Forget The Navigator | 2020 Aviator Plug In Hybrid

Lincoln has in some ways lived in the shadow of Cadillac for a while, but no more. Lincoln's new SUV lineup is turning heads and re-defining American interior craftsmanship. This is the first American luxury vehicle in some time that is likely to sway European luxury car shoppers, if they can be convinced to give Lincoln a chance. On the other hand, you should just skip the PHEV Aviator and get the regular one.
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[@Twerplet]

Nice review. We've had ours for 10 months now. Here are some real statistics and commentary with full load of 3 people on a 3 week vacation (7,500 miles): Fully charged battery, full EV: 19-20 miles in stop and go, 17-19 0n highway, 15-17 climbing in mountains. Average MPH overall is 22 MPG. In the mountains on normal mode: 25 MPG. Stop and go: 19 MPG. Up and down mountains, it goes into 'hyper' hybrid--average is 28 MPG. The car loves 45-55 MPH: averages 30 MPG, highest is 34.5 MPG. Acceleration is golden. Driver fatigue is considerably lessened with adaptive cruise and driver assists. It tends to pull to the center line, but the driver can override with wheel. Cons: It turns off the system at exit and entry ramps or any other place the right line disappears for any length of time. The car stops itself faster than the driver. Cons: the sensors overreact to any idiotic driver creeping close to the intersection and will try to panic stop if their front crosses into the sensor. Easily overcome with an application of brakes, then accelerator, but it's a bit alarming to one's heart rate and to the driver following too closely behind. The stereo is the best we've ever owned. The interface between phone and car is smooth. Lincoln was Android only for the longest time, but they've worked out the bugs for Apple products. Our only complaint is that the on-line systems tries to update while one's driving, and it hasn't quite figured out that no cellular means no update. This resets all maps and navigation as well as playlists. If you're alone, well, you have a problem if you rely on the system. Best to make copies of maps so you have a record. Overall, the car is awesome. It's steady in snow and ice, and how far you can go off-road is fairly astonishing. The car raises and lowers itself based on terrain and some primitive roads in the national parks were definitely possible. We'd recommend the vehicle and would buy it again.

[@jimpeach1877]

I’ve owned my Aviator for 11 months and have just a few feedback comments: 1) I adjusted the thigh supports when I first purchased the vehicle and have never touched them since. 2) Mine has soft close doors front and rear. 3) The exhaust tip design actually does stay clean. 4) You were correct in saying there is no air suspension adjustment other than the preset drive modes, however you failed to mention that as you approach the vehicle the suspension automatically lowers for easier entry and raises back up when you start the engine. Also, the rear suspension automatically lowers when you open the rear hatch for easier loading and unloading. 5) The premium sound system is truly amazing. All in all, this is one great vehicle.

[@TS-qs3qw]

I am thinking about considering Aviator, but concerned about reported noisy interior, like crackling noises, etc., especially over uneven road surfaces. Have you experienced any, or it's pretty solid? I understand sometimes could be a lemon, does not matter what car, but always nice to hear from the actual owner. Thanks.

[@jimpeach1877]

@@TS-qs3qw I’ve really had no such issues. I’ve had one squeak that was an interior panel on the passenger door, easily fixed. My car has the 22” wheels and air suspension. Even with the air suspension these tires are a little rough, more so than I expected. Those wheels came in a package and I wish they had been 19’s.

[@joepah51]

Glad to hear it.. Ford needs a new Jewel!

[@Automotiveaddicts]

Jim is correct in his statements, Alex!!! Again, all 4 doors are soft close. Your test vehicle must have had an issue.

[@fabulousprofound]

Jim how is the reliability?

[@LeoTheShortGuy]

Much appreciation for the pain endured for the trunk comfort index segments.

[@scat1]

My favorite part

[@autonewstv86]

Aviator is like the American Velar. Lincoln really invested so much effort to making the Aviator stylish and luxurious.

[@JamieToddBand]

I was thinking that the Velar is the only competitor that is as handsome as this.

[@mountainhobo]

Curious, @Car INTERIOR, why are you posting the same comments under two different names (ruzzell907)?

