For 2020, the Americans are back with two new models aimed at the big mid-size, three-row luxury crossover SUV class: the 2020 Cadillac XT6 and the 2020 Lincoln Aviator.
Now playing:Watch this: 2020 Lincoln Aviator takes off at LA Auto Show
When Lincoln unveiled the Aviator 'concept' at the 2018 New York Auto Show, its doneness and intent for production was patently obvious. Now, just a few short months later, it's time to take a look at the real deal.
The 2020 Lincoln Aviator is a new three-row SUV from Ford's fancy sibling. Think of it as a vehicle that packs all the new-level luxury of the Navigator into a smaller package, and it seals the deal by throwing even more new tech in its direction.
Wagon-ish good looks
The Aviator has a long, low stance, helping separate it from the bulkier Navigator. That gives it a sleeker, almost wagon-like silhouette. I'm not the biggest fan of the headlights, which I think looked better on the concept version, but both the lights and grille are appropriate proportioned for the front end. Take note, Lexus and Cadillac. Lincoln also took the 'floating roof' look one step further by blacking out both the D-pillar and the A-pillar, and I dig it.
Things stay classic around back, where a single red strip of taillight runs the width of the rear end above classy clear lenses. The quad tailpipes give it just the right bit of rebelliousness.
Inside, things stay pretty true to the concept. The interior is laid out elegantly, with a big reliance on horizontal planes on all levels of the dashboard. The steering wheel is new for Lincoln, with a pair of thumb sticks surrounded by illuminated switchgear and a relocated voice recognition button at the 10 o'clock position on the wheel. Higher end trims of Aviator use a turned metal finish in lieu of wood -- it's a nod to the aviation theme, and I think it's damn classy.
I had the opportunity to climb through an Aviator already, and I found ample visibility in the front row and oodles of space in the second row. The third row is more of an occasional fare; while my 6-foot-0 frame fit back there, awkward leg angles make it less viable for long stretches.
Optional hybrid power
The base engine, if you can call it that, is a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 good for 400 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. Since it rides on the new Ford Motor Company platform that will underpin the next Explorer, rear-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional. A 10-speed automatic transmission is standard.
If you really want to hustle the kids to lacrosse practice, though, the Aviator Grand Touring offers plug-in hybrid tech by way of an electric motor sandwiched between the engine and transmission. Net output is 450 horsepower and 600 pound-feet of torque. As for all-electric range and figures of that ilk, Lincoln didn't divulge any battery specifications, saying only that it's compact enough to live under the passenger side of the vehicle without impacting interior space.
The PHEV Aviator will have two additional drive modes, as well, in addition to the usual suspects like sport and bad-weather modes. Pure EV mode will allow the Aviator to roll on electrons alone, while Preserve EV will maintain the battery's current charge level to ensure it's ready when it's needed.
All the tech trimmings
The Aviator is positively brimming with the latest tech Lincoln has to offer. It'll be the first Lincoln to let an owner use their phone as a key. The system runs on Bluetooth Low Energy, and owners can 'pass off' their keys to other people as they see fit. The phone will do everything the regular remote can, including opening the trunk and remotely starting the vehicle. If a phone dies, there's a keypad on the B-pillar that'll grant access to the vehicle, and entering a second code on the touchscreen will permit vehicle operation.
Even its four-corner air suspension is smart. A new system relies on a camera to map the road ahead. It's reportedly capable of measuring the size and depth of potholes or bumps, adjusting the suspension to soak up the bump.
Lincoln's CoPilot360 Plus suite of active and passive driver aids is standard. It can hold itself in the center of its lane on the highway, stopping and going as traffic begins to snarl. It can provide extra boost in the steering to help a driver avoid a collision, and it'll now automatically brake if it believes it'll contact an object when reversing. The automatic parking function now does everything itself -- all an owner needs to do is hold a single button, and it'll take care of the brakes, gas, steering and transmission.
Audiophiles will dig the optional Revel 3D audio upgrade, which packs the cabin with 28 speakers, including some in the headliner. 30-way adjustable power front seats are optional, as is a wireless phone charging pad under the center armrest. A Wi-Fi hotspot that can accommodate 10 devices is standard. The Aviator also has a new HUD that, thankfully, works with polarized sunglasses.
Light on debut deets
When the Aviator goes on sale, the timing of which is still TBD, it'll have some serious competition in the midsize luxury SUV segment. It'll be up against two- and three-row heavy hitters like the Audi Q7, BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class and Volvo XC90. All that torque certainly won't hurt its chances.
