2024 Lincoln Aviator

The great thing about the Aviator is that it has an appeal that goes far beyond flag-waving. Lincoln has created an exceptionally plush SUV with presence, power, and decent resale values — all at a reasonable entry price. There’s plenty of space in the first two rows, plus a big luggage area. The third row gets a bit squeezed between these two elements. If anyone needs room for adults back there, perhaps the larger Lincoln Navigator would be a better call. Otherwise, the Aviator definitely merits closer inspection.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of midsize luxury SUVs, including the Lincoln Aviator.

The entry-level model is now called Premiere. And Lincoln has ditched the Grand Touring version that came with a plug-in hybrid drivetrain. We’re expecting a more thorough shakeup next year, when this generation of Aviator enters its sixth model year.

With the exception of the Acura MDX (from $50K), rivals tend to start at a higher level. The Lexus TX comes in at $55K, with the Volvo XC90 a grand above that. The Genesis GV80 is priced from $57.5K. The Audi Q7 begins at $59.5K, the Mercedes-Benz GLE at $62.6K, and the BMW X5 at $65.2K.

Before buying a new Aviator luxury SUV, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should be paying. Resale values are above the class average.

The one engine available in the 2024 Aviator luxury SUV produces a considerable 400 horsepower. That’s sufficient muscle to enable acceleration from standstill to 60 mph in less than six seconds. In real-world driving, we’ve found that the Aviator can reach freeway speeds with little effort. In fact, the Aviator is about a second quicker to 60 mph than base models of the Acura MDX and Genesis GV80, which come up at least 100 horsepower shy of the Aviator.

Not that blasting around in an Aviator is really on the menu. This is a comfortable people-mover best suited to cruising. And despite the V6 engine’s two turbochargers, we still noticed a little wait for them to spool up and kick in. Adding all-wheel drive also brings an adaptive air suspension. But even with its standard setup, the Aviator is squarely in the comfort camp. Many of our consumer reviews also mention how quiet the drive is.

Fuel Economy

With so much power and weight, it’s hardly surprising that the Aviator is not especially thrifty with gasoline. Rear-drive versions achieve 21 mpg in combined city/highway driving. With all-wheel drive it’s thirstier by one mile per gallon. Or two, if it’s the Black Label. Then again, the all-wheel-drive GV80 with its smallest engine can only manage 22 mpg combined.

Welcome to the palace. This is where the 2024 Aviator really shows its luxury SUV credentials. Although the lowest Premiere trim has simulated leather instead of the real stuff, we think it’s still quite convincing. And the cushioning beneath is more than plush enough. Lincoln offers its 30-way power-adjustable front seats with massaging in the Aviator. Buyers can choose whether to have seating for seven with a bench seat in the second row, or six occupants by opting for a pair of captain’s chairs.

A well-designed dashboard houses a 10.1-inch infotainment system, a 12.3-inch digital driver information display is standard throughout, and chimes performed by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra replace the usual beeps and pings produced by other vehicles.

Maximum legroom in the second row is a generous 40.1 inches (pretty much the best in the class), but 29.2 inches in the third row makes this spot more suitable for smaller family members. Cargo space goes from 18.3 cubic feet behind the third row to 77.7 cubic feet with rows two and three folded down. That’s also good for this category.

A big and imposing look gives the 2024 Aviator all the presence it needs to compete in this luxury SUV category. The Jet package becomes available at the Reserve trim level. Jet is the shade of black in which a set of 22-inch alloy wheels and a host of exterior elements are finished. A similar collection of black-finished elements is in the Black Label Special Edition Luxe package, plus a black roof.

Infotainment system
As well as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Amazon Alexa compatibility, the standard system includes satellite radio and Wi-Fi.

Phone As A Key
The 2024 Aviator can recognize the presence of its owner’s phone and unlock the doors automatically. There’s also a keypad on the driver’s door, a popular feature among the outdoorsy.

Revel audio
Revel (an American company) makes really great-sounding stuff. A 14-speaker system comes as standard in the mid-level Reserve model. An awesome 28-speaker surround-sound system is also available.

Active Park Assist
Bundled in a package of driver aids that’s optional in the Reserve and standard in the Black Label, this self-parking system is a real asset given the Aviator’s size.

Console Vault
This option is an onboard safe, hidden in the center console, made from 12-gauge cold-rolled steel, and comes with a 3-point locking system.

Black Label
Owning a range-topping Black Label version goes beyond having almost everything as standard. Various privileges are also offered (subject to certain conditions) such as pickup and return for scheduled maintenance, free car washes, free car rentals in several cities, and a few other perks.

Every 2024 Aviator SUV employs a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 developing 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission sends that energy to a standard rear-wheel-drive arrangement, with all-wheel drive available.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

Lincoln’s new-vehicle warranty is for four years or 50,000 miles, whichever happens first — so far, so typical. Powertrain coverage of six years or 70,000 miles is a little better than usual. Black Label versions also come with free scheduled maintenance for four years or 50,000 miles.

Safety Ratings

This generation Aviator took a maximum 5-Star overall score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Standard safety features include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, plus blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.