The Aviator is Lincoln's midsize SUV offering. Like the whole Lincoln family, it is a genuinely luxurious vehicle that is also practical for family life. This SUV launched a new generation just last year, meaning it is loaded with cutting-edge features. Buyers are going to want to learn more about the 2021 Lincoln Aviator and then take one for a spin.
Performance Stats
Choosing the Standard, Reserve, or Black Label model of the 2021 Aviator will mean getting a turbo 3.6L V6 engine. It produces 400-horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, plenty for powering this midsize vehicle. A 10-speed automatic transmission does a great job of keeping up with this engine. Both the Standard and Reserve models come standard with rear-wheel drive and can be upgraded to all-wheel drive. The Black Label and above are standard all-wheel-drive vehicles.
The Grand Touring and Black Label Grand Touring get a hybrid variation of that turbocharged V6. They are able to produce 494-horsepower and 630 lb-ft of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission is utilized once again for these trims.
Fuel Economy
Luxury SUVs are not necessarily known for their efficiency. That said, the Aviator does a decent job for its size and amount of power. Models with the standard powertrain and front-wheel drive are estimated to get 18mpg city and 26mpg highway. Any model that has that engine and all-wheel drive will get 17mpg city and 24mpg highway.
Consumers who are concerned about fuel economy will want to go with the hybrid powertrain. It has been estimated to get 56 MPGe combined. Models with this powertrain also have an all-electric range of 21 miles.
Technology
The infotainment system for the 2021 Aviator does not mess around. It comes standard with a 10.3-inch touchscreen and the all-important smartphone integration features known as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Helping to cement this SUV's luxury status are the standard navigation and Wi-Fi hotspot features.
Buyers can get even more luxury for their Aviator by choosing a higher trim or adding packages. The Reserve trim, for example, gets an upgraded sound system standard. It also has multiple packages available, including one that adds wireless device charging, a head-up display, and the ability to use a compatible smartphone as a key. Many of these features are standard on the top trims.
Safety
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has given the 2021 Aviator five out of five stars in frontal and side crash testing. This SUV got four out of five stars when it came to rollover testing, which is pretty typical for this segment of the market. Overall, the Aviator got a five-star rating from the NHTSA.
Naturally, this luxury SUV has some driver aids included on its standard equipment list. Lane-keeping assist will alert drivers if they start to drift over lane markings, while forward-collision mitigation can warn drivers of a potential incident. This feature can also hit the brakes in an attempt to avoid a collision. Blind-spot monitoring is also standard for all models.
Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Plus is available for the Reserve trim and standard on the three above it. This bundle includes a lane-keeping system, adaptive cruise control, and evasive steering assist. It also adds an automated parking system that can get the Aviator into a spot with very little driver intervention.
Interior Space
Above-average cargo space is one of the Aviator's many charms. There is enough room for an average grocery shopping trip behind the third-row with over 18 cubic feet to work with. Behind the second-row, drivers get nearly 42 cubic feet, while the maximum cargo capacity comes in at 77.7 cubic feet.
The Aviator can seat up to seven people when it comes with its standard bench seat for the second-row. Like most luxury SUVs, it also offers second-row captain's chairs that reduce the seating capacity to six. Either way, the Aviator has plenty of space for passengers to stay relaxed on the road.
Interior Features
Comfort is something that Lincoln is known for. It comes standard with power-adjustment for the front seats, which also happen to be heated. Tri-zone automatic climate control and push-button start are standard as well. Buyers who step up a level on the trim ladder to the Reserve will get leather upholstery and quad-zone climate control to enjoy.
A Luxury package is available for the 2021 Aviator on select models. It includes rear sunshades and a significant upgrade to the sound system. The real reason to consider adding it, however, is for the 30-way power-adjustable front seats it includes.
For many families, the 2021 Lincoln Aviator is the perfect size and comes with the perfect features. The best way to know if it is the right choice is to take one for a test drive.
Formula for Calculating Dealer Cost:
Total Dealer Cost - Rebate and Incentive + Taxes / Licensing Fees = True Dealer Cost. (You can get rebates and incentives here.)
Note: All Lincoln Aviator MSRP, invoice and dealer cost dollar figures above are approximate amounts. Prices are subject to change without notice.
A note about rebates: Most rebates are subtracted from the "on the road" figure. In most cases, you can have the rebate if you are arranging your own financing or you are paying cash. If you decide to use the manufacturer’s low interest financing, you do not usually get the rebate. Ask your dealer for details.
