Lincoln. The very name evokes a sense of classic American automotive luxury, from presidential limousines to the iconic Continental. For many, including myself, a Lincoln was an early taste of automotive grandeur. My first car, a ’76 Continental Mark IV, was a testament to this – a land yacht of chrome and leather that, despite its fuel-guzzling nature, instilled a feeling of youthful freedom and prestige. But times change, and Lincoln has evolved. Sedans have given way to SUVs, and the focus is now firmly on vehicles like the 2025 Lincoln Aviator Reserve.
This week, I had the pleasure of experiencing the Aviator Reserve, Lincoln’s mid-size, three-row luxury SUV. Positioned between the Corsair and Navigator in Lincoln’s SUV lineup, the Aviator is far from being “mid-size” in presence or impact. It’s a vehicle designed to make a statement, to stand out in a crowded parking lot, and to offer a sanctuary of luxury on wheels. My test model was generously equipped in Reserve trim, enhanced with the Luxury, Illumination, and Dynamic Handling Packages – essentially, the full suite of premium features. Let’s delve into what makes the Lincoln Aviator a compelling contender in the luxury SUV segment.
A Nod to Lincoln’s Legacy: Modern Design with Classic Elegance
The exterior of the Aviator strikes a sophisticated chord without being ostentatious. The signature Lincoln grille, proudly displaying an illuminated Lincoln star, commands attention with a quiet confidence. The adaptive pixel LED headlights, part of the Illumination Package, are not just functional; they are a design element, casting a wide and intelligent beam that enhances both safety and visual appeal. The overall aesthetic is less about shouting for attention and more about whispering refined taste – a mobile embodiment of understated elegance.
Luxurious Interior: Cabin Comfort and Technology
Stepping inside the Aviator is like entering a high-end lounge. The Reserve trim with the Luxury Package envelops you in sumptuous leather seats that feel as if they’ve been hand-stitched for comfort. Genuine wood trim adds a touch of natural warmth, while the Revel Ultima 3D audio system transforms the cabin into a concert hall, making even streaming music sound exceptionally rich. The front seats are heated, ventilated, and offer a massage function – features that go beyond mere comfort and venture into pampering. It’s an environment crafted for relaxation and enjoyment on every journey.
Performance and Driving Dynamics: Twin-Turbo V6 Power
Under the Aviator’s hood lies a potent 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, delivering a robust 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. While not a sports car, the Aviator offers surprising acceleration and confident power for highway merging and passing. The 10-speed automatic transmission operates with seamless smoothness, ensuring gear changes are virtually imperceptible. Equipped with the Dynamic Handling Package, the Aviator also demonstrates commendable cornering ability for its size and weight, offering a composed and stable ride.
Ride Quality and Refinement: The Cloud-Like Experience
Driving the Aviator is akin to floating on a cloud – a very powerful and luxurious cloud. The available Air Glide Suspension is a standout feature, effectively absorbing road imperfections, from minor bumps to significant potholes, providing an exceptionally smooth ride. The cabin is remarkably quiet, isolating passengers from outside noise and creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere. This level of refinement ensures a comfortable and stress-free driving experience, even with passengers in all three rows enjoying ample legroom and dedicated climate controls.
Aviator vs. Sedans: Redefining Lincoln Luxury for a New Era
For those who lament the departure of Lincoln sedans like the Continental, the Aviator serves as a powerful argument for the brand’s modern direction. It captures the essence of what made classic Lincolns desirable – the comfort, the style, and the sense of occasion – and reimagines it in a contemporary SUV format. The Aviator offers a similar level of indulgence and presence as those iconic sedans, but in a package that is more relevant to today’s drivers, without the fuel consumption concerns of the past.
Conclusion: The 2025 Lincoln Aviator – A Worthy Successor
Is the 2025 Lincoln Aviator Reserve a true successor to the grand Lincoln sedans of yesteryear? In many respects, it absolutely is. It embodies the Lincoln spirit of quiet confidence, sophisticated design, and uncompromised comfort. While it may not have the sprawling hood of my ’76 Mark IV, the Aviator evokes a similar sense of automotive passion and enjoyment. It rekindled that youthful enthusiasm for Lincoln, proving that the brand’s magic is alive and well in the SUV era. The Lincoln Aviator Review concludes that this vehicle is not just a luxury SUV; it’s a modern Lincoln that stays true to its heritage while confidently embracing the future.
The 2025 Lincoln Aviator Reserve
MSRP: $60,190
MSRP (as tested): $77,540
Engine: 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6, 400 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm, 415 lb-ft torque @ 3,000 rpm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Fuel mileage (EPA): 18 city, 26 highway, 21 combined
Fuel mileage (as tested, mixed conditions): 20 mpg
Base curb weight: 4,829 lbs.
Exterior Dimensions
Length: 199.3 in.
Overall width with mirrors: 89.9 in.
Overall width without mirrors: 82.3 in.
Height: 69.6 in.
Wheelbase: 119.1 in.
Interior Dimensions
Front headroom: 41.5 in.
Front legroom: 43.0 in.
Front shoulder room: 61.5 in.
Rear headroom: 39.7 in.
Rear legroom: 40.1 in.
Rear shoulder room: 60.0 in.
Cargo capacity, all seats in place: 18.3 cu.ft.
Maximum cargo capacity: 77.7 cu.ft.
Warranty
Basic: 4 yr./50,000 mi.
Drivetrain: 6 yr./70,000 mi.
Rust: 5 yr./unlimited mi.
Roadside assistance: 6 yr./70,000 mi.
