2022 Lincoln Aviator

2022 Lincoln Aviator Overview

Is the Lincoln Aviator a Good SUV?

Yes, the 2022 Lincoln Aviator is an excellent three-row luxury SUV . The Aviator has an elegant interior with roomy first- and second-row seats, an expansive cargo area, and a very easy-to-use infotainment system. It accelerates swiftly, thanks to its twin-turbo V6 engine, and its suspension yields a composed and blissfully smooth ride. A host of driver assistance features comes standard, like blind spot monitoring and automatic emergency braking. Lincoln also has a longer warranty than many other luxury brands.

The Aviator's demerits are few and far between. If we're nitpicking, the third row isn't exactly adult-friendly, nor is the hybrid version particularly fuel-efficient.

Should I Buy the Lincoln Aviator?

You should definitely consider the 2022 Lincoln Aviator if you're shopping for a luxury midsize SUV . It's a well-rounded family hauler with undeniable curb appeal. It isn't the only all-star in this class though. Before you buy, you may also want to check out the three-row Acura MDX , Volvo XC90 , or Lexus RX 350L . All three command lower starting prices than the Aviator.

Find a 2022 Lincoln Aviator for sale near you »

Why You Can Trust Us: 18 Reviews Analyzed

We’ve analyzed 18 Lincoln Aviator reviews, as well as data points like reliability scores and fuel economy estimates, to help you make the best car-buying decision possible. This 2022 Aviator review incorporates applicable research for all models in this generation, which launched for 2020.

U.S. News Best Cars has been ranking and reviewing vehicles since 2007, and our staff has more than 75 years of combined experience in the auto industry. To ensure our objectivity, we never accept expensive gifts from carmakers, and an outside firm manages the ads on our site.

2021 vs. 2022 Lincoln Aviator: What's the Difference?

Lincoln breathed new life into the Aviator nameplate for 2020 after a lengthy hiatus, and it has carried over into 2021 and 2022 with minimal updates.

Compare the 2021 and 2022 Aviator »

Here are the key changes for the Lincoln Aviator over the last few years:

• 2020: relaunched as an all-new SUV after a 15-year hiatus (start of second generation)
• 2021: no notable changes
• 2022: no notable changes

If you're considering an older model, be sure to read our 2020 Aviator and 2021 Aviator reviews to help make your decision. Also, check out our Best New Car Deals and Best New Car Lease Deals pages to learn about savings and discounts you can find on new vehicles.

Pricing

How Much is a 2022 Lincoln Aviator?

The Lincoln Aviator Standard has a $51,465 starting price, which is about average for a three-row SUV in this segment. The price climbs to $57,355 and $68,360 for the midrange Reserve and Grand Touring trims, respectively, but it soars to more than $80,000 for the range-topping Black Label models.

Check out our U.S. News Best Price Program for great savings at your local Lincoln dealer. You can also find excellent manufacturer incentives on our Lincoln deals page .

Lincoln Aviator Versus the Competition

Lincoln Aviator vs. Lincoln Nautilus

The Lincoln Nautilus is a two-row luxury midsize SUV , and it provides a few key benefits over its Aviator sibling. First off, it's less expensive. Pricing starts at just $42,500 compared to the $51,000-and-up Aviator. The Nautilus also returns better gas mileage, thanks to its standard turbo-four engine, and it packs the brand's latest SYNC 4 infotainment system. The Nautilus is a very good five-seat SUV and a relative bargain, but the Aviator is ultimately more practical for growing families. It has seven seats, a larger cargo area, and brawnier towing ability.

Compare the Aviator and Nautilus »

Lincoln Aviator vs. Lincoln Navigator

The full-size Lincoln Navigator flips the script. The Navigator is a luxury large SUV , and it provides far more cargo space (up to 120 cubic feet) than the Aviator, plus third-row seats that can comfortably fit adults. The Navigator handily tops the Aviator in towing capacity as well. The downside is that the Navigator is much more expensive to buy than the Aviator. Pricing starts at around $77,000. The Navigator also doesn't handle as well, and it yields worse fuel economy. The Aviator is a better buy, so long as you don't need that heavy-duty capability.

