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2025 Subaru Impreza Review2023 Lincoln Aviator: All the Luxury
What do our experts think of the 2023 Lincoln Aviator? We look at powertrain, interior options, trim levels, and more. Find out our thoughts here.
What’s New for the 2023 Lincoln Aviator?
Though the 2023 Lincoln Aviator is technically part of the second generation, gen-one was way back in 2003 so they’re effectively unrelated. Riding on a platform shared with the Ford Explorer, the 3-row Aviator is no longer an example of Badge Engineering 101 with its sleek bodywork and far more upscale interior.
Aiming for the German luxury crowd, the Aviator certainly has the price tag to match and, for those uninterested in supposed brand cache, the overall package to go with it. Updates for 2023 are few and include a Jet Appearance package that adds black-finished bits, a two-tone exterior Luxe option, plus new colors in the form of Diamond Red and Jewel Sandstone.
2023 Lincoln Aviator – lincoln.com | Shop 2023 Lincoln Aviator on Carsforsale.com
The Breakdown
Plenty of power
Snappy cabin design
Low-slung styling
Big price tags
Unimpressive fuel economy
No BlueCruise
A compelling luxury SUV
2023 Aviator Specs
- 400 horsepower from base engine
- 415 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 5 available trims
- 18 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- 78 cu-ft of cargo capacity with seats down
- Stout 6,700-lb towing capacity
- Revel audio system with 28 speakers
- Evasive Steering Assist can swerve for you
- Lifetime roadside assistance
2023 Lincoln Aviator Powertrain
Standard, Reserve, and Black Label Aviators come fitted with a 3.0L twin-turbocharged V6 rated for 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. This pairs with a 10-speed automatic transmission to spin the rear wheels, though AWD is available for an extra $2,500. Grand Touring models come only in AWD and with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. Though it sounds like the efficiency-minded option, it’s better to think of this setup as the replacement for a V8. Cranked up to 494 hp and 630 lb-ft of twist, this PHEV is quick at five seconds to 60, but not particularly fuel efficient.
All 2023 Lincoln Aviators ride on a four-corner independent suspension tuned for comfort over athleticism, which makes sense considering Grand Touring models tip the scales at a whopping 5,670 pounds. That cushy ride can be made even plusher with the addition of adaptive dampers and air bladders, in place of coil springs, all around. This setup comes standard from the Grand Touring on up and is an interesting high-end feature considering big-brother Navigator, which we compare to the Aviator here, does not offer it.
Towing & Payload
The base 2023 Lincoln Aviator can tow 6,700 pounds, a number that easily bests the 5,000-pound capacity of Acura’s MDX that we compare here. Though more potent, the PHEV Aviator is only rated for 5,600 pounds of towing. Hill Start Assist is lineup-standard and for $500, owners can add a towing package that includes a 4/7-pin wiring harness, Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with trailer coverage, a Class IV hitch, and Trailer Sway Control.
2023 Lincoln Aviator Fuel Economy & MPG
In standard form, the 2023 Aviator has an EPA rating of 18 mpg in city driving and 26 on the highway. Models with AWD can expect 17 and 24 mpg, respectively. The plug-in hybrid powertrain does only slightly better with a rating of 19/27 mpg in city/highway driving. However, you can select an EV-only driving mode that enables up to 21 miles of cruising on electrons only.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
Credit to Lincoln for a knockout cabin style that radiates effortless elegance. Leatherette is standard with a variety of genuine animal hide options further up the trim ladder. Stepping up to a Black Label variant unlocks the choice of three themes with names like Flight and Chalet. They certainly look the part with relatively flamboyant patterns to go with open-pore wood and engine-turned aluminum accents.
Every 2023 Aviator has three rows of seating for up to seven occupants, though you can select captain’s thrones in the middle row if six seats are enough. Both rear rows fold flat – with power operation on the more expensive trims – to open up a maximum of 78 cubic feet of cargo space. Acoustic laminated glass on the windshield and front row windows helps keep the outside din to a min and available Active Noise Control further hushes ambient sounds.
Heat, ventilation, and even massaging seats are available on the Aviator with the ultra-plush “Perfect Position” front buckets offering power-extendable thigh cushions. Opting for the panoramic sunroof, rear window shades, and active cabin-air monitoring system are all part of the Aviator’s mission to deliver that namaste lifestyle on four wheels. They even offer a 1-year membership to the meditation app Calm.
Entertainment & Technology
Lincoln keeps the tech stuff simple on the 2023 Aviator by fitting all models with a 12-inch digital gauge cluster and 10-inch infotainment touchscreen. Sprouting from the center stack, this interface manages the Apple and Android smartphone mirroring, systems that we dive into here. Other standard fare includes four USB ports, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and Alexa capability.
High-end audio firm Revel offers 14- and 28-speaker premium sound systems as you move through the trim lines, the latter of which includes components embedded in the headliner. Phone As A Key is a slick bit of Bluetooth-enabled tech that eliminates the need to carry a traditional fob and features like a head-up display (HUD) and 360° exterior camera add even more luxury credentials to the Aviator.
Safety Features
Forward Collision Mitigation, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Automatic High Beams are all standard active driver aids on the 2023 Aviator. Though Ford’s BlueCruise self-driving system is not available here, Active Park Assist manages throttle, braking, steering, and shifting for parking maneuvers which is pretty neat. IIHS rated the 2022 model a Top Safety Pick and NHTSA tested the new 2023 version, which earned five stars in their crash testing protocol.
2023 Lincoln Aviator Trims & Pricing
Standard – $55,380
The entry-level Aviator rides on 19-inch wheels and comes with rain-sensing windshield wipers, LED headlights, and a power liftgate. Triple-zone automatic climate control and a frameless auto-dim rearview mirror are inside along with heated front seats and “Soft Touch” upholstery. Apple and Android integration are managed via the 10-inch central touchscreen.
Reserve – $60,545
Reserve models sport a panoramic sunroof and hands-free liftgate. Leather and quadruple-zone HVAC upgrades the interior ambiance along with a wireless phone charging pad, voice-activated navigation, and 14-speaker Revel audio system.
Grand Touring – $71,230
Fitted with the plug-in hybrid running gear, Grand Touring models also have 21-inch wheels and ride on adaptive dampers. To really jack up the pizazz, and price tag, don’t miss the Chroma Caviar Dark Gray paint job for an extra $2,000.
Black Label – $82,765
Black Label Aviators are brimming with content like soft-close doors, adaptive headlights, fancier leather, and 30-way front seats with heat, ventilation, and massaging capability. Revel’s epic 28-speaker stereo is included here as is a HUD and Adaptive Cruise Control.
Black Label Grand Touring – $91,320
Approaching six figures, this top-spec model rides on the “Air Glide” suspension, has speed-dependent headlights, ambient cabin lighting, Evasive Steering Assist, and self-parking tech. With a nearly $40,000 gap between this model and the base Aviator, it might be worth reading through our article on choosing the best trim level for your needs.
Warranties
Lincoln has a robust warranty with 4-year/50,000-mile basic coverage, six years or 70,000 miles of powertrain coverage, and four years or 50,000 miles of vehicle pickup and delivery when it’s time for service. However, if you want the service itself to be included, you’ll need an Aviator with the Black Label designation.
What we think
2023 Lincoln Aviator – lincoln.com | Shop 2023 Lincoln Aviator on Carsforsale.com
It’s not easy to pen a large three-row SUV with lines that don’t blend into the sea of bland blobs crowding the streets these days. But the 2023 Lincoln Aviator, with an athletic stance on drawn-back haunches, manages to escape said blobbiness and look quite sharp in the process.
Both powertrains are plenty potent, though the PHEV seems a bit silly and quite expensive. On that note, the Aviator is no cheap date, but then again, neither is a Volvo XC90, so don’t miss our latest new car incentives breakdown. The Reserve model is certainly the smart value play, but I’d be wanting a Black Label simply for that glorious cabin.
