What if you'd like a new Navigator ... but maybe a bit less of it?
Something almost as big, but not quite. With three rows — the third one usable — that can pull more than its own weight, but without so much length? And without such a big price?
Enter the Aviator.
What It Is
The Aviator is Lincoln's new three-row, almost-full-sized SUV.
Like the Navigator, it's not a crossover SUV. It's a real SUV — with rear-wheel drive (rather than front-wheel drive) that comes standard, along with a heavier-duty frame and suspension that enables it to tow as much as 6,700 pounds — more than its own curb weight and several thousand pounds more than the typical same-size crossover can handle.
It also comes standard with a twin-turbocharged V-6 engine.
But unlike the Navigator, which comes with just the V-6, the Aviator is available with something more.
A plug-in hybrid system is optional that gives you the range of a Prius — and the power of about five of them combined.
Prices start at $51,100 for the base trim with rear-wheel drive.
With the hybrid option and Lincoln's Black Label concierge services — which include pickup and delivery when maintenance work is needed, VIP access to exclusive venues and other such luxuries — the price tops out at $77,695.
The one thing the Aviator hasn't got that the Navigator does is a transfer case and four-wheel-drive low-range gearing.
A lighter-duty all-wheel-drive system is available optionally, and comes standard in the Grand Touring and Black Label trims.
What's New
The Aviator returns as an all-new model, based on the same platform as the also-all-new 2020 Ford Explorer.
What's Good
It's elegant rather than obstreperous.
It has nearly-Navigator-level spaciousness — without taking up as much space.
It has real SUV towing capability.
What's Not So Good
The more powerful hybrid Grand Touring and Black Label Grand Touring trims weigh more than they can tow.
It has about 2 inches less ground clearance than Navigator — and no low-range gearing.
Under the Hood
Unlike the Navigator — which comes with the same twin-turbo V-6 engine, regardless of trim — the Aviator is available with either a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 that makes 400 horsepower and 415 foot-pounds of torque or the same V-6 paired with a plug-in hybrid system that bumps the total output up to 494 horsepower and 630 foot-pounds of torque.
It also bumps the range up to more than 400 miles on a tank.
The Grand Touring and Black Label Grand Touring models with the V-6 hybrid drivetrain come standard with all-wheel drive and — oddly — a lower 5,600-pound maximum towing rating, despite the Kenworth torque.
This is probably because of the additional 863 pounds of hybrid gear, including the battery pack/electric motor, it's carrying around.
But while it may not tow as much, the hybrid definitely hauls. It gets from zero to 60 mph in just over 5 seconds — and 17 mpg city, 24 mpg highway.
Both numbers are, for the record, better than the Navigator's.
On the Road
The Aviator feels like it could fly. You almost expect the Sync infotainment system to call out minimums — V1, V2, rotate! Even without the optional adaptive suspension that scans the road ahead for uneven pavement and adjusts for it ahead of time, you'll feel as though there's air rather than asphalt under the wheels.
It's that good.
And that relaxing. Nonfussy controls for all the luxuries — including the optional massaging seats, which you can activate via a simple, accessible button rather than multiple tap/swipe menus.
The transmission is engaged via pleasantly retro and tactile push-buttons — one for park, another for reverse and one more for drive. A single rotary/push-button controls the drive modes.
No learning curve to fly this ride.
At the Curb
Lincoln says the Aviator is midsize, and that's technically true — but it's very close to being full-sized where it matters.
Inside.
Three rows — and as much room in the first two as in the full-sized Navigator. It has more front-seat legroom, actually (43 inches versus 41.8 in its bigger brother) and an easier-to-access third row due to the Aviator's lower step-in height.
The Navigator does have more cargo room — with its third row folded (103.3 cubic feet versus 77.7). But with the third row in use, it's almost a dead heat: 19.3 cubic feet versus 18.3 for the Aviator.
The Rest
One of the really nice things — and another relaxing thing — about the Aviator is that you can turn the automated stop-start system (most new cars come with this now) off permanently by turning it off once. In many other new cars, you have to turn the auto-stop system off every time you go for a drive ... if you don't want the engine to stop at every red light.
And then there are those massaging seats!
The Bottom Line
The only mistake Lincoln may have made here is making the Aviator more appealing — and much less expensive — than its top-of-the-line SUV.
Eric's new book, "Don't Get Taken for a Ride!" is available now. To find out more about Eric and read his past columns, please visit the Creators Syndicate webpage at www.creators.com.
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