Compare the Aviator and Navigator »

Lincoln Aviator vs. Cadillac XT6

The Cadillac XT6 is a close competitor to the Aviator, at least on paper. It's an American-made luxury midsize SUV with three rows of seats, similar cargo space, and a slew of standard safety features. It even beats the Aviator in a few areas. Namely, it has a slightly lower starting price, it returns better fuel economy estimates with its base four-cylinder engine, and its third row is roomier. Despite this, the XT6 falls short of the Aviator overall. The Lincoln has a much higher-end interior, zestier engine performance, stronger towing ability, and a silkier ride. Stick with the Aviator.

Compare the Aviator and XT6 »

Compare the Aviator, Nautilus, and Navigator »

Aviator Interior: Now Boarding First Class

Aviator Interior Quality

The 2022 Lincoln Aviator shares its bones with the Ford Explorer , but you can't tell from poking around inside. The interior has a lovely retro-meets-modern aesthetic, with numerous soft-touch plastics and upholstered surfaces blended together with chrome and wood accents. Build quality is excellent, and the cabin remains quiet at cruising speeds. Even the piano key gear selector is elegantly wrought. It might not be as luxe as its Mercedes-Benz and Audi rivals, but it's close.

Aviator Infotainment, Bluetooth, and Navigation

The Lincoln Aviator is outfitted with a 10.1-inch touch screen mounted high on the dashboard, and it's easy to see, reach, and operate with minimal distractions. That's partly due to the simple SYNC 3 menu structure but also the many buttons and knobs on the center stack for the audio and climate controls. It's by far one of the most user-friendly infotainment systems in this class.

The Aviator offers several other handy features, including keyless entry via a smartphone app and a dual-screen entertainment system for back-seat passengers. The standard 10-speaker stereo is good, but the optional 14- and 28-speaker Revel sound systems blow it away with terrific audio quality.

• Standard infotainment features: a 10.1-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, a 10-speaker stereo, Bluetooth, four USB ports, and a Wi-Fi hot spot
• Available infotainment features: navigation, HD Radio, wireless device charging, a 14- or 28-speaker Revel sound system, and a rear-seat entertainment system with two 10-inch displays
• Additional standard features: tri-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry, push-button start, and remote start
• Other available features: quad-zone automatic climate control, a panoramic sunroof, rear sunshades, ambient lighting, and a digital key

For more information, read What Is Apple CarPlay? , What Is Android Auto? , and What Is Amazon Alexa Auto?

Aviator Cargo Space

The Lincoln Aviator has 18.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind its third-row seats, 41.8 cubic feet with these seats folded, and a generous 77.7 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. That's one of the largest cargo capacities in the luxury midsize SUV class , and the seats-down figure means there is ample room for picking up bulky items at the hardware store.

A power liftgate comes standard. A hands-free power liftgate is available.

How Many People Does the Aviator Seat?

The 2022 Lincoln Aviator is a three-row luxury SUV with seven seats. A six-seat layout is available, and it swaps the second-row bench seat for two captain's chairs with a center console in between.

The Aviator's front seats are supple and highly adjustable, and they are complemented by ample headroom and legroom. But the seatbacks are a bit narrow, which can create pressure points for broader occupants. The second row is similarly spacious, and it can accommodate adults with wiggle room to spare. The third row is fairly easy to access, but there isn't much legroom, and the knees-up seating position isn't very comfortable. It should be fine for smaller children though.

Synthetic leather upholstery, 10-way power-adjustable front seats, and heated front seats are standard. Leather upholstery, 12- or 30-way power-adjustable front seats, ventilated and massaging front seats, heated and ventilated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel are available.

Aviator and Child Car Seats

The Lincoln Aviator has four complete sets of LATCH connectors. The tether anchors could be confused for other hardware, but this system is otherwise easy to use.

Read more about interior »

Aviator Performance: Up, Up, and Away

Aviator Engine

Lincoln offers the 2022 Aviator with two engine options. The standard configuration includes a 400-horsepower twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine with 400 horsepower, a 10-speed automatic transmission, and either rear- or all-wheel drive. The second configuration is exclusive to the Grand Touring trims. It adds an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack to that V6 powertrain, resulting in a plug-in-hybrid system with 494 horsepower.

