2020 Lincoln Aviator Black Label | An $80,000 Barnstormer

Sure, Lincoln has the supersized Navigator but they’ve never had an SUV quite like this. The all-new 2020 Aviator is a premium, 3-row midsized utility with robust power and boutique styling.
MSRP as-tested: $82,435
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Welcome to TestDriveNow official KZbin channel! I deliver trusted, top-rated popular car reviews on cars like the Honda Accord, Audi S5, Dodge Durango, Subaru Crosstrek and more! TestDriveNow.com features Drive Time with Steve Hammes offering video program segments showcasing the newest vehicles and industry innovations coming to market.
2020 Lincoln Aviator Black Label
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[@itmustbelove08]

I don’t love Lincoln’s but I do love this. Lincoln has stepped their game up.

[@donteadoss]

I haven’t liked Lincoln’s since the LS and thought Cadillac had Lincoln for the last couple of decades really but love the direction of Lincoln’s products now - they’ve definitely got Cadillac by the ropes. Cadillac’s XT- SUVs and even the Escalade have nothing on Lincoln at this point; they’re truly “works of art.” Even the Corsair & Nautilus are “boutique sharp” as I’ve seen all 4 SUVs in person. - Great review as always, Steve!

[@miguelircontar]

Cadillac has left the chat room

[@bfloyd5213]

Their sales compared to Lincoln say otherwise!

[@michaelracicot233]

Check out the latest Escalade.

[@mtnx7]

Good review Steve. Good to see such attention to detail in an American car.

[@bobbender5858]

This was good because he didn’t just gush about how wonderful the car is. He pointed out some things that he was not satisfied with. That’s what I really find important.

[@stevehammes]

Thanks, Bob!

[@ers1027]

It would be so cool if Lincoln could use their highly adjustable seat to truly FIND your perfect position. Enter your height/ weight, etc. and boom... it’ll place the seat for you. Maybe next gen!

[@chriscowan6630]

NIce to see Lincoln getting most things right here...sharp looking vehicle great review Steve

[@adrianharvey3511]

Lincoln isn’t playing around here ... I’ve loved every model. .. now once they get the kinks out and a lil finer tuning. It’s all she wrote .. look out germans

[@magneto8002]

I sat in one of these when I was at the dealer getting my Mustang serviced. I loved it.

[@OPMDK]

At the end of the very first sentence add, “except for the Lincoln Aviator”, because the Aviator was around first in 2004. Just a thought tho lol and like the impartial thoughts on the drive

[@jackdolah2031]

Lincoln is the greatest American automaker right now 🔥

[@calebwoods9358]

Although imperfect with a couple of details, I'm just happy Lincoln is making actual luxury vehicles again. I want this Lincoln in the way that I never wanted any American luxury car before (save for the CTS-V obviously). Between the 3 Lincolns, which one do you personally like the most, Steve?

[@officesuperhero9611]

Another high quality review, Steve. As always.

[@artagain8977]

Buy this one in two years off a two year lease for $45k.

[@artagain8977]

Objective as usual Steve. That’s one of the many reasons your reviews are entertaining.

[@stevehammes]

Glad you like them!

[@mikehoard7033]

Haven't gotten to drive one yet but did sit in it at an autoshow. Amazing interior and vault like quiet. We closed the door and couldn't even hear the people talking right outside the car.

[@benadamsondxb]

An absolutely stunning vehicle. I wish the European marques would offer designs and trims like this - especially in the UK where you basically have a choice of black, black, silver, black, or grey EVERYTHING. Even chrome trim and silver wheels are disappearing.

[@colderbeer]

Love, love, love this SUV !!!!!

[@CarsofGlasgow]

great car and video!!

[@cedrick305]

That’s an 80k Ford Explorer that’s going to be used for Uber Black.

[@brandonwiley6530]

You are completely right about the transmission! I’m in a rental 2020 Explorer limited with the 2.7 ecoboost which is quick, but the gearing in city driving is rough and unpredictable and the auto stop start is very annoying.... My Lexus GS fsport is in the shop for a minor repair so it’s a big difference but a pretty nice truck overall.

[@firebird890]

Such a beautiful SUV, and just wait 5-6 years and the depreciation will make it much more affordable

[@bigpoppa1992]

I tried to keep up with one of these in my 2006 ford explorer 4.6 v8 and it wasn't happening.🤣😂

[@-Munditimum-]

I find it sad that Google/KZbin algorithms don't understand video quality, production value and brilliance in presentation. That 79.6k should be a 796k period. Another great video/analysis from one genuine automotive enthusiast/journalist. Thanks Steve for your tireless work!

[@stevehammes]

You made my day. Thanks for recognizing the production quality. Very much appreciated.

[@-Munditimum-]

@@stevehammes All the blessings.

[@olekiller11]

That's a strong statement there Steve. Aviator makes a statement even the Bentley can't match. You a brave man. But you're right

[@stevehammes]

Check out my Bentayga review later this week and decide for yourself. I think you'll agree.

