2020 Lincoln Aviator - Review & Road Test 

This is a great job by Lincoln. The interior is outstanding and checks nearly all the bells and whistles one could one (I just love massaging seats). My current vehicle lease is coming to an end and this one of the vehicles on my shortlist.

They nailed this SUV. Keep it up, Lincoln

I had a 2014 MKZ and im just gonna leave this here. Lincoln has been underrated for a few years now for sure. It was an awesome car!! Wanted an SUV so I got rid of it, but by far one of the nicest cars I've driven. Most people scoff at Lincoln because ford let it go so long but if they would just get in a modern one they'd be surprised

One of my favorite American Luxury SUVs of all-time!

Very expensive, but also very nice. I hope it does well; Lincoln has been killing it and deserves praise

I saw one yesterday and was surprised at the presence it had!

Cadillac has left the chat.

Man, Lincoln has been making some really dope looking cars.

Finally some desirable vehicles from Lincoln

It is eating Cadillac’s lunch!

I have owned my black label model for five days now. Amazing vehicle.

This was a good review. She didn’t just rave about how wonderful the car was .She also touched on some of the things she wasn’t crazy about. That’s actually what I want to hear.

Lincoln has come a long way and it shows in their version improvements. I guess 2020 versions are good starting point for lot of main stream buyers looking for Luxury SUVs. As always detailed review and better explanations on some of the new setups. Great Job Lyn 👍

About time someone judged a Lincoln for what it presents rather than picking it apart just because “it’s a Lincoln”. We have owned Lincoln’s for the last 6 years (MKX & Nautilus) and cannot be happier. The Nautilus is actually a vast improvement over the MKX, both in ride quality and standard features.

Hands down the sexiest luxary SUV on the market. Lincoln really did a good job bringing the Aviator back.

Cadillac, are you taking NOTES? Understated classy (perhaps Range Rover-esque) styling and beautifully crafted interiors leathers. 400 standard horsepower. This is how its done. Great review, Lyn!!! HAPPY NEW YEAR, KBB 🥂🍾

If I was in the market for a luxury three row CUV and could afford it, this would get my money. Well done Lincoln.

I bough the black label version and hope to remeber putting a reviw on this thred after having it in 10 days time, but I am so exited as I see lots of good reviews about the Aviator. Relatively, compared to European rivals, it is a great return on investment.

Great video. Lincoln is rocking it! Love both the Nautilus and Aviator. Beautiful designs.

Just when you think that all truly stylish ideas have been done, Lincoln knocks it out of the park with this. Now make a decent flagship sedan!

Finally, the return to real American luxury.

Love with Lincoln is doing with. All new grill models are amazing.

Really love the new Lincoln SUV's. My only bone though, is that they're almost as expensive as their German rivals.

This ride is a beast!

Better than European rivals

Lyn is doing a really wonderful job writing and presenting for these videos. Micah was always one of my favorite auto journalists, but Lyn is really awesome too. Great job!

Lincoln used to compete with Cadillac back in the day. Nowadays they compete with Buick. But with these new designs and refreshes Lincoln is getting ready to retake Cadillacs spot.

Lincoln nailed it...such a lovely peace of craft

Interesting mix, hope it's a success. And that they can apply some of this to cars and make them more exciting/attractive than Continental.

TY KBB for doing a good review without a wanna be funny guy with bad jokes..... America needs this luxurious car. Lincoln you can take American luxury trophy 🏆. Nobody is really doin it anymore

Excellent, I learned a lot and I'm impressed. Well done Lyn!

Beautiful SUV, love to own one.

turning off that chime at startup would be the first thing I'd do

This is the only vehicle that makes me consider spending more than a kia telluride. 70k for a reserve with the best bits is only 10k more than a top trim explorer.

Nice review. I also appreciate the team work in the video. Very smooth transitions

My wife has a new Corsair, and while everyone seems to be lauding these new Lincoln SUVs, I find hers to have a super laggy infotainment screen a gauge cluster. I also hate the excessive use of cheap glossy materials that are all fingerprint magnets. It's a big step forward, and superficially great, but still lacking in many areas.

That interior is extremely nice lol

I'm just here for Lyn and her soothing voice :) Merry Xmas and Happy New Year!

