Lincoln Aviator Reserve Review: What’s New, Real-World Driving, Interior Tech, and Family Comfort
- Marc Gonzalez
- 5 minutes ago
- 4 min read
If the Lincoln Aviator looks familiar, that's because it is! You might recognize the Aviator from our 2022 review of its Plug-In Hybrid variant. For the 2025 model year, the American automaker has refreshed this midsize luxury SUV. We're revisiting it to see what's new; the Lincoln Aviator Reserve had an MSRP of $91,197 as tested and was built at the Chicago, IL, plant.
Lincoln has chosen to refresh the Aviator rather than completely redesign it, and the result is remarkably effective. The SUV's commanding presence recalls the original Navigator that sparked the luxury SUV trend in 1997, maintaining similar proportions. In many respects, the current Aviator provides a glimpse of what a modern first-generation Navigator would resemble. The front end now sports a wider grille that incorporates LED running lights. The prominent Lincoln emblem, set against a black background as part of the Jet Appearance Package, establishes a meaner, tougher look, particularly with the White Metallic paint. Black accents on the bumper and substituted chrome trim finalize the aesthetic. The side profile features redesigned 22-inch black aluminum wheels, while the rear is mostly unchanged; its signature lightbar and quad-exhaust communicate a mix of luxury and sport. The result of these minimal changes is a successful transformation, giving the Aviator a fresher, more aggressive identity.
Inside the Lincoln Aviator, there haven't been many changes since the relaunch of the second generation. On the driver's side, the steering wheel illuminates the desired features needed, depending on the selected menu. You'll find the voice command button on the part of the steering wheel where you're supposed to rest your thumb. It gets annoying to have your music interrupted whenever you're making a turn. Other than that, it is still very luxurious and posh for the price point, the materials feel great, and especially this Onyx and Harvest Bronze look great.
The new 12.4-inch digital gauge cluster is crisp and bright, and its display gives you the feeling of being in space; it's a really nice attention to detail! The old 10.1-inch touchscreen has been replaced by a larger 13.2-inch display powered by Google, which offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This new system is faster, smoother, and has many more features than the last SYNC system. When parked, you can browse the web and watch videos on YouTube and Amazon Prime. The downside is that the climate controls are now integrated into the screen, though you can still find basic controls on the center panel. The LINCOLN badge is prominently showcased between both sets of physical controls. There are plenty of charging points in all three rows for your family's devices, and a wireless charger is also standard in the Aviator. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System continues to sound great. The button used to open the door from the inside also feels premium, while the actual mechanical door release remains within easy reach in an emergency.
Moving to the rest of the Aviator's cabin, it can accommodate up to seven passengers. Our specific vehicle was configured for only six, as it featured second-row captain's chairs for maximum comfort. Occupants in the second row also benefit from a center console that includes cup holders, USB ports, and additional storage. Both rear rows are equipped with ISOFIX ports and top tether anchors; however, these are mounted low on the back of the seat, which isn't an ideal placement. The amount of room in the third row does decrease somewhat, but children and teenagers can still sit without issue. As for cargo room, with all seats upright, you get an average of 466 litres (16.46 cu. ft.). Once lowered at the touch of a button, it nearly triples the available cargo space to 1,131 litres (39.94 cu. ft.).
Under the hood, the Lincoln Aviator is no longer available with the plug-in hybrid powertrain we previously tested. For this review, we drove the standard twin-turbo V6 engine. This powerplant, paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission, produces 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, a healthy output for a midsize SUV. The Aviator can tow up to 5,000 lbs thanks to its standard trailer tow package. Its fuel consumption was average; we recorded a combined average of 14.5L/100km (16.8 mpg), while on the highway we averaged 10.2L/100km (23.5 mpg). Since the Aviator is fundamentally a rear-wheel-drive vehicle (all Canadian models are all-wheel drive), you feel a sense of being propelled, and the rumble of the EcoBoost engine is satisfying. According to Car and Driver, the Aviator reaches 60 mph (97 kph) in 6.0 seconds, which isn't the fastest figure but is certainly fast enough.
On the road, the Lincoln Aviator Reserve delivers a plush and comfortable ride, yet possesses more than enough power to reach highway speeds with ease. Lincoln's BlueCruise is now a standard feature, offering a step above adaptive cruise control by also steering and changing lanes for you. The steering and handling are calibrated for comfort, precise but not sport-oriented. The brakes have more of a plunging effect than anticipated; it's not a safety concern, but it is something to note. The suspension is a major reason the ride feels so effortless. The optional Air Glide Suspension automatically lowers the vehicle when you open the doors or the trunk for easier access. This is a cool and helpful feature, and if you're spending over $90,000, it's a must! Beyond these points, the driving experience isn't vastly different from the pre-facelift Aviator, and it is disappointing that an electrified option is no longer available.
The Lincoln Aviator faces the difficult task of competing with heavyweights like the Volvo XC90, the Mercedes-Benz GLE, and the Genesis GV80, to name a few. While not perfect, the Aviator emphasizes its strengths: bold styling, exceptional comfort, and a potent, spacious powertrain. The white exterior paired with black accents gives this big midsize SUV an unmistakable presence, and if you are in the market for a true, luxurious American highway cruiser, this is the one.
