Aviator

Make
Lincoln
Segment
SUV

Lincoln seems to be in the midst of an awakening with new products like the 2020 Aviator SUV. All of the news leading up to the Aviator's reveal has been positive, including a relatively affordable starting price of $52,195 and up to 26 mpg on the highway with the base gasoline drivetrain. 26 mpg is impressive for a large vehicle with a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 producing 400 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque, and the hybrid version is even more powerful (and economical) with 450 hp and 600 lb-ft of torque.

But as it turns out, those initial power and torque figures were not accurate.

CarBuzz was given the spec sheets for the Aviator in preparation for our First Drive, and much to our surprise, the final output figures are even better than initially anticipated.

A Lincoln spokesperson confirmed to CarBuzz that "The HP/TQ figures for both Aviator Gas and Aviator Grand Touring are now the final, certified numbers." The 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 still produces 400 hp, but the torque figure has gone up from 400 to 415 lb-ft – a modest but welcome increase. The hybrid model makes even more than expected, though, with power jumping from 450 hp to 494 hp and torque from 600 lb-ft to 630 lb-ft.

Fuel economy has yet to be rated for the plug-in hybrid model, though we expect it to beat by some margin the base drivetrain's 18/26/21 mpg city/highway/combined ratings with rear-wheel-drive, and 17/24/20 ratings with all-wheel-drive. The hybrid will also be capable of driving for several miles on electric power alone.

The vehicle also includes impressive features like an optional 28-speaker Revel Ultima audio system and a highly advanced adaptive suspension system. Coupled with stunning good looks, a classy interior, and these latest power figures, the Aviator is shaping up to be a major disrupter in the luxury SUV segment.