[@jeremymartinez2760]

I’d say more like the Range Rover sport

[@Pathfinder2992]

EXACTLY... my other car White with a black top. The Range Rover Velar is sportier. Doing the opposite of most people I know, the luxury Lincoln I prefer on rainy days and transporting things, shopping, etc.. But on sunny days and going on outings mostly, it's the Velar for me!

[@webbie1891]

If only GM could take notes

[@bradleycross5987]

Hopefully Lincoln will fix the issues identified by Alex in next years model. But its great to see an American company compete at this level.

[@thunderjenkins920]

I test drove the aviator and I was impressed with the vehicle. The sound system is amazing and the ride is great.

[@scottmason2094]

Just bought a 2020 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring and I love it!

[@CC-uh6yt]

How about the real world mpg?

[@cameronhibbler1876]

@@CC-uh6yt, the MPG that they say is not reality?

[@CC-uh6yt]

@@cameronhibbler1876 yeah, it's not really, they said 56mpg, but actually 20-22mpg

[@cameronhibbler1876]

@@CC-uh6yt, wow, that’s truly misleading.

[@davidcarroll8735]

Hi Scott, 11 months later still love it? I’m considering it.

[@danielallyway]

I have one. Grand Touring Black Label. It’s pretty good.

[@craigt5990]

I have had my Aviator since February. It is....Black Label/grand touring, pristine white, Flight theme, luggage tan interior. Every option available including the not listed as an option.. Navigator rear seat entertainment system. Aviator is a STUNNING vehicle . Computer says I average 24.9 mpg. Downside, with all this pandemic nonsense I only have 3200 miles on it. I average 20 miles on the hybrid motor .... I am way more than satisfied. Drove from Abq, to OKC, in one shot, stopped once for gas in Amarillo . Given that I am a 71 year old Vietnam veteran with bad legs that is nothing short of an accomplishment . If you are on the fence about purchasing one, get off the fence and pull the trigger.

[@rvnmedic2709]

Thanks. That's all i needed.

[@dorado0359]

That Aviator looks fantastic!

[@radudeATL]

There are so many amazing moments in this video - thank you for the humor - much appreciated. Excellent review as always!

[@user-Timothy1]

good job Lincoln on offering a spare tire

[@Belovelyava]

This thing is amazing beast! Super smooth ride, handling is fantastic, excellent power, very quick,and cushy and luxurious inside,LOVE IT!

[@brinkee7674]

The premium sound system is also so much better than I ever expected from a Ford vehicle. It is amazing

[@SonOfTamriel]

If you live in a cold climate, the exhaust pointing down to the road won't cause frost all over the tailgate.

[@dcfla755]

Your self deprication is fantastic m Alex🤣🤣. It shows you ARE a real person and not just an A. I. With the universe's total knowledge of all motorized things on four wheels. Been with you over 4 years now and you just keep getting better, and more relatable 👍🏻. Thanks!

[@TonyArjona]

I came for the Aviator GT review, always appreciate your attention to detail and am super enthusiastic about you contrasting other options. EXCELLENTLY DONE! Thank you!

[@mountainclimber1227]

I definitely like how you show the competition comparisons.

[@noonesbusiness959]

You cracked me up singing Alex😂😂😂😂😂

[@naveenthemachine]

🤣🤣

[@Zhenocnra]

I am glad to hear Lincoln wasn't chasing the Germans when they tuned the air suspension. We don't need more BMW X5 copycats in this segment. Being that it is an American brand, I would like Lincoln to focus on more space efficiency especially for the primary purpose of enlarging the third row passenger volume to better accommodate larger/taller people (but two people regardless). It'd be nice to see Lincoln beat the Germans and even the Asian brands in terms of space efficiency or interior volume since that's really where the Navigator shines compared to non-American competition. I know Lincoln upped their game for interior quality but the Germans have been doing that for a long time and Lincoln simply just caught up for the most part. The fact that the Aviator has amber turn signals in the rear just means it's at the top of my very, very short list. Outtakes like the trunk comfort index are a good chuckle. Thank you for including that.

[@damilolaakanni]

This is why I'd consider this before the GV80.

[@jaffarbaqi]

No one does it like you Alex. Thorough and accurate.