The standard setup is more than capable of shuttling the Aviator around town and up to speed. Acceleration is smooth and reassuring, thanks in part to the transmission's seamless shifts, and passing maneuvers are executed quickly and confidently. You can hear a bit of a rumble from the exhaust under hard acceleration, but most of the time the V6 just hums along quietly.

The hybrid system adds complexity that doesn't always go unnoticed. The Aviator Grand Touring accelerates slowly in its dedicated EV mode, which provides about 21 miles of all-electric range. It's downright fast in its hybrid mode, but the drivetrain occasionally judders when transitioning between electric and gas power. We suspect most drivers will prefer the nonhybrid version.

Aviator Gas Mileage

Fuel economy ratings for the 2022 Lincoln Aviator haven’t been released yet, but the similar 2021 Aviator gets an EPA-rated 18 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway in its rear-wheel-drive configuration, which is roughly average for a luxury midsize SUV . This rating drops to 17/24 mpg for all-wheel-drive models.

The plug-in-hybrid Aviator Grand Touring gets a fair 56 MPG-equivalent in combined city/highway driving when operating in EV mode and 23 mpg combined when in hybrid mode. Recharging its 13.6-kWh lithium-ion battery pack takes three to four hours using a 240-volt outlet.

For more information, read What Is MPGe?

Aviator Ride and Handling

The Lincoln Aviator is a large and heavy SUV, and it mostly feels like one when driving down the road. It doesn't dart into turns or inspire sporty cornering like some of its European rivals, but its body motions are kept under control, and it's reasonably easy to maneuver and park on city streets. Think stable and composed, not lively. The Aviator's steering has a nice heft and response, and its brakes provide confident stopping power.

Its greatest asset may be its ride quality. The pliant suspension irons out bumps and dips in the road, yielding a smooth and comfortable ride, at least in models outfitted with the 19- and 20-inch wheels. The optional adaptive suspension improves this even further. It can scan the road surface and quickly stiffen or soften the shock absorbers, allowing the SUV to seemingly glide across potholes.

Aviator Towing Capacity

The Lincoln Aviator can tow up to 6,700 pounds when properly equipped with its Class IV tow package. The Grand Touring hybrid models have a lower 5,600-pound tow rating.

Read more about performance »

Aviator Reliability

Is the Lincoln Aviator Reliable ?

The 2022 Lincoln Aviator has a predicted reliability score of 75 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average, and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.

Lincoln Aviator Warranty

The Lincoln Aviator has a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty. Lincoln also covers the Aviator Grand Touring models with an additional eight-year/100,000-mile hybrid component warranty.

Read more about reliability »

2022 Lincoln Aviator Safety

Score: 9.7/10

Crash Test Results

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the 2022 Lincoln Aviator an overall safety rating of five out of five stars. The Aviator earned five stars in the frontal and side crash tests and four stars in the rollover test.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has not evaluated the 2022 Aviator at the time of writing. However, the organization gave the similar 2021 model good ratings across the board.

Safety Features

Standard driver assistance features:

• Rearview camera
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Blind spot monitoring
• Rear cross traffic alert
• Forward collision warning
• Pedestrian detection
• Automatic emergency braking
• MyKey (lets you do things like set speed and audio volume limits for secondary drivers)
• Lane keep assist
• Automatic high-beam headlights

Available driver assistance features:

• Surround-view parking camera system
• Hands-free park assist
• Adaptive cruise control with lane centering
• Road sign recognition
• Rear collision warning
• Head-up display
• Adaptive headlights

Aviator Dimensions and Weight

The Aviator is 16.6 feet long. Its curb weight ranges from 4,745 to 5,673 pounds.

Where Is the 2022 Lincoln Aviator Built?

Lincoln builds the 2022 Aviator in Illinois.

Which Lincoln Aviator Model Is Right for Me?

The 2022 Lincoln Aviator comes in five trims: Standard, Reserve, Grand Touring, Black Label, and Black Label Grand Touring.

The Standard, Reserve, and Black Label trims are outfitted with a 400-horsepower V6 engine. The Grand Touring trims are equipped with a plug-in-hybrid version of this powertrain, which returns slightly better fuel economy and a heftier 494 horsepower.