![2020 2020](https://cdcssl.ibsrv.net/autodata/images/?IMG=USD00LIS022C01301.jpg&width=390)
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Lincoln Aviator | |
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Overview | |
Manufacturer | Lincoln (Ford) |
Production |
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Model years | |
Body and chassis | |
Class |
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Body style | 5-door SUV |
Layout |
The Lincoln Aviator is an automobile sold by Lincoln, a division of Ford Motor Company from 2002 to 2005, and then since 2019. A mid-size luxury SUV, the Aviator was a rebadged variant of the second generation Mercury Mountaineer (itself based on the Ford Explorer). The Aviator was slotted between the Mountaineer and the Navigator.
Following lower than expected sales, the Aviator was discontinued after the 2005 model year; alongside the Blackwood and Mark LT pickup trucks, it was among the shortest-produced vehicles ever sold by Lincoln. As the division expanded its use of crossover SUVs, the Aviator was not directly replaced; for 2007, the five-passenger MKX (initially intended to wear the Aviator nameplate) was offered with a similar exterior footprint, with the 2009 MKT offering six/seven-passenger seating.
For its entire production run, the first-generation Aviator was assembled at St. Louis Assembly in Hazelwood, Missouri alongside the Explorer and Mountaineer.
In March 2018, Lincoln unveiled the prototype for the second-generation Aviator, entering production in 2019.[2] Scheduled as a 2020 model, the Aviator will replace the MKT in the Lincoln lineup[2][3]
- 1First generation (UN152; 2003–2005)
- 1.4Trim
- 2Second generation (U611; 2020–present )
First generation (UN152; 2003–2005)[edit]
First generation (UN152) | |
---|---|
Overview | |
Production | 2002–2005 |
Model years | 2003–2005 |
Assembly | United States: Hazelwood, Missouri (St. Louis Assembly) |
Body and chassis | |
Platform | Ford U1 platform |
Related | |
Powertrain | |
Engine | 4.6 L ModularV8 (gasoline) |
Power output | 225 kW (302 hp; 306 PS) |
Transmission | 5-speed 5R55Eoverdrive automatic |
Dimensions | |
Wheelbase | 2,888 mm (113.7 in) |
Length | 4,910 mm (193.3 in) |
Width | 1,877 mm (73.9 in) |
Height | 1,826 mm (71.9 in) |
Chronology | |
Successor |
The Aviator was launched for 2003 model year, slotted below the Navigator. As with the Explorer and Mountaineer, a three-row seating configuration was standard; in contrast to the Explorer and Mountaineer, a six-passenger configuration was standard, with bucket seats and a center console in the second row (a second-row bench seat was available as a no-cost option).
Alongside the choice of four-wheel-drive drivetrain configuration and towing packages, the Aviator was offered with relatively few options. In addition to all the standard features, options included heated/cooled front bucket seats, xenon (HID) headlights, 17-inch chrome wheels and a DVD based navigation both of these options were late availability in 2003 on the premium model and 2004 (Ultimate), 2005 (Elite pkg). Shared with the Mountaineer, the Aviator was equipped with dual front/side airbags, side curtain airbags, along with stability and traction control.
Chassis[edit]
Sharing its chassis with the third generation Explorer, the Aviator is derived from the body-on-frame Ford U1 platform. Sharing its 2,888 mm (113.7 in) wheelbase with the Explorer/Mountaineer, the Aviator is fitted with four-wheel independent suspension.
Along with the Explorer and Mountaineer, rear-wheel-drive is standard; the Aviator was offered with all-wheel-drive as an option. A standard towing package was fitted to all AWD Aviators with a heavy-duty towing package optional on either RWD or AWD models.
Powertrain[edit]
In place of the SOHC2-valve version of the 4.6 L ModularV8 shared with the Explorer/Mountaineer and other Ford trucks, the Aviator was fitted with the DOHC4-valve version of the engine, shared with the Mustang Mach 1 and Marauder.
Producing 225 kW (302 hp; 306 PS) and 407 N⋅m (300 lbf⋅ft) of torque, the DOHC V8 engine in the Aviator came with two more horsepower than the 5.4 L V8 in the Navigator (though with 75 N⋅m (55 lbf⋅ft) less of torque). As with the Explorer/Mountaineer, rear-wheel-drive was standard, with Lincoln offering all-wheel-drive as an option; all versions were equipped with a 5-speed 5R55Eoverdrive automatic transmission.