[@bassandtrebleclef]

Wow, those metal trim pieces on the dash and center stack look great. It's weird how Lincoln got those types of details sorted, but the engine/transmission aren't on the same page. And thanks to Steve for commenting on the top line Revel stereo in this car. Was wondering about that.

[@jamesciuccio2762]

Do you think the 22’s are hurting the ride quality? If they are run flats you can change the whole personality of the car with new tires. I’ve taken the run flats off my BMW 650 GC and it was incredible the difference.

[@stevehammes]

For sure.

[@fakeapplestore4710]

Steve Hammes has the best car reviews

[@stevehammes]

Thanks, Fake Apple!

[@mojojojo911]

Wow. I'm very impressed with this car. Looks really sharp. Someone might mistaken it for a range rover from far but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. One thing I want to point out which I think is kind of annoying is that all these manufacturers want to be sporty. Why? Comfort isn't a bad thing. But at the same time, companies such as Toyota/lexus get shit on from reviewers for not being 'sporty' enough... sigh. I think there's a place for each type of car/company.

[@rustlesee]

I think Lincoln's angle is "quiet luxury" I believe. Lincoln has access to some strong engines, but I don't think that is their MO at all. You look at a yacht, it's not fast or even pretending to be. It's beautiful, comfortable, and luxurious though

[@fmartmart8099]

THAT is my next ride. Actually watched the video. What a freaking bummer about the ride quality. Deal-breaker

[@alexanderpeter219]

I think it was due to having such massive rims, if you go for a lower trim level with 20 inch rims or something even smaller that would definitely help, but then the car wouldn't handle as good around some corners. Your choice.

[@rustlesee]

I'd give it a test drive, as going by one guys preference without checking it yourself would be a shame. My folks absolutely hate all auto start/stops, as an example. I don't even care if notice. 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@373axle]

The ride quality is probably harsh due to the 22s. You can select aviators with smaller rims that have a much higher tire sidewall.

[@KlutzNinja]

I’m a fan of Lincoln and I really appreciate how objective you were in this video, especially since I know you like underdog brands such as Lincoln (if I’m correctly remembering what you said in your old MKT or maybe MKX review). Would love to see a review of a Grand Touring version one day, hopefully with slightly smaller wheels to see the difference in ride quality. A couple questions, though - in your Navigator review, the Revel Ultima sound system was rather disappointing, but how is it different here, aside from the Aviator having more speakers? Is it the QuantumLogic3D Surround system? Anyway, seeing this review pop up in my notifications was a nice surprise today.

[@khunopie9159]

If an Über driver picks me up in this, it's 5 stars, automatically! I'd slip on some 17 inch rims and fat Michelin Man tires to plush-out the ride Therefore, in closing, I'm awarding this luxobarge a SteveScore of 91!

[@davidrpriest]

Good review....I think your criticism on the ride may be the 22 " wheels. I think the 20 " options would be much better.

[@stevehammes]

Fair enough!

[@jjayallan]

Steve which SUV foreign and American would you choose? Thx

[@stephenhendricks103]

The Aviator Black Label is an impressive vehicle. But I think an even stronger case, especially in terms of value, can be made for the "Reserve" mid-trim versus the top trims of the Ford Explorer. A moderately optioned "Reserve" version of the Aviator has an MSRP between $63K and $65K. Of course, it lacks the concierge services of the Black Label trim level and some bells and whistles that come standard on the top trim. But adding options to the base Reserve MSRP brings many of those bells and whistles. In contrast a top trim Platinum version of the Explorer or an ST with options that match those of the Platinum trim level brings the MSRP of the Explorer to $60,000 or more. The Lincoln's premium of three to five thousand dollars buys a far more luxurious interior, a more usable infotainment screen, a 1100 lb advantage in terms of its tow rating, and the same engine/drive train of the high performance versions of the Explorer. It may well be that a Ford dealer will offer a more substantial discount off MSRP on the Explorer, though that is far from certain. But if the difference in real world transaction prices amounts to $8000 or more, the Aviator is arguably still a far better value than the overpriced top trim Explorers. Bottom line? Before selecting a high performance ST or Platinum version of an Explorer a consumer is well advised to take a serious look at the Reserve trim of the Aviator.

[@InvestBetter.]

Some cheaper, crunchy Ford bits shine through, but this can be sorted out in a mid-gen refresh This is direction Cadillac has been trying, and failing, to forge for a couple of decades now Lincoln isn't ashamed to be an American luxury brand They are on a righteous path to make America great again

[@phenix3st]

I was looking at this but with all the automation inside I don’t think it will hold up in the long run. Hence why I’m going after a Durango srt. Think it’s more suitable for family and it’s also got a more fun engine.

[@Tinrs80]

i hear those seats are crazy comfortable but confusing to set.

[@DonaldSeymourjr]

I had to rewind that part about the Bentley.

[@RPYMCMB]

LMAO...Me too! He has lost his mind.

[@officesuperhero9611]

Yes. Steve, do you drive a Bentley?

[@stevehammes]

Ralph P I’ve got a 2020 Bentayga V8 and though the QUALITY of the materials is superior it simply doesn’t make a splash like this Aviator. Truth.

