The mid-size SUV segment is still one of the most fruitful for automakers and Lincoln wants in on the party. While the automaker's last offering in the segment, the MKT, wasn't that competitive, the new Aviator that made its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show looks to be a lot more promising.
Following the concept that was at this year's New York Auto Show, the Aviator shares a similar design to the Lincoln Continental sedan and recently-released Navigator. Upon closer inspection, the Aviator looks like a smaller version of the Navigator, which is a great thing.
The Aviator rides on a new, rear-wheel-drive architecture that will be shared with the upcoming Ford Explorer, which is expected to be new, as well. So for the time being, the Aviator doesn't have a non-luxury partner. While the rear-wheel-drive platform (all-wheel drive is available) and stylish exterior are impressive, the Aviator's powertrain is even more stunning.
The standard setup is a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 that churns out 400 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission is the standard pairing for the engine. While that's more than enough grunt for a mid-size SUV, the plug-in hybrid Aviator gets an electric motor that raises power to 450 hp and 600 lb-ft of torque.
With available six- or seven-passenger layouts, the Aviator slots in just below the Navigator and the Nautilus in terms of size and power. Speaking of the inside, the cabin is as plush as you would imagine for being similar to the Navigator.
Lincoln didn't provide all of the juicy details on the SUV, but things like 30-way front seats with a massage function, a 28-speaker Revel audio system, and two different consoles for buyers that opt for second-row captains chairs will be available. On top of those features, there's a new steering wheel that has buttons at the 10-o'clock position, while the Detroit Symphony Orchestra recorded 25 different chimes and sounds for alerts.
Since the Aviator slots nicely in between the Nautilus and Navigator, we expect the same to hold true when it comes to pricing, whenever that figure is released. While pricing still remains a mystery, so does when the SUV will officially go on sale. All we know is that the Aviator will hit dealers in 2019 as a 2020 model.
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