Howdy, great review as always!😸😻😸

The first-generation 2003-05 Aviator was Lincoln’s first entry into the luxury midsize 3-row segment.

The big question, is it reliable like lexus RX350?

once you use the emergency door latch to get out the driver can open the other doors from the outside.

Possibly one of the best reviews Lyn has done, as she was just Lyn (charming and sweet)... And didn't try to be Micah (spit-take funny). She's finding her voice. 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

Test drove a Mercedes GLA, bmw x 4/5/6, Lexus 350 and an akura ------- hands down went to the Lincoln. Have had for a month now and it is still impressing. Love the air ride and HUD. And it makes my arse feel great messaging and 30 different positions

Great job. Answered a lot of the questions I have about the Aviator

I'm interested and am going to arrange a test-drive. Thank you for the great review!

Now all lincoln need to do with their larger models like the continental, aviator and navigator are: 1)slightly bigger retractable infotainment screen(likeness of sync 4 as in the mach e) 2)swivel wheel infotainment controller with touch pad, 3)heated and cooled drink holders 4)automatic rear and window sunshades 5) adjustable vehicle height controller 6)refrigerator 7)better display and swivel wheel controller for rear features 8)detachable rear remote controller for climate control, audio and video 9)rear fold down tables 10)automatic adjustable seat controls for rear seats 11)full range ambient interior lighting 12)umbrella Also 1)a 2 step running board for the navigator 2)additional Town Car and a New convertible in the line up

Lincoln cars are the best in its class!

This is going to be a long post, bare with me. My family and I are debating on either the (all 2020 hybrid only models): lincoln aviator, explorer, lexus 450hL, highlander. my wife and i have test driven the 450hL already, but ICE version of the aviator and explorer. As we are in no rush, we are waiting for the hybrids to show up at dealerships before we make a true final decision. We are more than likely going to going with a Lexus or toyota because of the issues Ford/Lincoln have had with their all new design from the ground up of the explorer and aviator (search about it and how many had to be sent back, hence the delay of them reaching dealerships). And this is coming from a family who bought and currently own the new navigator in L (reserve) model. We absolutely love our lincoln navigator, but it is just way too big, with my in-laws no longer living in our home. We still want that 3 row option hence of our choices. With all that said, I find this KBB review by this particular presenter to be biased, and dare i say, have a subconscious leaning towards other brands of the european badge based on her statements, if you can read between the lines. I think biased is the word I would like to use without being too harsh. 1. @ 50 seconds in her first comment on "wanting a slightly punchier downshift" to harness that power. I've driven the explorer platinum and the aviator during my test drive and "gunned" that thing entering the highway and trying to merge. No problem whatsoever with merging and overtaking others on the lane. Want that quick "punch", move it to excite mode, that'll be more than enough. 2. 1 minute in she states hte motor will have to work hard to move that SUV's weight? at cruise the RPM gauge on my test drive, didn't even break 1800rpms. My Navigator L weighs about 6000lbs and its 3.5V6 Twin turbo motor doesn't work hard at all or struggle to move that weight around. 3. 3:48 she starts talking about the steering being more "dead center" and not as precise. Ugh, Lincoln was not trying to compete with BMW or Audi for that sport luxury, but rather go back to its roots of american luxury and elegance while not being a rolling boat that lincoln became synonymous that lead to its down fall besides the early bird special for the senior citizens that brought down its image in the 80s-90s (sorry grandma, RIP). I will say that there was a tad slight difference between the explorer platinum and the aviator reserve I test drive. when i drove the explorer under sport/excite mode compared to the aviator, i did get more response to the handling compared to the lincoln. just ever so slightly. under normal driving condition, which most of us would drive, it felt fine and more than responsive for the majority of the drivers who buy this. It's like her bias is coming out because she seems to be viewing Lincoln from years long ago, when I would wholeheartedly say "yeah those 70s-2000s lincoln had absolutely no response when moving that steering wheel". Again, sorry grandma, loved your mark Vii but that hting had no feel on the steering wheel. this is different, this aviator has response to the steering wheel. 4. 5 minutes she starts talking about the electrical mechanism for opening the door and worrying if it breaks. refer to BMW and Audi for those electrical issues, your fears for those things are a whole lot less with Lincoln. And this statement is coming from a guy worried about the quality issue of the first year rollout of a newly redesigned aviator/explorer. 5. at 7min 30 sec when she states "the 3rd row however is a little bit of a different story". have you checked the audi q7, bmw x7, or the lexus 450hL which this model competes? talk about no space for your legs and knees with those comparative models in the 3rd row. Besides the 3rd row is designed more for kids or adults in a quick pinch. I am 5-10, wife is 5-6, and we do just fine when we moved around and sat in the explorer platinum and aviator 3rd row. We did that in the 450hL and that was definitely more cramped. I am more than likely, who are we kidding, the boss/wife, is more than likely going to choose lexus or toyota at the end of the day. But I just wanted to give my two cents on this KBB review. If you wanted more of an objective review, go see doug demuro's aviator video, I think he did a better overview of the aviator and how it compared to its competitors.