[@T18skyguy]

Great comprehensive review !!! Well done

[@condohatesme]

God Level review sir! Well done. I love your comments on the Hybrid not necessarily being preferred. I also love your segment that examines “cross shopping” between comparable models AND COMPETING BRANDS- WHAT?!

[@MarkRVillano]

This is the first Lincoln I've liked since the '61 Continental. I wish they offered a third row delete option.

[@bitkahuna]

only 40 year wait then

[@brucehatch1485]

They did, it is the Lincoln Nautilus!

[@MarkRVillano]

@@brucehatch1485 I prefer the larger Aviator platform, and wish that they would do what Dodge does with the Durango and give you the choice of ditching those rear seats.

[@evanhughes4683]

Why? Just fold them down

[@jeremiasiraheta5471]

Try the lincoln nautilus

[@RANDsreviews]

Thanks for the review Alex

[@abuanihas3pazg149]

Exhaust design is genius, I love it

[@noonesbusiness959]

12:08 listen to Alex singing folks!😂😂😂

[@aaronbooth9222]

Glad to see the “exclusive trunk comfort index” is back

[@rogerstaum9180]

Great review, thanks Alex.

[@davidmccann145]

One word just beautiful

[@edwardst-pierre1020]

I find the exhaust tips the best of both worlds . They look good but also work how all exhaust should work.

[@alant5757]

I never thought I would EVER consider buying a Lincoln but the Aviator is stunning.... and I really like the performance too

[@alanw.4511]

The exhaust tip design is brilliant.

[@humanentity2214]

I love the grill design.

[@GaryKetchum808]

Ford really is killing it. The entire new Lincoln lineup is amazing, the bronco is coming soon, the explorer is great, and the Mach E is exciting as hell. What does GM have? A corvette?

[@mtnbiker014]

GM has the ‘21 Escalade, once again king of large SUVs.

[@privas8751]

They have a hummer that will never be production ready as they sold it 😂

[@patrickkay8839]

Regarding your question on the independent thigh bolsters, I exactly have the right one extended out in my continental and the left in a little bit. I do a lot of 30 minute drives. That feature of the seating seemed gimmicky at first but I have grown to really love the adjustable support. It is supremely comfortable

[@james2042]

I think the front end of the lincoln vehicles is the best of any luxury vehicle. It is the exact opposite of sport. It's extremely subtle, but its just extremely classy, which is something a buyer of this would appreciate. This platform was actually designed with the Aviator first, then downgraded and adjusted to the explorer. That was really suprising considering which one is their volume seller and primary money maker.

[@Aschoolbusandsimulatorfan2219]

This is the only SUV I wanna buy one Alex.

[@mark_u]

Would love to see a comparo between the Aviator and Genesis GV80 :)

[@trent7080]

From what I understand the GV80 only has a 3rd row in one trim level.

[@mark_u]

@@trent7080 You're right :) I think there would be a regular Aviator that would be priced similarly to the three-row GV80, though.

[@fabulousprofound]

Gv80 does not have a phev option I think?

[@bwtupper]

Great review!

[@shanebishop5617]

I like the grill and front end. It’s a great looking vehicle overall.

[@yes8032]

Truly amazing car

[@nix4644]

7:30 "These seats move in a million different ways" but yet they only achieve a 9/10 rating. Begs the question, what gets a 10/10?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

In this category I think the X5's seats are more comfortable.

[@Pathfinder2992]

My car, but in navy blue, absolutely gorgeous!

[@jeromerose3867]

The exhaust design is smart

[@craig221]

Neat tail pipe design

[@keenanppl]

Great review. After driving the BMW x7, and the Cadillac xt6 I felt that the aviator was the better choice and so many different ways maybe The aviator I drove had a software update but there was no lag in the entertainment center. I agreed with your assessment 100%, great job alex!

[@agahpashtollah4753]

Agree that this is better than the X7. For those considering the XT6, just save yourself money and get the Buick Enclave. It’s the exact same damn car

[@danielallyway]

I have one. It’s worth it.

[@jmsmikey]

Your reviews are always no BS fantastic! I like the grill~ it looks like raindrops. Don't like ANY fake exhaust stuff.

[@JJFLD]

When I sat in one and it started massaging me, I was sold right there. 🤩

[@ivanlowjones]

Happy ending?🌋🌋

[@JJFLD]

@@ivanlowjones ...