The Standard trim is a good starting point for most shoppers, thanks to its wide array of standard tech and safety features. That said, we think many shoppers will find better value in the Reserve trim, which adds luxuries like leather upholstery, second-row captain's chairs, and a hands-free liftgate.

Lincoln Aviator Standard

The entry-level Aviator Standard trim costs $51,465 for rear-wheel-drive models and $53,965 for all-wheel-drive models. Standard tech features include a 10.1-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth, four USB ports, satellite radio, a 10-speaker stereo, and a Wi-Fi hot spot.

Additional standard features include remote start, tri-zone automatic climate control, synthetic leather upholstery, 10-way power-adjustable front seats, heated front seats, second- and third-row bench seats (seven-seat layout), a power liftgate, and 19-inch wheels. Standard safety features include a rearview camera, front and rear parking sensors, LED headlights with automatic high beams, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and blind spot monitoring.

Options include navigation ($500), a Class IV tow hitch ($500), a Premium package ($1,500) with 20-inch wheels and a panoramic sunroof, and an Elements package ($1,000) with a heated steering wheel and heated second-row seats.

Lincoln Aviator Reserve

The uplevel Aviator Reserve rings in at $57,355 for rear-wheel-drive models and $59,885 for models with all-wheel drive. This trim adds navigation, HD Radio, a 14-speaker stereo, wireless device charging, quad-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, 12-way power-adjustable front seats, second-row captain's chairs with a center console (six-seat layout), ambient interior lighting, a panoramic sunroof, a hands-free power liftgate, a surround-view parking camera system, and 20-inch wheels.

Several options are available for this trim, including a second-row bench seat, the Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system with two 10-inch displays, and adaptive pivoting headlights.

The Reserve I package ($6,380) adds a heated steering wheel, heated second-row seats, a digital key, a head-up display, and the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 1.5 Plus suite (hands-free park assist, adaptive cruise control, and rear collision warning). The Elements Plus package ($1,450) adds ventilated first- and second-row seats. The Luxury package ($3,300) adds 30-way power-adjustable front seats, massaging front seats, sunshades, and a 28-speaker stereo. Lastly, the Dynamic Handling package ($2,400) adds an adaptive suspension with road-scanning.

Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring

The Aviator Grand Touring trim starts at $68,360. This trim features a plug-in-hybrid system with a 13.6-kWh lithium-ion battery and standard all-wheel drive, as well as 21-inch wheels. Otherwise, it shares its standard and available features with the Reserve trim.

Lincoln Aviator Black Label

The posh Aviator Black Label trim costs $79,350, and it's offered solely with all-wheel drive. This trim includes all of the Reserve standard features, in addition to 22-inch wheels, adaptive headlights, and power soft-close doors. The Reserve I, Elements Plus, and Luxury packages are also included.

All other options carry over unchanged.

Lincoln Aviator Black Label Grand Touring

This range-topping trim costs $87,905 and includes the Grand Touring plug-in-hybrid system, plus all of the Black Label standard features.

Check out our U.S. News Best Price Program for great savings at your local Lincoln dealer. You can also find excellent manufacturer incentives on our Lincoln deals page .

See 2022 Lincoln Aviator specs and trims »

The Final Call

Though it may be a relative newcomer, the 2022 Lincoln Aviator has what it takes to rival established luxury midsize SUVs like the Audi Q7 , BMW X5 , and Mercedes-Benz GLE . The Aviator impresses with its high-end cabin materials, genteel ride, refined V6 powertrain, and intuitive tech features. It's practical as well, thanks to its large cargo hold, many safety features, and standard seven-passenger layout.

Don't just take our word for it. Check out comments from some of the reviews that drive our rankings and analysis.

• "With a stylish exterior, a plush cabin, and a pair of potent powertrains, the 2022 Lincoln Aviator offers nearly the same luxury experience as the larger Navigator, but its more compact, mid-size dimensions make it easier to live with." -- Car and Driver
• "The Aviator is a world-class luxury SUV capable of running with rivals like the BMW X5, Audi Q7, Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class and the Cadillac XT6." -- Autotrader (2021)
• "As the all-new 2020 starts at $52,000, we see no reason why it won't be a strong contender in its midsize luxury SUV class, unlike its very nice but slow-selling 2003-to-2005 predecessor." -- Truck Trend (2020)