standard with optional all-wheel drive on the first two trims — all others are AWD-only. A 10-speed automatic transmission is standard across the board.
Standard
A generous starting package that includes:
- Turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine (400 hp, 415 lb-ft of torque)
- LED headlamps
- Roof rails
- Power liftgate
- Keyless ignition and push-button start
- 35/30/35-split second-row bench seat
- 50/50-split power-folding third-row seat
- Digital instrument cluster
- Power-adjustable front seats with heating
- Tri-zone automatic climate control
- 10.3-inch infotainment touchscreen
- Integrated navigation system
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
- Onboard Wi-Fi hotspot
Standard safety equipment includes:
- Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)
- Lane keeping assist (steers the Aviator back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)
- Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Reserve
Better equipped than the base version thanks to:
- Adaptive suspension (improves ride comfort and handling; requires 22-inch wheels or AWD)
- Power-adjustable steering wheel
- Premium leather upholstery
- Second-row captain's chairs (bench seat is optional)
- 14-speaker sound system
- Quad-zone automatic climate control
- Ambient interior lighting
- 360-degree surround-view camera (gives you a top-down view of the Aviator and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
There are a variety of optional packages for the Reserve, though Lincoln bundles most of them together under the Reserve I and Reserve II group packages. They include:
- Convenience package
- Head-up display
- Phone-as-a-key capability
- Wireless smartphone charging pad
- Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Plus
- Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front)
- Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
- Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with little or no driver intervention)
- Evasive steering assist (enhances the forward collision mitigation system with steering-based collision avoidance)
- Elements Package Plus package
- Heated and ventilated front and second-row seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Heated windshield wipers
- Luxury package
- Upgraded 30-way power-adjustable front seats
- 28-speaker premium audio system
- Rear door sunshades
- Dynamic Handling package
- Adaptive air-ride suspension (can raise or lower the ride height of the vehicle)
Black Label
A well-equipped model that adds optional features and packages as standard, such as:
- 22-inch wheels
- All-wheel drive
- Turn-adaptive headlights
- Soft-close doors
- Convenience package
- Elements package
- Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Plus package
- Luxury package
- Access to Lincoln's Black Label services that include premium maintenance, pickup and delivery for service, points program that can be redeemed for exclusive offers and deals
Grand Touring
The first of the powerful hybrid models. It's equipped like the Reserve and has the same available option packages, but includes:
- Turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 hybrid engine (494 hp, 630 lb-ft)
- All-wheel drive
- Panoramic sunroof
Black Label Grand Touring
The top dog in the Aviator lineup. Fully loaded, it applies the Black Label's features to the Grand Touring and comes with nearly every feature as standard.
Sponsored cars related to the Aviator
Features & Specs
| Grand Touring 4dr SUV AWD 3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 10A | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $68,900 |
| MPG | N/A city / N/A hwy |
| Seating | Seats 7 |
| Transmission | 10-speed shiftable automatic |
| Horsepower | 494 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Black Label Grand Touring 4dr SUV AWD 3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 10A | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $88,335 |
| MPG | N/A city / N/A hwy |
| Seating | Seats 7 |
| Transmission | 10-speed shiftable automatic |
| Horsepower | 494 hp @ 5500 rpm |
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 the driver does not 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 the driver of obstacles in the road ahead and applies the brakes automatically if the driver does not react quickly enough.
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
| Side Impact Test | Good |
|---|---|
| Roof Strength Test | Good |
| Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint | Good |
| IIHS Small Overlap Front Test | Not Tested |
| Moderate Overlap Front Test | Good |
Lincoln Aviator vs. the competition
Lincoln Aviator vs. Audi Q7
Another well-appointed three-row SUV, the Q7 is our top choice in the class because of its generous standard equipment and impeccable interior. We also like its affordable base engine, but the supercharged V6 is really the one to get. The Aviator, though, is a little roomier for cargo and third-row passengers.
Lincoln Aviator vs. Lexus RX 450hL
Lexus introduced the three-row RX L for the 2019 model year. It comes as either the regular RX 350 or the hybrid 450h. It's a smooth and comfortable SUV, but its third-row seat is quite small. For all-around practicality, the Aviator is a better choice.
Lincoln Aviator vs. Cadillac XT6
It's only natural to compare Lincoln against Cadillac, especially when both brands release competing models at the same time. But in this case, it's not much of a contest. The XT6 is difficult to drive smoothly, which should be a gimme for the brand. It's also pricey for what you get and not nearly as ambitious as the Aviator.
FAQ
Is the Lincoln Aviator a good car?
What's new in the 2021 Lincoln Aviator?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2021 Lincoln Aviator:
- Minor changes to option and appearance packages
- Part of the second Aviator generation introduced for 2020
Is the Lincoln Aviator reliable?
Is the 2021 Lincoln Aviator a good car?
How much should I pay for a 2021 Lincoln Aviator?
The least-expensive 2021 Lincoln Aviator is the 2021 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 $68,900.
Other versions include:
- Grand Touring 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 10A) which starts at $68,900
- Black Label Grand Touring 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 10A) which starts at $88,335
What are the different models of Lincoln Aviator?
More about the 2021 Lincoln Aviator
2021 Lincoln Aviator Hybrid Overview
The 2021 Lincoln Aviator Hybrid is offered in the following styles: 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).
What do people think of the 2021 Lincoln Aviator Hybrid?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2021 Lincoln Aviator Hybrid and all its trim types. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2021 Aviator Hybrid.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2021 Lincoln Aviator Hybrid and all model years in our database. Our rich analysis includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2021 Aviator Hybrid featuring deep dives into trim levels including Grand Touring, Black Label Grand Touring, etc. with careful analysis around pricing, features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving and performance. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Read our full review of the 2021 Lincoln Aviator Hybrid here.Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
What's a good price for a New 2021 Lincoln Aviator Hybrid?
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on new cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.
Which 2021 Lincoln Aviator Hybrids are available in my area?
2021 Lincoln Aviator Hybrid Listings and Inventory
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Why trust Edmunds?
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including all models of the 2021 Lincoln Aviator Hybrid and all available trim types: Grand Touring, Black Label Grand Touring. Rich, trim-level features & specs and options data tracked for the 2021 Lincoln Aviator Hybrid include (but are not limited to): MSRP, available incentives and deals, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (interior and exterior color, upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, cruise control, parking assistance, lane sensing, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy and MPG (city, highway, and combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (interior cabin space, vehicle length and width, seating capacity, cargo space). Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds expert review, safety rating, and color.
Should I lease or buy a 2021 Lincoln Aviator Hybrid?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Lincoln lease specials