Lincoln vehicles have long been known for their quiet luxury and emphasis on refinement, and the Aviator falls into line with smooth power, a hushed interior, and sumptuous materials. Smaller than the Navigator, the Aviator falls into the midsize, three-row luxury SUV category, competing with the likes of the Audi Q7, the BMW X7, the Cadillac XT6, and the Volvo XC90.
The Aviator name is a not-so-subtle reference to Lincoln’s aeronautical inspiration for the car. That was arguably at its most obvious with the Kitty Hawk Special Edition, and it’s visible in the current generation, with the aeronautical styling, colors, and themes.
The current generation is packed with safety and tech, including the ability to ditch your key fob and use your phone as the key. Though Apple CarPlay and Android Auto have always been included, wireless CarPlay appeared in 2024 and wireless Auto in 2025.
It isn’t as roomy or as comfortable as the larger Navigator, but it does well as a family vehicle with an occasional-use third row, and it’s much easier to maneuver in urban situations.
Lincoln Aviator: Cost, Reliability, and the Best Years to Buy
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Lincoln Aviator Pros and Cons
- Lincoln Aviator Generations
- Lincoln Aviator Second Generation (2020–present)
- Lincoln Aviator First Generation (2003–2005)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Lincoln Aviator years are the best?
Throughout its life, the Lincoln Aviator has been plagued with recalls and complaints according to CarComplaints.com, but the best year of the current generation seems to be 2023. NHTSA.gov logs “just” eight recalls for this year and only 32 complaints. Previous years see more recalls and complaints, and more recent years are still too new to gauge.
What are the worst Lincoln Aviator years?
Unless you’re going for the nostalgia factor, we’d recommend you steer clear of the first-generation Lincoln Aviator. Though it has fewer recalls, there are a lot more consumer complaints, and CarComplaints.com says 2003 is the worst year, due to body and paint problems, while 2004 logs the most complaints for a crack in the rear panel. In the current generation, the 2020 to 2022 models seemed to be working out the kinks, so we’d probably avoid those, too.
Is a used Lincoln Aviator a good deal?
A used Lincoln Aviator can be a good deal, especially the top-tier Lincoln Aviator Black Label trims. Looking at the 2022 to 2023 model years, you can get up to 40% off the original MSRP—plus all the luxury amenities of a newer model for a significant discount. The lower-grade models will give you $10,000 to $12,000 off the original price, but the biggest bang for your buck is a used Black Label.
Lincoln Aviator Pros and Cons
Pros:
- High level of comfort
- Impressive stereo
- Powerful engine
Cons:
- Cramped third row
- Sync 3 on used models is outdated tech
- Poor rear visibility
Lincoln Aviator Generations
Lincoln Aviator Second Generation (2020–present)
The Lincoln Aviator returned for its second generation after a 15-year hiatus, retaining its three-row SUV status but losing its body-on-frame construction. It still shared a platform with the Ford Explorer, and was available with both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
At launch, the new Lincoln Aviator model had two powertrain options: a straight gasoline model and a plug-in hybrid. Both were powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, but the plug-in hybrid added an electric motor and 13.6-kWh battery pack. The gas model delivered 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, while the PHEV upped the ante with 494 horsepower and 630 lb-ft of torque. The PHEV also had the advantage of 21 miles of all-electric range.
The PHEV models were called Grand Touring, and there were five Lincoln Aviator trim levels from launch: Standard, Lincoln Aviator Reserve, Grand Touring, Black Label, Grand Touring Black Label. Standard features included second-row bench seats, three-zone climate control, Sync 3 infotainment with a touchscreen, automatic emergency braking, blind spot information system, rear cross-traffic alert, lane keeping system, and automatic headlights. Available features included quad-zone climate control, a 14-speaker Revel audio system, a head-up display, 360-degree camera, a panoramic sunroof, adaptive steering, an adaptive suspension with road preview, and a heated steering wheel. Two unique features were standard on the Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring Black Label: a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system and Air Glide Suspension.
While the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 safety suite was standard, the available Co-Pilot 360 Plus added driver assistance features such as adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, evasive steering assist, automatic reverse braking, and active park assist. Additionally, with the available Adaptive Pixel LED Headlamps, the Aviator received adaptive dynamic bending lighting and speed-depending lighting.
Other available tech highlights included Lincoln’s Phone As A Key, Detroit Symphony Orchestra musical alerts, available 30-way Perfect Position seats with massage functionality, a wireless charging pad, and a standard wi-fi hotspot.
The PHEV was discontinued after the 2023 model year due to low demand, and current trims at the time of writing consisted of the Lincoln Aviator Premiere, the Reserve, and the Black Label. This generation got a refresh for 2025, which included a revised front fascia, redesigned headlights, a new Google-based infotainment system (known as the Lincoln Digital Experience), and a refreshed interior. The 2025 Lincoln Aviator also got standard Lincoln Blue Cruise, the company’s highway hands-free driving system, as well as standard phone as key functionality, heated-and-ventilated seating surfaces, and panoramic vista roof. Captain’s chairs were standardized for the second row.
You’ll have to go back to the 2022 or 2023 model years to find a good deal. You can find higher-mileage models (90,000 to 110,000 miles) for around $30,000, but if you’re looking for less than 90,000 miles, you’ll find several good options between $40,000 and $50,000.
Lincoln Aviator First Generation (2003–2005)
The original Lincoln Aviator was little more than a rebadged Mercury Mountaineer/Ford Explorer, though it did take some styling cues from the Navigator. It was equipped with a 302hp V8 engine and a five-speed automatic transmission. The first-gen Aviator had a body-on-frame construction, was available in both RWD or 4WD drivetrains, and could seat up to seven.
The short-lived first-gen Aviator came in two trims at launch: Luxury and Premium. In 2004, the Premium trim was renamed Ultimate. Then, in 2005, Luxury was the only trim. It came standard with fog lights, rear parking sensors, leather seats, power adjustable front seats, height adjustable pedals, dual-zone climate controls, and an in-dash CD player. A rear-seat DVD player and a DVD-based navigation were optional.
A Kitty Hawk Special Edition was available in 2003 to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the Wright Brother’s 1903 flight in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. It included special badging, mink zebrano wood trim, a chrome grille, a rear spoiler, chrome exhaust trim, chrome wheels, Xenon headlights, black leather heated-and-cooled seats, and black exterior paint.
The Aviator left the Lincoln lineup after the 2005 model year, and was replaced by the car-based MKX.
Used vehicles in this generation are few and far between. But if you’re willing to travel, we found 20 of the old Lincoln Aviators for sale nationwide after a quick nationwide search. They were all fairly high mileage, but there were few models with less than 100,000 miles priced between $11,000 and $12,000. If you’re OK with more miles, then $5,000 is possible. Don’t forget this generation’s reliability issues, though.
