Is the 2025 Lincoln Aviator the BEST new midsize 3-row luxury SUV?

FIRST LOOK: The Aviator is getting some BIG changes from Lincoln for 2025. On the outside you will be greeted by an all new grill, lighting and front fascia. On the inside there is a new 13.2in infotainment screen, 12.3in digital gauge cluster and full leather seating. Under the hood is a 3.0L twin-turbo V6 that is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Is the 2025 Lincoln Aviator the BEST new midsize 3-row luxury SUV?
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videography: Lori Raiti 🎥

[@RaitisRides]

What’s going on everyone? This Aviator was a total surprise to Lori & I. We are on the Nautilus drive and Lincoln has the 2025 Aviator on display so we had to bring it to you!

[@DarkJediChrisG-1425]

Can't wait for the Nautilus first drive, Raiti

[@RaitisRides]

@@DarkJediChrisG-1425next week it is dropping

[@DarkJediChrisG-1425]

Can't wait, Joe. Hopefully, hear more about the Navigator and Expedition redesigns as well. Hear BIG things are in store in the rumors. ​@RaitisRides

[@RaitisRides]

@@DarkJediChrisG-1425oh trust me! It’s going to be exciting!

[@was75872]

Still a toss up to me which one to buy. Nautilus or Aviator. Didn't really want a 3 row vehicle. Can't go wrong with either. Great review to both of you. Keep up the good work. Love the v6 better.

[@islanddon865]

Cadillac shoots for Flash & Blling. Lincoln shoots for Understated Elegance. I'm with Lincoln on this classy, luxurious ride

[@RaitisRides]

That is such a great point

[@azerogliev6520]

what does clown Z shoots for?

[@ull893]

It's not understated anymore..

[@mattmekhaeil]

Lincoln has come a long way. They got a good lineup

[@RaitisRides]

This is so very true!

[@bryanwashington9511]

30 way adjustable seats and 28 speakers is insane but Lincoln has hit a home run with its vehicles. Thanks Joe and Lori for the video and review!

[@RaitisRides]

I am so glad that you like this!

[@Unsalted375]

These new licolns look so cool, I remember I used to view Lincoln as a brand for the old geezer lol

[@mattvan5100]

That's because your an old geezer now haha just kidding I'm the same. In my 30s, just bought the Aviator. Love lincolns since 2020

[@bstewnyc]

Joe's one man mission to remove all rear wipers is gaining steam. Feels like a lot of 24/25 SUV's are starting to move them. The Raiti Effect

[@bstewnyc]

And that steering wheel is sexy!

[@luv2bottom]

Hide it not remove it like on the Nautilus. When you live in a snowy climate that uses salt on the roads it’s nice to be able to clean off the rear window

[@mikejames-drummerreginacan1386]

I love the lineup...a luxury vehicle for every need. Go Lincoln. Thanks Joe and Lori ... USA

[@thetejp05]

Joe, I absolutely love watching your authentic and entertaining videos dude. I’m so glad I can count on a genuine review from you as you aren’t afraid to mention the components you like and dislike about a vehicle. Keep going J&L!

[@samgaid342]

Joe, if i ever want to get this car it will be because of your review, your detailed description combined with your experienced opinion makes this video a joy to watch, thank you so much!

[@omarcortes5754]

Loved this new Aviator, the design looks fantastic. It would be perfect with just two rows but that's a very personal preference.

[@RaitisRides]

Lincoln did a great job with the exterior & interior

[@mattvan5100]

Lots of leg room in the middle row. We keep our 3rd row folded down

[@martinlee6331]

Thx Joe. You are hilarious 😂. You blend in some great humor (and food references) for all your reviews. It's fantastic. Thx Lori for all you do. This Aviator looks great. Much love and respect from the "214"

[@RaitisRides]

I am so glad that I could share this Lincoln with you and some laughs along the way!

[@donnyostos5652]

Joe, I just love your reviews... YOU'RE THE BEST!❤

[@brianbarbe9646]

Wish Toyota/Lexus could make something that looks this good.

[@WordsMatter1982]

You don't like Beluga Whale/Cheese Grater grills?

[@brianbarbe9646]

I was focusing more on the interior, but I get your point!@@WordsMatter1982

[@WarrenG302V8]

​@unimpressively_charmingI can understand her not wanting to go that route again with a Ford. On the other hand, I've had many new and used Ford's and never had a bad one. A couple had some flaws but nothing that affected how they run and drive. Aviator looks to be one of the better choices in the class.

[@jsshay01]

@unimpressively_charmingHave to say that all I’ve ever driven are Fords, and still do but for one Yukon XL. My dad was a Ford man since the 30’s and my brother has two Ford trucks for his business and pleasure. More comfort, more luxury, pleasing to the eye. My husband’s a GM man but he also loves our Fords, have had only four in over 33 years together, each got well over 150k to 300k miles on them. And the guys were and are super mechanics, can fix anything so that’s always a plus but we haven’t had many big issues with any of our Ford cars. The interior holds up better in the Ford, too. Great car! Just have to respond when someone talks poorly of a Ford.😊

[@Steve23-392]

Great review, seems like a nice fit for families. Very nice touches and features inside and out.

[@dominickirkwood]

Joe and Lori and Steve keep up the good work real true and I love the video 👍

[@RaitisRides]

You got it Dominixk

[@Th3OneWhoWaits]

I'd take this over the Nautilus. Love the new styling on both but this has the proper horsepower for the price point.

[@RaitisRides]

I totally agree with you!

[@JRPGGUY]

I was thinking this would be the nautilus with more horsepower and space. Suck for me

[@dukewaldsmith2132]

Very true .. but I think the Nautilus looks better.. But yeah Aviator over Nautilus

[@chrisjenkins203]

I do like the full length screen in the Nautilus but I wish they were made in America, like the other Lincoln’s.

[@sonalmalhotra07]

Wow!!!! I think I have ridden in one!. Lovely car!! Great job.

[@Aschoolbusandsimulatorfan2219]

Amazing review Joe.

[@RaitisRides]

That really means the world.

[@user-ru4ob6bz3g]

I so love your review! I crack up and get great information. 😂

[@GabrielWilliams-tm2ue]

6:58 😂 "hey, this won't open unlock the door!"😂 lol

[@peterchampagne3937]

This Lincoln is absolutely stunning

[@flex_007]

And still champion of the lenses Lori Raiti 🏆 🎉🎉

[@mattvan5100]

I have a 23 aviator. I prefer nobs and buttons for things like climate control. When i drive, i dont need to be scrolling through a screen to turn up the heat

[@jenniferhornung9965]

Can’t wait for the test drive beautiful car. Actually considering the Nautilis for myself. Love the idea of the third row specially, for taking family members out just wish third row had little more room. You always give the best commentary and in depth reviews.

[@tigertreetop]

J - 472 years ago my uncle always drove Lincolns & I remember riding places with him & my Aunt - it was like floating on a cloud. he called them his land yacht - love tony

[@ando2xx]

Damn cars existed 472 years ago😭💀

[@MegaRetr]

What's the button at 10 o'clock on the steering wheel for?)))))))

[@gurnoorsandhu8582]

It's a Voice command button

[@tomdrummy4984]

Hey Joe ! 👋. It looks good……like the way they did the shifter buttons……doesn’t take up much room. I hope they gave you a ballon for coming to Palm Springs

[@RaitisRides]

lol! I actually rode my be of those balloons home😂

[@mrees5170]

My wife is one her second aviator lease because she loves the car. So much versatility and luxury for the price. Love the refreshed look! My two things-with so much black accent outside, black out Lincoln in the back and inside angle the screen and controls slightly to the driver. Otherwise a great vehicle!

[@RaitisRides]

That is so great to hear from her ownership experience!

[@lionbeast178]

This Lincoln Aviator looks good, and with 400hp, that's not bad.

[@MCoupeMike]

Love the Aviator - hate the new bigger screens, hate the HVAC buttons moving to the Infotainment.

[@benz500r]

Good review!. I'm an American schmuck and I want American car companies do well. This is truly a nice SUV. I looked once at Aviator "black badge" and the interior was phenomenal, but the vehicle was expensive. I wish they could rework the exterior to give it more presence on the streets. The current design gets lost on the street among other SUVs.

[@iNeverHadMercy]

Lincoln and Cadillac continue to put American Luxury on the Top Shelf of The World 💯💰

[@RaitisRides]

You are so very right about that.

[@user-dh6qp8rs7i]

Can't go wrong with a Raiti's review.

[@davelawson5862]

These new Lincolns are fricking amazing....these things are fantastic

[@roberthugh9987]

Great review . Just wondering why the Aviator didn’t go with the similar massive A pillar to A pillar infotainment system found in the Nautilus. Any ideas?

[@RaitisRides]

This is a refresh and not a redesign like the Nautilus.

[@caryschaffer3239]

What's the button at 10 o'clock on the steering wheel for?

[@JillH-up3hn]

I test drove almost every 2024 mid-size luxury SUV and liked the Aviator the best. The comfort of the Aviator was by far the most comfortable of them all. I am torn as to wait for 2025.

[@dvil51]

Nice. Is a 2025 Navigator review coming ? 😊

[@RaitisRides]

You might be right!

[@timwiedt]

Does it cost more to have a functional air curtain?

[@JasonWashington-rp8wo]

I like the exhaust tip "bottom exit" design. This feature was added to eliminate the "black carbon build-up" that is common with chrome tipped covers.

[@allinHerring]

Really like this aviator style and horsepower. It is much more upscale than the Lexus TX. But wish the 3rd row was as big as the TX. Also the screens in the Nautilus is so awesome. I just wish you could combine the length of the Lexus TX and screen of the Nautilus into the Aviator with its V6 400 horses. Now I must decide between the Aviator and the Nautilus. Leaning Aviator. Thanks for your review Joe as they are always the best

[@normanli7085]

Well, Lexus had to make the TX that big because the LX is a joke in terms of space in the "full size" space. So the TX is kind of a mini Lincoln Navigator on the outside with similar space on the inside.

[@johnnydub1985]

Why do half of these new SUV/Crossovers/Wagons not come with fog lights anymore? We live in a day where almost all the cars now have fog lights, and most of the new SUVs don't. Wtf?

[@rickygreene8870]

Very nice vehicle. Always been a fan of the aviator

[@patcurrie9888]

Oh how I miss the Lincoln sedans. I had an 85 Conti. Best car I ever had, air suspension was pricy to replace tho. Sold it privately after 1st airbag went out in 1993, $330.00 for one. Service Mgr said glad I brought it in, $500.00 compressor in trunk would burn out.

[@trevorsutherland5263]

God bless physical HVAC controls. Fine it you put them in software, but they better be there physically, or you'll never see my money. In a time when my jaw drops whenever you say the price, $68K didn't make me spew my Coke. A Caddy XT6 with everything is around $66K so this is competitive, especially since you can't get a twin turbo V6 in the Caddy at all. Well done!

[@kdaye7647]

I love ur reviews!! I was thinking of trading my Navi for the Aviator, but the 3rd row seat is a bust. 😢

[@theKiddAlways]

i remember as a teen i did valet parking and there were only 2 luxary suvs at the time. i was expecting the mercedes to be better but the navagator was just amazing and better and more comfortable. they just know how to make a luxary suv.

[@dejonbuick6070]

Hey, Joe Lincoln too is true American luxury, however I prefer Cadillac and the Escalade, because my uncle drove Cadillacs and we took road trips in them and those caddy's were sure nice 😊😊😊.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for sharing those great points

[@ShagWitTheBag]

Hey Raiti, could you do a video on the new f150 single cab with the mustang engine in it?

[@kevinowens6681]

Sweet 💯

[@TheSpeedDemon64]

10:20 That actually sounds good! It makes me want a burrito lol

[@blairbrown4812]

5:10-5:36 My only regret about those Wheels is that Lincoln is not going into the luxury sports car market. Because those Wheels would kill on one of them.

[@el_av_ate]

Great looks, gives me tiguan rest a bit which is a great looking car. Great color inside and feels luxurious. Think the biggest problem for me is it's Lincoln

[@compton221]

Very nice❤

[@RaitisRides]

I’m so glad that you think so

[@coltonmarshburn1828]

I definitely agree that the Aviator has improved quite a bit, the TX will be your best bet if you’re planning to carry fully grown men in all three rows

[@JackSmith-qi7dr]

Who would do that!! 😂

[@RaitisRides]

I think you are right!

[@RaitisRides]

You just never know.

[@normanli7085]

Or just get the Navigator, although the specs aren't far off from the TX even though the TX looks like a mini Navigator and has the same third row headroom as well as similar total cargo volume.

[@allinHerring]

The TX is just not as upscale as the Aviator. The TX has smaller engines, way more soft touch and interior front seat area not as roomy. Aviator is just more classy@@normanli7085

[@normanli7085]

Hey Joe, how come you never reviewed a production spec Lincoln Aviator? The last one you reviewed was a 2020 Aviator preproduction model.

[@RaitisRides]

There wasn’t one available in the Florida press fleet

[@jfscotch]

A big thank you to Joe and Lori for bringing us this sneak peek at the 2025 Lincoln Aviator. Beautiful vehicle but I am a little perplexed on what they are doing with this compared to the Lincoln Nautilus from 2024 with that brilliant large screen across the dashboard. No such dashboard in this offering but screens more like the Mustang in this one. Also, I prefer the seamless blending in of the door handles on the Nautilus and Continental than the more traditional handles on this one although they are fine. I just figured they would be consistent across the lineup. It is a beautiful vehicle although the 3rd row is pretty much useless. In my case, I would just keep that down and have a very large storage space in the back. I do like the V-6 offering in this as opposed to the 2024 Nautilus with just the smaller engine offerings. Thanks again, Joe and Lori and now enjoy some well deserved down time in Palm Springs. Looks like you two are slumming it this weekend!!!!!LOL

[@Tanker.621]

For the Lincoln aviator 2025 what would of been best for it to stand out they should of but 48 inch screen inside as they did the nautilus but I would still buy it great suv

[@Freddy_Confetti]

Wheels look sick

[@LuisUrbieta]

Here are the 12 Apostles to the Luxury Cars: #1. Lincoln #2. Cadillac #3. GMC #4. Buick #5. Acura #6. Alpha Romeo #7. BMW #8. Genesis #9. Mercedes-Benz #10. Rolls-Royce #11. Audi #12. Bentley. I love the fake vents & I feel like without them, the white bumper would look rather boring.

[@michaeloler1477]

Rati, any info on the 2025 Ford Expedition?

[@phunglung69420]

68K?! Hot damn that’s a good deal 🎉

[@terrybaptist795]

Please do a review on a clean example of a Subaru Baha?

[@DayneJAH333]

What's up with the stitching behind the steering wheel it looks kind of defective.

[@RaitisRides]

Well this is a preproduction model.

[@davidsiebert5860]

I wish you would measure the depth of the front seats for your thigh support. Compact and sub compact are too short on a trip for longer legged people. It a good comparison #

[@jbb00676]

I have the 2020 aviator reserve with all the options and this isnt that different. The difference that this has outside of the face lift is the blue cruise, update instrument cluster and sync 4 infotainment. This just shows me that lincoln is not going crazy and introducing too many changes all at once in order to maintain quality. Im just waiting until the interior matches the new nautilus end to end digital screen experience. Then i wont be able to resist

[@cbotten106]

Your Mom's pearl of wisdom about fingering the gloss black trim should be shared with some of these other KZbinrs...🖐

[@Steelers2841]

Love this looks very beautiful but looks better black 🖤 That worth the price for $69,000

[@RaitisRides]

I’m so glad you are all about this lincoln

[@user-wg5xp2vl2p]

So much improved.

[@Sant1ag0.]

Let’s see Lori’s championship belt !!!

[@thomassharp2719]

I wished you had shown the third row seats down. To show how much storage on top.

[@brooklynknightss]

Lincoln has been killing the style and interior!!!!

[@flex_007]

Wow beautiful ride. Im leaning towards this or the 2025 navigator. Thanks for the great and entertaining review as always 👍👏👏

[@RaitisRides]

You are so very welcome!

[@nicholasaustin]

This is an elegance vehicle.

[@Evan-memo]

This is my favourite colour interior in any car i love it

[@RaitisRides]

Oh wow! I am so glad that you are liking this one.

[@fartman10284]

@5:02, Those brake rotors look tiny inside the 22" wheels. It's got the economy car effect going. And that black A-pillar does not flow with the doors to the windshield. It's like Ford took a look at the Nissan Rogue and decided to copy that, instead of making it flow nicer like the Explorer A-pillar trim And when I see a new Accord from the rear, the tail lights scream Aviator

[@GannonKupkoSr]

Waiting for ON THROTTLE!!!

[@uperez71]

Lincoln is BACK!

[@maw4736]

Love this car

[@TheSpeedDemon64]

9:45 And my one zonk for that, it should be wood decorated, not gloss black. Some luxury cars have wood accents, so this one should have that too!

[@DarkJediChrisG-1425]

Props for Lincoln not having one single EV in their lineup 👏. They know what sells , and this will. Smart move Lincoln 👌. I think they are doing a better job reviving their brand then Buick. And after seeing leaked images of the 2025 Enclave, it rings true.

[@RaitisRides]

This is a very good point to bring up

[@MercOne]

What sells? Are you kidding? Clearly they don't know what sells. Their 2023 sales are withing 5K units of their 2013 sales total. Sales in recent history peaked in 2007 and have been stagnant every since. Clearly you don't have a grasp on the reality of their situation. If they knew what sold their sales would be dropping every year since 2019. Reviving the brand? It's more like they're dying a slow death.

[@DarkJediChrisG-1425]

@MercOne I'm not saying that they're knocking it out of the park. All I'm saying is they avoid the path of EVs, which clearly haven't been selling lately. So, at least they don't have that weight around their necks.

[@MercOne]

@@DarkJediChrisG-1425 Are you just not understanding that their sales have been dropping anyways? Having an EV would have likely helped them. Their sales have been dropping for the last 4 years and their now more or less where they were in 2013. Knocking it out the park? They're not even in the game sales wise. They already have a weight around their neck.

[@DarkJediChrisG-1425]

@MercOne Perhaps. Maybe if Lincoln offered more hybridized vehicles, it'll boost sales since hybrid sales are hot now. That's the one area GM abandoned......for now. That I believe.

[@s8ten641]

Reminds me of an Fpace almost

[@laddigo]

😊does it have a jack and a spare?

[@johnsonaustinj]

It does have a spare. :)

[@davidsanderson5466]

Lincoln has been doing their homework and finally listened to RAITI, lose that rear window wiper. LOL!

[@kervensferdinand669]

Joe you’re so hilarious, that’s one of the reasons I love watching your reviews. It was really funny when you talked about how to open the door 😂

[@mattvan5100]

The 3rd row is all plastic and no leather becuase thats where the 10 year olds hang out and they will have that leather destroyed in no time. Hard to wreck black plastic

[@lsjionredlinesupercharged2049]

I chose the bmw x3 loaded for me some of it is the service centers customer feeling when leaving and I’ve worked at and been to enough of them to know that ford centers and Gm is horrible but go to bmw service center it’s almost life changing😂😂.

[@RaitisRides]

Everyone is going to have a heir favorites

[@lsjionredlinesupercharged2049]

@@RaitisRides I don’t even like bmw lol or German I’ve always been a Gm guy but after my Cadillac ATS I gave bmw a try and I’m not goin back I love my ATS but it’s the most unreliable car I’ve ever owned.

[@allinHerring]

Oh Joe it would be great to see a Reserve model without the Jet package. It seems Lincoln is really pushing that package

[@selectshotsmedia]

Daaaang I’ve had the Lexus TX in my sights and now I’m like shiet the Aviator huh?

[@rtcturnemup7028]

I think the nautilus outshines the aviator in nearly every way besides not having a 3rd row.

[@RaitisRides]

This is very true

[@vanceforrest4085]

Four cylinder engine is the only engine vs this six 400hp. Hard pass on Nautilus

[@davidsiebert5860]

Front wheel drive vs rear wheel drive bias.

[@csmlouis]

Kinda weird seeing that the mid-tier Nautilus has better tech than the 3 row Aviator. I would much prefer the front fascia of this one than the Nautilus.

[@RaitisRides]

It all comes down to the Nautilus getting a redesign and this is a refresh

[@sweetphilly2]

Where's the NAUTILUS REVIEW?! I NEED DAT!!!

[@bradcorbett90]

Not placing the rear seating vents on the ceiling is a miss.

[@mig3872]

Wonder why the aviator didn't get the full dash screen for passenger like the nautilus did?

[@KerryRussellRN]

Best esthetics

[@RaitisRides]

Lincoln upped their game!

[@kimhamm8631]

The Lincoln Aviator and the Lexus TX are the 2 vehicles I'm choosing between for my next ride. I will say I can't stand the 3rd row literally sitting on the floor. Those riding back there will eat their knees. Just not well thought out back there but I do love the under floor cargo which was one of my desires but the TX does not have it. Yes you have an under floor opening but it's all filled with "car stuff" with a few tiny compartments to throw some tools or whatnot in, not fully open like the Aviator. