The definition of luxury and prestige varies greatly from one person to another. Some believe it's all about modernity and technology, while others think it's the comfort, the experience, and the overall emotion a product evokes that make it truly high-end. The 2026 Lincoln Aviator is the perfect example of the latter. It may not be the most advanced model in its segment, but it's a vehicle that exudes class—one that makes you feel as if you're sitting in first class on a transcontinental flight. Whether it's the light steering, the texture of the materials, or the quality of the sound system, everything has been designed to make driving the Lincoln Aviator a relaxing and enjoyable experience.
The model doesn't get any major updates this year, but it remains as appealing as ever. The Aviator offers a size and capabilities that suit most buyers, with seven seats and a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. It's a luxury vehicle, yes, but it's also one that meets people's real needs.
Lineup and Pricing
I still remember when it was possible to buy a Lincoln Navigator for under $100,000. Today, that's mission impossible—the model now starts at nearly $130,000, and that's before adding options. Fortunately, the Aviator offers a much more attractive price point: $79,595 (2025) for the Premiere trim and $81,695 (2025) for the Ultra version. The price gap is small enough that it's hard to see why anyone wouldn't pay the extra $2,000 for the top trim—and I share that opinion. The American automaker's SUV offers a few option packages and individual add-ons, but even with those, you won't exceed $100,000, which makes it such a compelling choice.
Category and Competition
The Navigator is lucky in that it faces only a handful of competitors, whereas the Aviator has to go up against a long list of excellent rivals. Fortunately, Lincoln's SUV has built a solid reputation over the years, and its popularity continues to grow.
Rivals: Acura MDX, Audi Q7, Audi Q8, BMW X5, BMW X6, Buick Enclave, Genesis GV80, Infiniti QX60, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, JLR Discovery, Range Rover Sport, Lexus GX, Lexus RX, Lexus TX, Mercedes-Benz GLE, Volvo XC90.
Design and Technology
Many automakers have tried to incorporate a floating roof, a more aggressive front bumper, and premium lighting into their vehicles—often without success. Lincoln, however, has managed to combine all these design elements into one stunning package that's sure to turn heads: the 2026 Aviator.
The cabin does feel a little dated, I'll admit, but it remains functional, and comfort is found even in the smallest details. You might not be impressed if you compare it directly to newer competitors, but the Aviator's interior grows on you. To me, it's like a rustic chalet—timeless and charming. As for technology, the Aviator offers one of the most intuitive and fluid infotainment systems in its class, which is something to appreciate.
Performance
Lincoln's luxury SUV offers only one powertrain option: a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 producing 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. It's paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. To put things into perspective, it's essentially the same engine found under the hood of the Ford Bronco Raptor and the Explorer ST. As a result, the Lincoln Aviator delivers a dynamic yet refined driving experience, thanks in large part to its excellent air suspension. In short, I believe Lincoln doesn't need to offer multiple mechanical configurations when this one already provides an optimal balance of performance and comfort. That said, I wouldn't say no to an electrified option.
Weak Points
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A bit more mechanical variety wouldn't hurt.
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The interior design is starting to show its age, especially compared to newer Lincoln models.
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It's fairly thirsty on fuel.
Strong Points
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The 2026 Lincoln Aviator offers an incredibly comfortable and soothing driving experience.
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It's a stylish model that turns heads wherever it goes.
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The engine is powerful and responsive.
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It has one of the best suspensions in its class.
Signature Element
The Lincoln Aviator is one of the few vehicles in its segment that immediately conveys a sense of prestige and luxury.
Final Word
Lincoln has made significant efforts in recent years to rebuild its brand image and deliver competitive products—and those efforts are finally paying off. The Aviator may not offer as broad or varied a lineup as some of its key rivals, but it provides a solid foundation and continues to gain popularity every year. In my opinion, it's only a matter of time before the American automaker's SUV becomes one of the most sought-after models in its class.
Jean-Sébastien Poudrier
