A few years ago, Lincoln revived this nameplate after a pretty long time and the 2023 Lincoln Aviator is about to represent the fourth production year of the generation. From what we know so far, there will be no bigger changes. We are about to see some slight reshuffling in terms of standard and available equipment but most of the things are about to remain the same. This particularly refers to the essentials, so you may count on familiar design and features in the next year.
This mid-size SUV has a lot of great things to offer. We like its classic aesthetics, both in terms of exterior and interior design. The cabin also features pretty impressive interior quality, while the ride is smooth and comfortable. Finally, there is a choice between two pretty impressive powertrain options, one of them with a hybrid setup.
As there are no significant changes to come, we expect that the 2023 Lincoln Aviator will hit the market sometime in the last quarter of the year.
2023 Lincoln Aviator Design
Design-wise, the 2023 Lincoln Aviator will bring no significant change. From what we know so far, the only notable update will be the addition of the Black Label Special Edition Luxe version, which will come with a couple of exclusive styling details, including a black-painted roof. The rest of the lineup will continue with the same styling, which looks very elegant and promises pretty good aging in the future.
Mechanically, this crossover rides on a familiar CD6 platform. Of course, many parts are shared with the Ford Explorer, though the Aviator features a more refined suspension setup. As a result, the ride is very smooth and comfortable, though we would like to see a little bit more precise steering, so we can have full control in corners.
Interior
On the inside, the Aviator looks very elegant. It combines classic aesthetics with modern tech features and for us, such a combination works excellent. The build quality is very impressive and the materials are really fine. Finally, there is a lot of attention to detail, while the massive infotainment screen on the center stack also has a positive impact on the overall design.
The front seats are massive and supportive, while the driving position is very good. The minor complaint may go to the rearward visibility, while the ergonomics are excellent. The second row is also pretty spacious and accommodates adults with ease. On the other hand, the third row is typically tight for the segment and works best for kids.
When it comes to the cargo area, you may count on 18.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind its third-row seats, 41.8 cubic feet with these seats folded, and a generous 77.7 cubic feet of the total volume, which is pretty good for the segment.
Features
As we’ve just mentioned, the next year’s model shouldn’t bring any significant changes regarding the standard and available equipment. Therefore, base models should come with goodies like tri-zone climate control, keyless entry, push-button start, a 10.1-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, a 10-speaker stereo, Bluetooth, four USB ports, and a Wi-Fi hot spot. The list of available features should include goodies like navigation, HD Radio, wireless device charging, a 14- or 28-speaker Revel sound system, and a rear-seat entertainment system with two 10-inch displays, as well as quad-zone automatic climate control, a panoramic sunroof, rear sunshades, ambient lighting, and a digital key.
When it comes to safety and driver-assistance features, all models should come standard with goodies like a rearview camera, parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking lane keep assist, automatic high beams etc.
2023 Lincoln Aviator Engines
Under the hood, the 2023 Lincoln Aviator will continue with two familiar options. Base models will continue with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, which puts out around 400 horsepower. The engine comes in pair with a 10-speed automatic transmission and offers pretty impressive driving dynamics. The average fuel economy goes around 18 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, which is about average for the segment.
The plug-in hybrid uses the same V6 engine but gets significant help from the electric motor. So, the max output goes all-away up to 494 horsepower and 620 pound-feet of torque, which makes this SUV even quicker. The system comes coupled with a 13.6-kWh battery pack, which is enough for 21 miles of the all-electric range. On the other hand, the average fuel economy goes around 23 mpg combined.
2023 Lincoln Aviator Release Date and Price
We expect to see the 2023 Lincoln Aviator sometime in the last quarter of the year, with the starting price of around 52.000 dollars. Key competitors are models like Cadillac XT6, Acura MDX, Volvo XC90 etc.