Body[edit]
As with the Mountaineer, the Aviator derived its body construction from the third generation Explorer, sharing its body structure, doors, and roofline with both model lines. The Aviator adopts a number of styling cues from the second generation Navigator which was dubbed 'The Baby Navigator', with visually similar front and rear fascias, lower door panels/running boards, grilles and headlamps, and license plate surrounds. The Aviator was styled with a Lincoln-specific dashboard, adopting a design nearly identical to the Navigator. Styled similar to later-1960s Lincolns, the rectangular-designed dashboard of both models featured an instrument cluster with electroluminescent gauges and needles. The primary visual difference between an Aviator and a Navigator is the lettering on the radio cover panel; an Aviator is lettered 'LINCOLN', with its Navigator counterpart lettered 'NAVIGATOR'. As with the Navigator, the Aviator was given model-specific seats and leather, with American walnut wood trim on the doors and steering wheel.
Trim[edit]
At its 2002 launch, the Aviator followed the trim nomenclature of the LS and Navigator, with a Luxury base trim and Premium top-level trim. For 2004, the Premium trim was renamed Ultimate, matching the Navigator and Town Car. For 2005, the Luxury trim became the sole offering, with previous content remaining available as stand-alone options, including a rear-seat DVD player. An Elite option package was offered, which bundled all features of the Premium/Ultimate trims; the package offered a DVD-based navigation system.
Kitty Hawk Special Edition[edit]
To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Wright Brothers' 1903 flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, and the 100th anniversary of Ford Motor Company, Lincoln created a 'Kitty Hawk' limited edition of the Aviator; it was the official vehicle of the 2003 EAA Countdown to Kitty Hawk. Along with special Kitty Hawk badging and trim, the limited-edition vehicles were fitted with special wood trim which is mink zebrano, argent painted and chrome grille, and a rear spoiler, chrome exhaust tip, chrome wheels, xenon (HID) headlamps, black premium leather heated/cooled seats with Kitty Hawk logo embossed on front seat backs, black carpet floor mats with stitched Kitty Hawk logo, available only in black exterior color.[4]
Marketing and reception[edit]
Lincoln played up the similarity to the Navigator full-size SUV with magazine ads that read, 'Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Especially when it's yourself you're imitating.' The Aviator seemed to have been met with relatively positive press coverage.[5]
While the Aviator's styling borrowed cues from its big brother, the Navigator, it also looked similar to the very widespread Explorer with which it shared the platform. Also working against the Aviator was it was priced similar to the larger and relatively popular Expedition. Car and Driver magazine said in a comparison test, in which the Aviator tied for fifth place, that only the car's high price and lack of certain features and no low range with the 4WD model held it out of contention for the top spots.[6]
- 2005 Lincoln Aviator
- 2004–2005 Lincoln Aviator, rear ¾ (export)
Replacement[edit]
During 2004, Lincoln previewed the second generation of the Aviator at the 2004 Detroit Auto Show, shifting from a three-row SUV to a two-row crossover SUV. Lincoln-Mercury intended for the Aviator to skip the 2006 model year entirely to enter production as an early 2007 model. Based on the Ford CD3 platform (shared with the Fusion sedan), the second generation Aviator was to become the Lincoln counterpart of the newly introduced Edge.
The final Aviator was manufactured on August 19th, 2005, as Ford phased out the third generation Explorer.
During 2005 and 2006, Lincoln underwent a rebranding of its model line. With the exception of the Navigator and Town Car, all future Lincoln vehicles adopted an 'MK' nameplate. Coinciding with lower than expected sales of the 2003–2005 Aviator, the 2007 Aviator crossover SUV was renamed the MKX.
Second generation (U611; 2020–present )[edit]
Second generation (U611[7]) | |
---|---|
The Lincoln Aviator at NYIAS 2019. | |
Overview | |
Production | May 6, 2019-present [8] |
Model years | 2020-present |
Body and chassis | |
Related | Ford Explorer |
Powertrain | |
Engine | 3.0 L twin-turbochargedEcoBoostV6 (gasoline) |
Power output | 298–335.5 kW (400–450 hp; 405–456 PS) and 470-610 lb-ft (532-813 NM) torque |
Transmission | Ford 10R80 10-speed automatic |
Chronology | |
Predecessor | Lincoln MKT |
At the 2018 New York Auto Show, Lincoln unveiled a prototype version of its planned second generation Aviator, slated to enter production in 2019.[2][3] While not announced as a replacement for the MKT, the Aviator will be marketed above the Nautilus and below the standard-wheelbase Navigator.
A more detailed production was later introduced at the Los Angeles Auto Show on November 28, 2018. Lincoln confirmed that the Aviator will go on sale in the Summer of 2019 as a 2020 model in North America and in China afterwards. Lincoln notes that it will be marketed as a mid-size SUV rather than a Crossover.[9]
With 470 horsepower and 610 lb-ft of torque, and all of the power and torque coming from a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 with a hybrid system, the Aviator Hybrid's output makes it on par with likes of other midsize performance SUVs such as the BMW X5 xDrive 50i (456 hp and 479 lb-ft), and the Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid (455 hp and 516 lb-ft).
