2021 Lincoln Aviator Hybrid Review: High-Class Hybrid Cruiser
Designed for Americans, by Americans, the 2021 Lincoln Aviator Plug-In Hybrid is a premium 5-door midsize SUV that's more powerful than the typical fair at the base level and more commodious by virtue of its expanded dimensions and elongated wheelbase in particular. Power and enormity are American staples when it comes to cars, and Lincoln plays to this superbly with the Aviator to set it apart from its European competition such as the BMW X5 Hybrid and Volvo XC90 Recharge. Powering the all-wheel drive system of the Aviator Hybrid SUV is a sturdy 3.0-liter twin-turbo 6-cylinder engine that's hybridized with an electric motor for a combined system output of 494 horsepower and 630 lb-ft of torque. This setup provides the Aviator PHEV with a relatively impressive five-second 0 to 60 mph sprint time, a 21-mile all-electric range, and a 5,600-pound towing capacity when properly equipped.
Aviator Hybrid Exterior
Dimensions
| Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 199.3 in | 119.1 in | 70.0 in | 82.3 in | 66.9 in | 66.9 in | 5,673.0 lbs |
2021 Aviator Hybrid Performance
Engine and Transmission
Under the sleek hood of the Aviator Plug-In Hybrid SUV is a brawny 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 gas engine strapped with a 13.6 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery. Combined, the powertrain generates up to 494 hp and 630 lb-ft, which accords the Aviator PHEV with some pretty ardent and reliable performance characteristics. No matter the model, outputs are managed by a 10-speed automatic hybrid transmission as standard, and sent to an all-wheel drive setup. Charging the PHEV's battery from dead to full will take just more than 12 hours on a 110-volt household power outlet, but just three or four on a 240-volt outlet.
Aviator Hybrid Interior
Aviator Hybrid Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
| Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Hybrid/Electric Components | Roadside Assistance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 6 Years / 70,000 Miles | 5 Years / Unlimited Miles | 8 Years / 100,000 Miles | Unlimited Years / Unlimited Miles |
US NHTSA Crash Test Result
| Overall Rating | Frontal Barrier Crash Rating | Side Crash Rating | Rollover Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Verdict: Is the 2021 Lincoln Aviator Hybrid A Good SUV?
The 2021 Aviator PHEV is a sophisticated and authoritative cruiser with a commodious and practical interior with a third-row of seats, and oodles of luxury features. It's not the most customizable SUV, however, and not the most fuel-efficient PHEV either. Its main rival, the Volvo XC90 Recharge has proved quite a lot more efficient. Something that may concern some is the fact that the 2021 Lincoln Aviator PHEV forms part of the second-generation Aviator line, which is based on the Ford Explorer's platform. The Explorer is by no means a bad vehicle, though, but the Aviator Plug-In Hybrid offers something very different in that it is a genuinely premium vehicle with its polished, high-grade cabin, and abundance of luxury features. These perks are met with a top-notch safety rating from the NHTSA and IIHS's review of the 2021 Lincoln Aviator Plug-In Hybrid and decent reliability expectations. As a PHEV, the Aviator could be more efficient, even though its 21-mile EV-only range is impressive for a 500-hp car.
What Lincoln Aviator Hybrid Model Should I Buy?
Considering that the 2021 Lincoln Aviator Hybrid SUVs entry price is a steep $69,545 in the US, we'd stick with the entry-level Grand Touring trim. It offers identical performance to the Grand Touring Black Label and still comes outfitted with a ton of desirable creature comforts, conveniences, and advanced driver-assist and safety systems. The Black Label essentially just compounds on the ultra-luxurious side of things, but with the Grand Touring, you still get a comprehensive and contemporary 10.1-inch infotainment system touchscreen with a premium Revel sound system, a leather-clad steering wheel, fine leather upholstery, power front seats, quad-zone automatic climate control, and even a panoramic sunroof.