[@PaulHo]

A very tempting option, bona fide fully fledged product in the lineup that is very unexpected from the US entries.

[@salukibeancounter9589]

Just bought a Reserve non-hybrid version a month ago. Love it. Very powerful and smooth. Great review, as always.

[@caravelaskynaut9827]

May I ask you what's your term? 60, 72 or 84 months? Payment a month? Thanks

[@crumdoggy]

Any comments on your aviator after three years? I have heard stories of rattles ect.

[@lightweighth2609]

FINALLY someone who measures interior decibels at speed!!! How am I just finding you!?

[@rlstrad2059]

Great review, thanks Alex. Would expect much lower repair and maintenance costs for the Lincoln, especially non-hybrid, compared to imports.

[@harryaxe5167]

like the aspec ratio on the infotainment screen.

[@DWH300]

A stunning SUV inside and out. Love the front end and the attractive grill. The sloping roof line adds beauty that gives it a look that exceeds most of the competitions boxy designs. A complete package that includes an amazing luxury interior. Loads of technology and strong performance at a decent price. Looking at models and pricing. When I purchase a new Aviator (My wife loves the ST so I have a couple years to sell her on the Aviator). We'll likely pass on the Hybrid. You mentioned Sync 3. Owning both a new 2019 Chrysler 300C Hemi (for 2021 The 300C was discontinued ) which is basically Chrysler's luxury Charger RT and a new Explore ST which is the Aviator's sibling. I love both vehicles, but thinking Chrysler will either disappear or discontinue the 300. My 300C is a keeper. There's something about that car that brings more compliments than prior vehicles I've owned. I haven't found any issues with the Sync 3 which I can't say about the Uconnect in my 300C that completely failed at 7000 miles. With the Covid parts issue. I used a loaner for 30 days. It seems any uconnect features I like is a la carte. So I use the traffic app and WiFi hotspot. Give me the Sync 3. Looking at Lincoln's recent sales numbers. It's obvious Ford has reinvented Lincoln back into the luxury brand of years past. Great video and information

[@charlieboozer82]

I do different length thigh extensions on my 17 continental reserve! Very nice.

[@josiahstearns9615]

I like the idea of the downward exhaust output with rearward-facing tips. BUT I would have liked to have seen the 90 degree exhaust turn take place a little further inside in the tips so they aren't so visible and may otherwise look tacky. But I like the fact that, aside from other elements (dirt, dust...etc) that can cause the tips to be dirty, the actual exhaust is not one of the reasons for such appearance after extended ownership/driving.

[@devilsrighthandman769]

Best looking crossover hands down. Good job Lincoln, that's not something I'm used to saying. Not happy they canceled the continental though, if they've put the effort they put on this cuv on the continental it would've sold much better.

[@hollisterman06]

Seriously good review! I hope you do a review of offroading vehicles specifically the Bronco Raptor

[@cyrilthomas9730]

Yay! I have been waiting for months too...

[@brianhoffman4559]

I love it

[@tonypi4322]

Great review Alex but I’m concerned about, and I quote: ‘Thousands of initial Explorer and Aviator vehicles were shipped to Ford's Flat Rock Assembly Plant for repairs due to quality control problems. Later models have been shipped from the Chicago plant to dealerships; however, many required dealer repairs before they could be sold. Consumer Reports noted their purchased Aviator was having quality problems.’

[@1guyin10]

I think the move toward (or should I say back to) soft luxury was a very good move for them. It was something missing in the market and their sales numbers prove there are buyers out there looking for just that.

[@stephenhendricks103]

One comparison not mentioned and worth considering is the Aviator (non-hybrid) vs the top trims of its stablemate the Explorer (ST and Platinum.) Using their respective "build and price" websites, the MSRPs of a fully loaded ST or Platinum Explorer tops $60,000. On the other hand a moderately optioned mid-level trim (Reserve) AWD Aviator comes in at less than $5000 more. For that $5K difference the Lincoln offers a far more upscale interior and amenities, a much more capable towing capability (6700 lbs vs 5600 lbs), the same excellent V6 engine and drivetrain, a better dealer experience, and a luxury badge that's likely to yield a considerably better resale value down the road. Even if real world transaction prices amount to a greater difference than $5K with Ford dealers' more generous discounts and the Aviator is, say, more than $8K more out the door, it's arguably a much better value. If I were shopping in this category I'd wait to get a detailed impression of the Genesis GV80 but for FoMoCo fans, a mid-trim Aviator is an especially tempting alternative to a top trim Explorer.

