2022 Lincoln Aviator Hybrid
| MSRP | $69,455 |
|---|---|
| Edmunds suggests you pay | $69,750 |
2022 Lincoln Aviator Review
- Upscale design inside and out
- Quick 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
- Minor changes to standard and optional equipment
- Part of the second Aviator generation introduced for 2020
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 and impressive straight-line speed, and it offers better fuel economy than 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 Hybrid 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 Hybrid? | |
Comfort is the Aviator Hybrid's strong suit. Our tester came with Lincoln's 30-way power-adjustable 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, it offers 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 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 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 smartphone integration. Bluetooth connections were error-free during 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 Hybrid? | |
The Aviator plug-in hybrid gets an EPA-estimated 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 Hybrid 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 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-powered 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. | |
The 2022 Lincoln Aviator is a midsize three-row luxury SUV that slots between the full-size Navigator and the two-row Nautilus. The seven-seat Aviator made its return in 2020 after an absence of several years, with an all-new design, powertrains, in-car tech and advanced driver aids. It quickly became one of our favorite vehicles in the segment. It has a look and feel you won't find anywhere else in the class. The cabin is comfortable and extremely well appointed, with lots of premium touches that make it stand out in a competitive class. We also like the powerful turbocharged engine and the available plug-in hybrid powertrain.
There are no significant changes for 2022 outside of a few more standard features on the Reserve and Grand Touring models and some option package tweaks. Without any major updates to the Aviator, the Audi Q7 remains our pick in this class, but we think the Aviator is better than many rivals, including the Land Rover Discovery, Lexus RX 350L and Cadillac XT6. Check out our Expert Rating below to get our test team's full analysis of the Aviator's performance, comfort and more.
Which Aviator does Edmunds recommend?
Lincoln Aviator models
The 2022 Lincoln Aviator is available in five trim levels: Standard, Reserve, Black Label, Grand Touring and Grand Touring Black Label. The Standard, Reserve and Black Label models all use a 3.0-liter V6 engine (400 horsepower, 415 lb-ft of torque). Stepping up to the Grand Touring uses a 3.0-liter V6 hybrid engine (494 hp, 630 lb-ft). Rear-wheel drive is standard with the gas model, but all-wheel drive is available and is standard on hybrid Aviators.
2022 Lincoln Aviator Hybrid pricing
in Ashburn, VA
2022 Lincoln Aviator videos
2020 Lincoln Aviator First Look | LA Auto Show
NOTE: This video is about the 2020 Lincoln Aviator, but since the 2022 Lincoln Aviator is part of the same generation, our earlier analysis still applies.
Features & Specs
- Base MSRP
- $68,360
- MPG & Fuel
- N/A City / N/A Hwy / 23 Combined
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 18.0 gal. capacity
- Seating
- 7 seats
- Drivetrain
- Type: all wheel drive
- Transmission: 10-speed shiftable automatic
- Engine
- V6 cylinder
- Horsepower: 494 hp @ 5500 rpm
- Torque: 630 lb-ft @ 2250 rpm
- Basic Warranty
- 4 yr./ 50000 mi.
- Dimensions
- Length: 199.3 in. / Height: 69.2 in.
- Overall Width with Mirrors: 89.9 in.
- Overall Width without Mirrors: 79.6 in.
- Curb Weight: 5673 lbs.
- Cargo Capacity, All Seats In Place: 18.3 cu.ft.
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 do 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 you of obstacles in the road ahead and applies the brakes automatically if you don't react quickly enough.
Lincoln Aviator vs. the competition
2022 Lincoln Aviator
2021 Audi Q7
Lincoln Aviator vs. Audi Q7
The Audi Q7 excels at just about everything we look for in a three-row luxury SUV. It offers comfortable yet agile handling, a variety of powertrains, standard all-wheel drive, and an extremely well-appointed interior with excellent build quality. It's more expensive than the Aviator, though, and the Lincoln offers more passenger and cargo space than the Audi.
Lincoln Aviator vs. Acura MDX
The Acura MDX just underwent a full redesign, with an all-new interior and exterior design, more tech and driver aids than before, better performance and a more comfortable ride. It's not as large as the Aviator, and Acura doesn't yet offer a hybrid variant, and its V6 engine can't match the Lincoln's twin-turbo punch. Read Edmunds' long-term road test of the Acura MDX.
Lincoln Aviator vs. Cadillac XT6
The Cadillac XT6 is the Aviator's most direct crosstown rival. While it does offer three rows of seats, it doesn't offer as much cargo or passenger space as the Aviator. Its base engine is also significantly less powerful than the Aviator's, and the interior feels a step behind in quality compared to what Lincoln offers. We do, however, like Cadillac's technology and driver safety features.
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FAQ
Is the Lincoln Aviator a good car?
What's new in the 2022 Lincoln Aviator?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2022 Lincoln Aviator:
- Minor changes to standard and optional equipment
- Part of the second Aviator generation introduced for 2020
Is the Lincoln Aviator reliable?
Is the 2022 Lincoln Aviator a good car?
How much should I pay for a 2022 Lincoln Aviator?
The least-expensive 2022 Lincoln Aviator is the 2022 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 $68,360.
Other versions include:
- Black Label Grand Touring 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 10A) which starts at $87,905
- Grand Touring 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 10A) which starts at $68,360