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Hybrid
For 2020, Lincoln is ditching the MKT nameplate that adorned its mid-size SUV. Gone along with it is the polarizing baleen grille at the front. In their place is the sleek all-new 2020 Lincoln Aviator. It’s still based on the Ford Explorer, but Lincoln has gone out of its way to make the SUV deliver a true luxury experience.
What's New for 2020
The Lincoln Aviator is a new model.
Choosing Your Lincoln Aviator
Choosing an Aviator means choosing between hybrid and gas-powered drivetrains – but performance doesn’t run in the order you think.
The base engine is a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 producing an even 400 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. Rear-wheel drive is standard with this powertrain, but all-wheel drive is a $2,500 option.
The other choice is a plug-in hybrid powertrain that adds electric motors for a total of 450 hp and 600 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive is standard, and the hybrid gets various drive modes to use more or less electric power.
Both setups use a 10-speed automatic transmission, but the EPA hasn’t released fuel economy estimates for either. Towing capacity is best with the gas engine, which can pull up to 6,700 pounds.
The Aviator will seat up to seven, and cargo capacity is strong for the class. Even with the third row in place, the back can hold 18.5 cubic feet of cargo. That volume jumps to 41.8 cu. ft. with the third row folded, or 77.7 with all seats down.
Lincoln has gone the extra mile to make every Aviator feel like a special experience. The various chimes and notifications were designed and recorded by members of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. With the right options, the car will automatically lower its suspension to make ingress and egress easier.
Luxury features are in no short supply either. They’re divided across the Aviator’s five trims:
Base
The cheapest Aviator starts at $52,195 (all prices include the $1,095 destination charge) and comes with the base engine. Standard features are plentiful, starting on the exterior with 19-inch alloy rims, a power liftgate, LED headlights and taillights, automatic high beams, power-folding side mirrors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and proximity lighting.
The interior gets remote start, keyless entry, push-button start, heated 12-way power-adjustable front seats with memory settings, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and three-zone climate control (with a second-row touchscreen for control). The dash has a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 10.1-inch infotainment screen running Ford’s latest Sync 3 system. This includes satellite radio, navigation, in-car Wi-Fi, USB charging ports for the first two rows, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Safety features like automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring are also standard.
The Standard trim comes with just one optional package, the Elements Package ($1,000), which adds heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, a windshield de-icer, and heated windshield wipers.
Reserve
Moving up to the Reserve trim bumps the starting cost to $57,285 but includes 20-inch wheels, a premium 14-speaker audio system, a surround-view camera, four-zone climate control, a hands-free liftgate, and ambient lighting. Perforated leather upholstery is included as well.
This trim opens up the package selection as well. The Elements Package is gone, replaced by the Elements Package Plus ($1,180), which adds both heating and ventilation to the first two rows, in addition to the heated steering wheel and wipers. Next is a Convenience Package ($2,000), which includes a head-up display, wireless charging, soft-close doors, and the ability to use your smartphone as a key. The interior can also see a Luxury Package ($3,300) with 30-way adjustable and massage-capable front seats, a 28-speaker audio system, and rear sunshades. Finally, the Class IV Trailer Tow Package ($500) outfits the Aviator for towing duty.
To bundle features, the Reserved is also offered with two equipment collections. The Reserve I ($4,930) includes a panoramic roof along with the Elements Package Plus and Lincoln’s Co-Pilot suite of safety technologies, which includes adaptive cruise control, active parking assistance, and evasive steering assistance.
The Reserve II package ($11,625) includes all of the above plus the Luxury Package, the Tow Package, 22-inch wheels, adaptive headlights, and a light-up grille emblem. Adding Reserve II requires selecting all-wheel drive, but with it equipped, buyers can also add a Dynamic Handling Package ($3,000) for the adaptive air suspension, road scanning, and adaptive steering.
With either equipment collection, the second-row captain’s chairs may be switched out for a folding bench.
Grand Touring
The Grand Touring trim is similar to the Reserve trim, but comes with all-wheel drive and the plug-in hybrid powertrain, all for a starting price of $69,895. Also standard are 20-inch wheels, the panoramic roof, and unique exterior accents.
This trim gets the same basic packages as the Reserve trim, but with different equipment collections. The Grand Touring I ($7,680) includes the Elements Package Plus, the Convenience Package, the Co-Pilot 360 safety features, the adaptive headlights, and the light-up emblem. The Grand Touring II ($14,750) adds all of the above plus 21-inch rims, the Luxury Package, the Tow Package, and the adaptive suspension gear.
Black Label
Lincoln’s Black Label trim starts from $78,790 for the base engine. Twenty-two-inch wheels are standard, along with the Luxury Package, the Convenience Package, the lighting upgrades, and the panoramic roof. Opting for a Black Label car also opens up Lincoln’s interior “themes,” which bring dramatic interior trim and upholstery designs with names like “Chalet” and “Flight.”
The only remaining packages are the Tow Package and the adaptive suspension, which can be added as part of the Dynamic Handling Package for $3,000.
Black Label Grand Touring
To top it all off, the Black Label Grand Touring trim starts at $88,895. Along with the plug-in hybrid power and all-wheel drive, this trim gets 21-inch wheels, the adaptive suspension, unique exterior accents, and all the features of the Black Label trim. The only non-standard option is the Tow Package.
The Black Label themes are striking and sumptuous, but better value can be found lower in the 2020 Lincoln Aviator lineup. The Reserve trim is luxurious enough for most buyers, especially with the Reserve I bundle to add upgraded seating and active safety features.