[@officesuperhero9611]

Steve Hammes New Car Reviews congratulations!!🍾🎈. We’d love to see it. You should do a review of it.

[@DonaldSeymourjr]

@@stevehammes I understand completely.

[@3joewj]

Only review that said the ride was not good.

[@stevehammes]

Yes!!

[@TalismanPHX]

Gorgeous. What Cadillac should have done with the XT6 and XT5

[@migy5031]

Aviator has a distinctive Lincoln style, but how will it compete with the formidable luxury European offerings from Range Rover, MB, and BMW?

[@TheGomezIndustries]

Younger reviewers preferred the sporty handling rather than a floaty boat.

[@stevehammes]

But it's a Lincoln...some more softness would work here.

[@TheGomezIndustries]

@Steve Hammes New Car Reviews It’s soft enough, for a car that has 600 ft/lbs of torque and high CG, you want a suspension for better handling.

[@Khaloof86]

Looks great. Interior is nice but has some cheap materials. The screen is small compared to the competition and from the side it looks like an old LCD TV.

[@ronkol28]

videographer does good work. just make the vids longer to 10+ minutes. great audio as well

[@stevehammes]

Thanks. But what did you want to learn that I didn’t cover in that time?

[@klah2u]

Currently have a Lincoln, next car will be a Palisade

[@shahpoordejkoob3967]

Very nice & glorious .... l love it ... 🥰🥰

[@williebender1895]

Great objective review. I think Linclon can almost challenge that Mercedes

[@officesuperhero9611]

I have a new 2020 Mercedes GLE 450. It’s and awesome SUV and I love it. However, from what I hear from Steve and other KZbin car reviewers, this Lincoln is in the same class and is a good rival.

[@williebender1895]

Richard hey bro it is but I’d still give the small nod to Mercedes but not by much. That GLE and navigator is by far the best suv out right now.

[@mojorisin7371]

I guess Steve is a Saab fan 😂 well he has the Volvo 😮

[@jjayallan]

I was REALLY ON MY WAY to test drive one. BUT NAH, they still have work to do on it. LINCOLN, this video cost you a sale...

[@jasperdilincoln2341]

Beautiful, but God why are all cars so expensive. I wouldn't pay 80k for a Mercedes. These car prices are ridiculous nowadays

[@East17A]

first thank you Steven for the review but i have a note its important about Lincoln /Ford. these tow brands I try to stay away from. special the V6. for the simple fact of engineering . i was planning in the past to buy Lincoln vehicle. BUT .. I find out Ford / Lincoln designers. with their strange mind of Engineering . have decided to include the water pump inside the engine sharing the timing chain. that for when its fail to work . it is a job that can go over $3000 job at the mechanic . and that is according to a Ford Explorer V6 owner who decided to get rid of it and buy another car instead. so . why could any Engineer do such a stupid design ? that why i think they do look nice. but that's it to them !!!

[@aayonce4]

Thinking about trading our Flex in for this. Maybe a year or two I'll buy used Fords aren't worth what they want for new. Imo after buying two Fords brand new i don't see the value. *Edit after watching. My prerequisites were confirmed. Buy used and imma Ford guy.

[@ervinmezey7572]

It's a very nice packaged SUV, but Americans would rather spend $82K for a respected badge (BMW/Audi/Mercedes). Lincoln lost its badge prestige many years ago. You don't try and get back on the prestige ladder offering loaded SUVs for a badge-respected price (also applies to Corsair & Nautilus).

[@Chitwn81]

Y'all kill me with that. You guys want Lincoln to offer it at 50k??? Like all that stuff everyone wants costs. Hell a Telluride loaded to the gills cost $60k. You got Camrys and Accords approaching $40k fully loaded these days. Cars have gotten very expensive which i hate and agree with you on but Lincoln deserves to charge the same as the Germans. Their quality isn't the best. Have had a BMW X5 that stayed in the shop for repairs.

[@Andrico77]

Too many seat positions, that’s an issue. Really ... if it were too little it would an issue as well.

[@nupecarrera]

Great review. I had a Lincoln years ago. Looked at newer ones but I feel they ask for prices they have not earned. Just like this review, good car but at 80k plus I like the German suvs better.

[@14percent]

Great review. However, I just couldn't see a sensible shopper saying that this is money well spent. Just get a loaded Kia Telluride. Keep the $30Gs in your pocket and get 95% of the experience. That's my truth.

[@dorado0359]

A loaded Kia Telluride will cost you almost $50k, which is a total waste of money for a KIA. Just buy a 3-row VW Tequan for $25K and put the other $25K in the Bank.

[@beekaye1496]

80K for a Ford upgrade. Not for me.

[@wendyjenkins1559]

Why don't they drive on icy roads so you can really see what's really going on for this price unbelievable 👎

[@stevehammes]

You do realize that it’s summer in New York, right?

[@philipc239]

GV80

[@MrShanester77]

Terribly over priced. Go with an Explorer if you need a Ford product. Lots it technology in this model but not worth the money.

[@RAM-KINGOFTRUCKS]

I'll take my 20 Ram Limited 😁