[@darrinbush5953]

Definitely need that interior in the ford f150

[@LeoTheShortGuy]

Nice

[@WUNNEWORLD-INC]

Those exhaust tips are a great idea....why spend $70K+ on a vehicle that dirties itself in the lower rear fascia just by driving it? I believe this will catch on to other OEM's as well.

[@bitkahuna]

the pirate graphic was awesome

[@josiahstearns9615]

11:40 9 out of 10 ratings but......"Ooooh....ooh that IS tricky" lol too funny... but an important point to take note of if you close yourself in there. You should totally make a Blooper video at the end of each year - kind of like Sofyan does.

[@horsepowerandtalk1033]

Finally a reviewer that understands that plug-in electricity falsifies MPG numbers. BTW MPGe ratings make unsuspecting people believe EVs are more efficient than they really are.

[@gurvaaz1703]

I HHAVE LITTERALLY EEN BEGGING AND WAITING FOR THIS REVIEW ALEX\

[@avsecb2739]

Exhaust good, save discoloring ends

[@gevorgnazaryan8720]

I would say the aviator competes closer with the x7 than the x5

[@craig221]

Yeah

[@DefineScrib]

Yea because the nautilus is the X5 competitor

[@topkat8166]

I'd like to see the continental grill on all of the Lincolns

[@andrekleyn727]

Here in South Africa the Lincoln brand is not available. It wins hands down when it comes to space, quality and execution compared to our Ford models here. I would have loved to own such a vehicle, especially in an 5 seater configuration. Great review too.

[@Tino722]

Great video as always! Alex is it longer than a Mazda CX-9???

[@henrychen8067]

3:57 I get that, and I appreciate their thoughtful effort because I hate to clean my exhaust tips indeed. However, I don't like that, and I can't exactly explain why......

[@kimle01]

they should give more power to the ev motor and a 20kwh battery to get ev range.

[@AgelessOnTheRocks]

Alex, thanks a lot for an excellent review, again. I was eagerly waiting for your review of Aviator PHEV. As a matter of fact I happened to test drive Aviator PHEV and XC90 T8 PHEV this weekend. Some of the points I noticed 1. I couldn’t find a Black Label GT with 7 seats. I believe you only get 7 seats in a lower version of GT. So if you want all the features in Black Label but want 7 seats, you are out of luck. (please correct me if I a wrong). 2. I did find a 7 seater Aviator in the lot. The middle seat in the 2 row is not comfortable. It doesn’t slide back and forth and seat cushions are quite hard. XC90 T8 middle row in 7 seater setup is much better. But in 6 seater setup Aviator might be ahead. 3. The big disappointment was the infotainment system in Aviator. Alex, I also noticed the sluggishness of the screen functions. But the odd thing was that the infotainment system is not oriented towards the driver seat. Sounds small but makes a lot of difference. (I drive Tesla model S and they do a great job of touchscreen orientation). Also the touchscreen has big bezels and it is quite thick. It just doesn’t fit in otherwise phenomenal cabin (in my opinion). 4. The instrument cluster also lacked a punch in Aviator. The fonts are odd, use of real estate is not good. May be they can update that like Tesla does that with ongoing updates. Overall infotainment seemed like afterthought in Aviator. 5. Heads up display is better in Aviator as compared to XC90. Also in XC90 I couldn’t get the backup camera and 360 deg camera to show up at the same time.

[@kaursinghi6030]

Correct. The Aviator Black Label GT doesn't come with 7 seats, what a bummer.

[@tesla_models]

Volvo wins

[@suujan1]

Best best best trunk video”. When u put bag in trunk and when u sit in trunk, very helpful for #Uber drivers

[@1g2002541]

This design remind me of the tall wagons in the 1950s.

[@corpnupe85]

I currently own a 2018 Escalade, due to the fwd bias of the Cadillac xt6, I would have to downsize to the Aviator because of rwd.

