Used 2021 Lincoln Aviator

Following its debut only last year, the 2021 Lincoln Aviator settles in at the built-for-comfort end of the luxury midsize 3-row SUV spectrum. One of the selectable driving modes caters to a sportier taste, but that’s not the Aviator’s true character.

This 7-seater SUV allows its occupants to find solace in a quiet cabin, listen to a high-quality audio system and let an adaptive suspension inspect the road ahead to compensate for any rough surfaces the outside world might throw their way. If they want, drivers can make digging around for keys a thing of the past, thanks to Lincoln’s Phone As A Key technology.

Naturally, there are many standard safety features, including blind-spot monitoring. Lincoln also puts a plug-in hybrid drivetrain in Grand Touring versions. The higher Black Label models even come with a choice of interior design themes.

Both powertrains have a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 gasoline engine. In the regular version, it develops 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. This power feels adequate, and the 10-speed automatic transmission delivers it effectively.

There is a sense, however, that the drivetrain is expending considerable effort to move every ounce of the Aviator’s approximately 4,600 pounds. Turbo lag is noticeable, and punchier downshifts from the transmission would be appreciated, especially during hard acceleration. But there are paddle shifters to help the driver accomplish this when necessary.

The Grand Touring plug-in hybrid version adds a 102-horsepower electric motor, contributing the extra thrust missing from the combustion-only setup, although it’s heavier still. With a combined 494 horsepower and 630 lb-ft of torque, it’s extremely responsive, bringing plenty of muscle for either moving off the line or when needing a surge at speed. If a buyer is looking for a more performance-oriented SUV in this class, here is a good place to start.

Regardless of drivetrain, the Lincoln Aviator has excellent control and grip around corners, allowing this 3-row SUV to do a passable impression of a smaller, nimbler vehicle. Drive modes include Normal, Excite (for a more spirited experience), Slippery, and Deep Conditions (should the Aviator ever encounter things like sand or mud).

An optional adaptive suspension emphasizes the Aviator’s comfortable and floaty ride quality by monitoring the vehicle’s motion, steering, acceleration, and braking, then adjusting its settings accordingly. It’s further enhanced by an optional forward-facing camera that detects potholes and communicates with the adaptive suspension.

The cabin of the 2021 Aviator is an airy oasis with luxury materials, power-adjustable front seats bringing lumbar support, 3- or 4-zone automatic climate control, a 10.1-inch touchscreen on the center stack with physical buttons for climate controls, audio volume and drive modes, plus a premium audio system.

Seats are highly adjustable and comfortable, and there’s plenty of space even for taller passengers. The third row offers room for adult legs when the second row is fully forward. Musical chimes and alerts come courtesy of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra for extra auditory delight.

Understated and classy. The 2021 Aviator’s outward appearance isn’t overwrought with excessive creases in the sheet metal or character lines attempting to convey power. Its stance on the standard 19-inch alloy wheels has presence without being flashy. Even with bigger wheels, the Aviator exhibits restraint, with a little attitude coming from the chromed tips of the quad exhaust system.

Some changes for 2021 include the optional Monochromatic Reserve package that brings black-finished 22-inch alloy wheels and various body-colored exterior pieces.

INTERIOR APPOINTMENT
From the fit and finish, seat comfort, customizable technology, optional Black Label design packages, and extraordinary Revel sound system on offer, there is little left to be desired in the Aviator’s cabin.

PHONE AS A KEY
No more key fobs. With Phone As A Key, the owner’s smartphone performs that task. It can open the doors, start the car (even remotely) and wind down the windows. If the phone runs out of charge, the keypad on the door can unlock the Lincoln Aviator.

This is a luxury SUV, so the list of standard features reflects that. The base 2021 Aviator comes with tri-zone automatic climate control, ambient interior lighting, rain-sensing wipers, powered tailgate, heated/10-way power-adjustable front seats, powered tip/slide 2nd-row seats, power-folding 3rd-row seats, simulated leather upholstery, 115-volt outlet, full LED exterior lighting, personalized settings for different drivers, satellite radio, Wi-Fi, four USB ports, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, remote start, an array of driver assistance features, and a 10-speaker audio system.

Using the Lincoln Connect system, buyers can also arrange vehicle pick-ups and returns for scheduled maintenance.

Although all-wheel drive, an adaptive Air Glide suspension and/or a plug-in hybrid drivetrain can be sensible choices, there are plenty of extras to make a new Aviator even swisher. Such as heated/ventilated seats, 30-way power-adjustable front seats, wireless charging, smartphone key, quad-zone climate control, panoramic sunroof, 2nd-row captain’s chairs, a head-up display, and a 5.8-inch touchscreen in the second row for passengers to control temperature and audio volume. And then there are the interior themes of the Black Label versions.

The Aviator also offers an upgraded 14-speaker Revel audio system or a glorious 28-speaker Revel surround-sound system. In a wonderfully quiet cabin, thanks to extensive acoustic measures deployed throughout (even in the tires), both sound awesome.

A twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 is the regular propulsion method for the 2021 Aviator. A 10-speed automatic transmission directs that energy to the rear wheels in standard form, although all-wheel drive is available as an option.

The plug-in hybrid alternative in the Grand Touring versions has the same engine, which is then augmented by a 102-horsepower electric motor running off a lithium-ion battery. All-wheel drive is standard here. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that, with a full charge, a PHEV Aviator should be able to cover 21 miles in electric-only mode and achieve a total range of 460 miles.

Twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6
400 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
415 lb-ft of torque @ 3,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/26 mpg (RWD), 17/24 mpg (AWD)

Twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6/electric motor (PHEV Grand Touring versions)
494 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
630 lb-ft of torque @ 2,250 lb-ft
EPA fuel economy combined miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe): 56 MPGe (elec + gas), 23 mpg (regular gas)