Vehicle overview[edit]
The 2018 Aviator prototype marked the debut of an all-new vehicle platform for Ford Motor Company; while the vehicle is rear-wheel-drive, the architecture is designed for multiple powertrain layouts, including all-wheel-drive and front-wheel-drive.[2] The second generation Aviator will share its platform architecture with the sixth generation Explorer (currently under development).[2][3] While again mechanically related to the Explorer, the Aviator will be given its own body design.[2] Adopting design cues from the Continental and Navigator, the Aviator adopted conservative exterior styling, to contrast from a 'visual attack' (seen on competing vehicles).[2]
No specific engine or transmission details were announced as part of the unveiling; the production Aviator will offer plug-in hybrid (PHEV) capability as an option, the first Lincoln vehicle to do so.[2][1]
Making their way into the production vehicle, several technology features made their debut on the 2018 prototype Aviator.[2][1] Tying the vehicle camera system with the continuously controlled dampers, Suspension Preview Technology looks at the road ahead for surface irregularities (i.e., potholes), preparing the suspension for impact and its effect on vehicle ride. Phone as a Key allows an Aviator to be driven without keys; the technology allows the smartphone of the owner to serve as the vehicle key fob, with the door-mounted keyless entry keypad allowing access in the event of phone battery failure (the interior is designed with wireless charging for smartphones)[10].
A number of safety technology features are included, with Lincoln CoPilot360 packaging automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, a blind-spot information system with cross-traffic alert, lane keeping system, reverse camera, and auto high-beams. Reverse Brake Assist applies the brakes if the vehicle detects an object when the transmission is in reverse.[2][10]
Lincoln designers worked with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra to compose 25 unique sound effects to be used for the door chime and other indicator alerts for the Aviator.[11]
Sales[edit]
Calendar Year | American sales |
---|---|
2002[12] | 1,856 |
2003 | 29,517 |
2004[13] | 23,644 |
2005 | 15,873 |
2006[14] | 1,711 |
References[edit]
- ^ abc“Lincoln Aviator debuts as stylish 3-row crossover with a surprise” from Autoblog (March 28, 2018)
- ^ abcdefghij'Lincoln Aviator Concept First Look: SUV is Back on New Rear-Drive Platform - Motor Trend'. Motor Trend. 2018-03-27. Retrieved 2018-04-01.
- ^ abc“Lincoln amps up design with Aviator reboot” from The Detroit News (March 28, 2019)
- ^http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lincoln-aviator-kitty-hawk-edition-celebrates-100-years-of-flight-74706312.html
- ^'Lincoln's derailed gravy train hitches to another car.'Archived 2007-09-29 at the Wayback MachineCar and Driver, December 2002.
- ^'The Bradsher Bunch', Car and Driver, January 2003.
- ^http://autonews.gasgoo.com/china_news/70015383.html
- ^https://www.donlen.com/buildstart-trucks-ford.html
- ^'2020 Lincoln Aviator crossover is a hot rod with 400 horsepower standard' from Autoblog (November 28, 2018)
- ^ ab'Elegant Aviator SUV Previews Lincoln's Next Act with Power, Technology and Plug-In Hybrid Option | Lincoln Media Center'. media.lincoln.com. Retrieved 2018-04-01.
- ^Abuelsamid, Sam (November 5, 2018). '2020 Lincoln Aviator Debuting At LA Auto Show With Custom Symphonic Tones'. Forbes. Retrieved November 5, 2018.
- ^'Ford's F-Series Truck Caps 22nd Year in a Row as America's Best-Selling Vehicle With a December Sales Record'. Theautochannel.com. 2004-11-17. Retrieved 2009-04-28.
- ^'Ford Achieves First Car Sales Increase Since 1999'. Theautochannel.com. 2004-11-17. Retrieved 2009-04-28.
- ^'Ford Motor Company 2007 sales'. January 3, 2008. Archived from the original on February 12, 2009.
External links[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Lincoln Aviator. |
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Continental | Town Car | Town Car | Town Car | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Personal luxury car | Continental Mark VI | Continental/Lincoln Mark VII | Lincoln Mark VIII | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Compact CUV | MKC | Corsair | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mid-size CUV | MKX | MKX / Nautilus | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Full-size CUV | MKT | Aviator | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mid-size SUV | Aviator | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Full-size SUV | Navigator | Navigator | Navigator | Navigator | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Pickup truck | Blackwood | Mark LT‡ | Mark LT‡ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Notes | ‡The Lincoln Mark LT was exclusively sold in Mexico after the 2008 model year. |
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