[@wilsonwong991]

8:06 You are a funny guy lol... loved it.

[@wilsonwong991]

And 12:03 lol...............lol

[@Origen17]

Good job as usual. I find myself checking to see if I have playback speed set to 1.25X, though. You talk fast!

[@bunkie2100]

I am very happy to see the 3.0TT as the standard engine. A luxury vehicle needs a solid, smooth powerplant. One of my issues with Cadillac (and BMW as well) is that they make you pay a large premium to get away from the base 4 cylinder engines. Where else are you going to get an RWD, 400hp crossover starting at just over $50K?

[@nevco8774]

Yet BMW X5 PHEV 2021 is never mentioned in the video since with tax discount it is cheaper than regular ICE X5. That vehicle to me is an alternatibe to Lincoln Aviator PHEV. Both BMW and Lincoln engines provide comparable smooth RWD biased power. Both have mechanical transmission vs eAWD in Volvo XC90 PHEV. The electric part in BMW is of second generation battery size vs Lincoln while Volvo PHEV is still of first generation.

[@officialwowow]

In Canada, we only get the AWD models

[@2W3X4YZ5]

Serious question: why ever even look at a Land Rover? It’s not my favorite, but it’s a damn fine vehicle. Thanks for a great review.

[@spencer476]

Not sure what you mean. Is the Aviator or the LR a damn fine vehicle?

[@Aaron-lc8nf]

While I won't say most people use land rovers for offroading, if you're ever looking to both crawl the mall and go offroad, Land Rover has got your back. Better than any Jeep/Mercedes/Audi/etc. 4x4

[@GaryKetchum808]

Land Rover? More like weekly dealership maintenance service rover.

[@ryanj116]

@@Aaron-lc8nf land cruisers > land rovers. flex your taste, not your money

[@Aaron-lc8nf]

@@ryanj116 Sure? I mean rovers still beat them at offroading. I'm not sure why you're talking money 💰 when I didn't mention it

[@Factfive]

Someone should show this review to Sofyan over at Redline Reviews. I watched his review and all I heard is Ford Explorer, Ford, Ford, Ford. Very biased against American lux vehicles. This vehicle is a Lincoln, not just a Ford, and Alex compares it to it's actual competitors and mid tier like Sofyan tries to do. Good review.

[@KingIstvan]

Them tale pipes funny

[@pjhuskerman]

ALEX !!!! Normal Engine Navigator OR the NEW Genesis GV 80????

[@petegalindez9961]

Very nice vehicle. Not a big Lincoln fan and never owned one, but this might change my mind for the PHEV…For the quad tips, I’d rather then save the $$$ and just put regular pipes…no one ever had an issue with them before. Not sure why they felt the need to re-route it….I’m curious which front seats you found better than these since you gave it a 9/10 and not 10/10…

[@FlyingNDriving]

The cabin heat require the engine to turn on?

Alex, why would you drive with different tire pressure. 34 in the front and 41 in the back??

[@mavsguy842]

The Lincoln is very good looking. It has a very classy, upscale look. Cadillac doesn’t have a look as distinct or upscale as Lincoln right now. I think Super Cruise could be a big differentiator for Cadillac as they propagate that that technology down through their lineup.

[@sahajpatel1553]

Great video! would love to see model X

[@walooo]

Hey Alex, the BMW x5 has always been made in America. Just wanted to point that out given all the talk around the 26 minute mark.

[@SVTStrikesback]

What version of the hybrid is this? I’m assuming it’s the black label, but I can’t find where he specifies it.

[@mathmurdock]

@ 16:07 you can clearly see what the car wants you to do to it.

[@petegalindez9961]

Why do you do the noise test at 50mph? Most people are cruising on the highway at 65-70 and that’s when noise is more relevant and also where disparities become more apparent.

[@richrigney4610]

If I were in the market and had the $$$ for a vehicle such as this I would seriously be looking at the Genesis GV80.

[@markmiller3279]

So would I, but only if I didn't really need a third row. Genesis limits the availability of that feature and it isn't as roomy as the one in the Aviator. The GV80 is a pretty terrific two-row crossover and it's likely to have better reliability.