I really like this car. I believe that the Nautilus needs to be redesigned. It does have the same grill as the other vehicles, but its interior space and exterior design cues don't match the other vehicles.

Best car I have ever owned! 😃

most powerful midsized suv engine out there... I guess if you exclude BMW and MB.

Her gripes are a bit odd to me. The optimal hand position is actually about 2 in under the voice command button, so I never hit it accidentally. And the doors are awesome because they feature a soft close mechanism that closes the door fully if left slightly ajar so I don’t have to worry about the doors been not being completely closed before I start driving. She’s also driving the Black Label version. I tested the Black Label and the regular and I preferred the interior and sound system of the BL.

This video is so well put together.

I'm not seeing too many comments on button shifter. This seems way more non-intuitive then Honda/Acura implementation.

Almost all the reviews of the Aviator agree that Lincoln has done a remarkable job of upgrading their mid-level three row crossover. Largely missing from those reviews is a comparison between the Aviator and its Ford cousin, the Explorer. Considering that top trims of the Explorer push or exceed $60K in MSRP, the Aviator looks like a MUCH better choice. A mid-level trim (Reserve) moderately optioned has an MSRP of around $65K. For that additional $5000 the Aviator is superior on almost every possible checkpoint. A much more premium interior. A tow rating of 6700 lbs, 1100 lbs more than the Explorer and a far better dealer experience. It's widely recognized that Explorer has major challenges in its value proposition versus vehicles like the Telluride and Palisade with an MSRP about $10,000 more than those vehicles. It's also the case that it's difficult to justify the price of the upper trim Explorer versus the Aviator.

Informative review

I dont understand why anyone would want to change four wheel drive modes? If im paying 50-60 g i want the car to do the deciding on what the best tracktion mode is best. I want the allwheel drive control fully automated and not seen by me at all. I have a f150 and never know when im supposed to turn it on and off . The back roads arent plowed then you get out on the main road its just wet then a few miles down there is a snow drift or icey patch in the shade ,i dont know. Im usually late for something and thinking about other things i want the car to do it. I liked my old blazer it had a auto mode.

Hate the mandatory panorama sunroof. It is needless expense, we never use it, and it cuts down on headroom. UGH!!

I see this segment is only between to vehicles, the Lincoln Aviator vs the Genesis GV80. Ironically they look nearly identical both inside and out, and both use a twin turbo engine.

One of the best looking suv's

You won't go see the XT6 after a test drive in this

Beamer front and the rest says Range Rover all over it... I love the way this looks!

Hopefully Lincoln sorted out the models that are coming off of the assembly line now. The early ones were epic disasters in reliability with failed components. That said, I LOVE the design of the interior and exterior. None are derivative. While I do wish that Lincoln worked on the head unit(graphics are very similar to that of a rented Explorer I had last week), the overall aesthetics are excellent. I don't see many folks going for top shelf Black Label models over a GLE 450 or X5 35 tho.

Looks like a good car and considering how many things are run on electronics, worrying about a simple electric door latch seems a bit silly.

Lincoln please could y'all start a coach Edition where all the cars in that part of the lineup would have suicide back doors

You keep saying first but the Aviator actually first existed in 2003 through 2005 and came with 3rd row seating. I am kinda surprised you missed this In your review research.

Lincoln is back!!! bye bye Cadillac

Whos here from the XT6 Video.... ? Cause I now know I will be taking the Lincoln for a ride after work and NOT that XT6.... Thanks for the info.!

Very nice, but why I still rarely see them on road? why it is designed to have a slope shape on the back top? Can you make it as flat as other full size suvs？

I wish I wish Lincoln came to Australia.

As a long time GM loyalist (apologist?), I'm wondering what it must be like to be on the Cadillac engineering team. Is it like being a current Pittsburgh Steeler fan, watching the rest of the division pull away from you? Cadillac engineers deserve some physical punishment for being as far behind Lincoln as they are. The XT6 is an embarrassment to that brand. It is clearly a poor effort to take the GMC Acadia (which seems better than the XT6 at this point), and slap some 'luxury' elements on it. I am not in the market for a luxury SUV, but Lincoln is clearly leading the American space right now.

I’m torn. Aviator Grand Touring vs Grand Cherokee SRT w $5K leather package (leather wrapped lower panels and airbag)?

Good luck Cadillac... you’ll need it as your XT6 cannot win on merit alone. Full disclosure, I test drove the XT6 and it was surprisingly nice, responsive driving dynamics and GM performed magic with the chassis, suspension and steering. But drivetrain was decent but not 400 HP nice. The interior while not terrible was just “nice” and did not beat any of its competitors at the “as tested price.” But knowing GM, they could potentially be had for about 10 percent below MSRP.

Looks awesome!!

i’m big on symmetry and the button on the left side of the steering wheel towards the top really bothers me.

I own a 2020 Aviator with 2,000 miles. Very unhappy! The quality control of Lincoln is terrible. There have been numerous electrical issues, sensor issues and the paint and leatherwork had to be redone in places. The design is beautiful but Lincoln dropped the ball on quality.

what happened to the guy that use to host these videos?

I got a nautilus a yr ago. I love it but now I want to get this. Couldn’t get into a Navi it was to high to step up. Have to think about ice and snow with step up vehicles specially trucks. Slipped off truck running boards before. Yuck that hurts.

Oh man I love this car

I love seeing a women doing the review. Cars are not only for men so it’s nice to see their opinion

Which should I get Lexus Es of Ls ?

Since when is “10 & 2” “the correct driving position” again?

Abraham Lincoln would be proud

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator already has an National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Recall. The recall is too complicated to explain here.

Dunno about the most powerful midsize SUV; Durango SRT may disagree

While I really like the Aviator alot, there's absolutely no way I would ever spend that much one on one. If I want a 400hp TT EcoBoost powered suv, I would buy the better handling and sportier Explorer St. Oh yeah, and no offense to the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, but that would get really annoying on a daily basis if you couldn't turn it off.

This is not the first 3 row Aviator Lincoln has produced. I thought KKB employees were supposed to be experts. Lincoln just brought the Aviator back.

Very nice!

Pretty good thorough review. I like alot of the features and the engine but in comparison I'd prefer the Cadillac XT6 between the two. The interior seems a bit gaudy with all the chrome, reflective black and quilted stitching. And the seats just look kind of unusual. I prefer the modern minimalist luxury of the Cadillac's interior with copper carbon fiber brushed metals and smooth leather. The Aviator's rounded body shape is kind of bland especially in the rear in contrast to the athletic exterior of the XT4. I'm thinking older buyers might prefer the Aviator while younger buyers may go for the sportier XT4.

I’m here for the depreciation comments.

I just don’t like the weird buttons for the door and shifter.

"Most powerful mid sized suv engine that's out there right now" Where did you get that falsehood? Jeep, Dodge, Mercedes, BMW.... no doubt more!

I despise SUVs unless I’m in Colorado, but this is one of the nicest exterior designs I’ve seen. But really - they’re trying to bring back 1950s style PUSH-BUTTON TRANSMISSION?! #DealKiller 👎🏼

Now if Lincoln can just figure out how to manufacture these things because they're having horrendous quality control problems and are not being able to deliver these vehicles to the dealerships cause the brand new vehicles that they are making don't even work properly at the factory. Disappointed in Ford. They've designed a great product, but can't make it properly. They're having the same issues with the explorer that is being built at the same plant.

X5, Aviator, or GLE. I have NO idea yet.

Lincoln needs a serious performance lineup like Cadillac does with their V lineup

The most powerful powertrain? Have you never heard of X5M? Or GLE63?

Home run......RWD too....

Is it reliable ???