The Aviator’s size makes it a great SUV, but dulls its performance. It’s composed on the highway, but slower than it might be. We give it a 6 for performance.
How fast is the Lincoln Aviator?
The Aviator can hit 60 mph in about seven seconds, thanks to its strong 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6. Rated at 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, the engine doesn’t sound so impressive, but it’s coupled to a 10-speed automatic with decisive, fuss-free shifts. The Aviator weighs at least 4,774 pounds (4,892 pounds with AWD), so it could be even stronger if it were just a little leaner. Drive modes allow the Aviator to shift its mood from sporty to comfortable, as its computer brain alters transmission and throttle and steering settings; in sport mode, it feels more energetic.
Is the Lincoln Aviator 4WD?
An all-wheel-drive system is an option where it’s not standard in the Aviator lineup. It can move power from the rear wheels to the fronts, but it doesn’t shift power across the rear wheels like an X5 or Q7 can. With the tow package, it can pull up to 6,700 pounds.
Base Aviators have a strut and multi-link suspension, but Lincoln offers adaptive steering, suspension, and a set of air springs to give it a more sophisticated ride. We’ve driven the exotic hardware, and even with 22-inch wheels, it’s excellent at tackling long, wide curves. In tighter corners and in sport settings, the Aviator’s bulk turns the ride bouncy and overly firm, at the same time. It’s best left in comfort modes—and in a comfort mindset.
Is the Lincoln Aviator a hybrid?
The Aviator Grand Touring takes the twin-turbo V-6 and hooks it up with a 13.6-kwh lithium-ion battery pack and a 75-kw electric motor for a net of 494 hp and 630 lb-ft of torque, good enough to cut its 0-60 mph time to about six seconds. Weight goes up to 5,673 pounds, so towing goes down to 5,600 pounds.
The Grand Touring has a quiet EV mode, but it’s too noisy otherwise for what’s a very expensive luxury vehicle. Other drive modes can preserve battery charge.
The Grand Touring’s weight and smaller wheels give it a slightly better ride, but its shift quality suffers. With it, the 10-speed automatic clunks and misjudges shifts frequently—and its battery enables only 21 miles of electric driving range.
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