2022 Lincoln Aviator Review: American Made Luxury
Gone are the days when we'd advise you to buy German instead of buying a Lincoln Aviator. Need to buy a luxury crossover or SUV and have between $50,000 and $80,000 to spend? The good news is that there are many options worldwide, but what if you wanted to buy American? The US makes many good SUVs, but most of them struggle compared to their German rivals. Enter the Aviator, built right here in Illinois, USA.
Historically, Lincoln has struggled to match vehicles like the BMW X5, Porsche Cayenne, and the Audi Q7. Not to mention the Swedes (Volvo XC90) and South Korea (Genesis GV80).
The Aviator enters the fight with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine that provides 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. There's even a 494-hp hybrid model available to those who want to tread lightly. It also takes an elegant, minimalist approach to interior and exterior design.
2022 Aviator Exterior
Dimensions
| Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 199.3 in | 119.1 in | 69.6 in | 82.3 in | 66.9 in | 66.9 in | 4,774.0 lbs |
2022 Aviator Performance
Handling and Driving Impressions
We're big fans of Lincoln's brazen-faced approach to ride quality. You get the feeling that if an engineer were to mention the words "driver engagement," they'd be executed on the spot. An SUV is inherently unfit for ultimate driving pleasure, so why even bother. Many SUVs have had their ride quality ruined to make it more fit for track duty but what is the point?
We like our SUVs to be comfortable and cozy, yet predictable and planted. The Aviator delivers all of this, and then some. It doesn't mind high-speed corners, but the steering is devoid of any feel, and the V6's soundtrack isn't allowed to enter the cabin. Simply put, you wouldn't want to drive it in a lively manner.
The Aviator is best enjoyed making steady progress, soaking up bumps and undulations. It does this exceptionally well and even better if you opt for the optional adaptive suspension. Even with massive 22-inch alloy wheels, the Aviator manages to remain comfortable. This is an impressive feat worthy of the highest praise.
2022 Aviator Interior
2022 Aviator Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
| Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 6 Years / 70,000 Miles | 5 Years / Unlimited 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 New Lincoln Aviator A Good SUV?
Yes. Buying German is no longer the default answer in this particular segment. The Lincoln Aviator is a vehicle that's a worthy adversary to the established players in the segment.
The interior is a win for Lincoln as it's filled to the brim with the latest tech and high-quality materials. Ride quality is superb, especially if you opt for the optional adaptive suspension. We love the fact that Lincoln didn't bother to make the Aviator feel sporty. Instead, this car embraces comfort. The available engines are fantastic as well. The 400-hp unit is already brisk, and the 494-hp hybrid is relatively efficient as well.
You no longer have to use the "buying American" excuse, as this SUV has more than enough positive attributes to justify its existence.
2022 Lincoln Aviator Comparisons
2022 Lincoln Aviator vs Lincoln Navigator
The main question here is how much space you need. With the Navigator being a much larger vehicle, it offers quite a lot more room across the board. They both share the same design DNA, though we think the smaller Aviator pulls it off a little better. The Navigator is equipped with a larger 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 delivering 450 hp but weighs a lot more. That means the Aviator feels more responsive, and it's more efficient.
Still, the Navigator badge carries a lot of prestige, but we're not 100% convinced it's $25,000 better than its smaller brother. If you have the cash and you need the space, the Navigator is the obvious choice. Having said that, you wouldn't feel short-changed if you opted for the Aviator.
2022 Lincoln Aviator vs Ford Explorer
These two cars share a platform, but they couldn't be any different. Reviews show that Ford went in a sportier, edgier direction, as can be seen by how it looks and feels in the way it drives. The Lincoln takes a more refined approach, resulting in a more upmarket feel. This is reflected in the pricing. The Ford Explorer range more or less ends where the Aviator range starts.
Lincoln adds more standard luxury features, but Ford offers a more engaging ride. It can also be ordered with a more frugal 2.3-liter engine that's nearly as fast. We think it's doubtful these two SUVs will attract the same customer, but if luxury is a primary factor, the Aviator is worth a test drive.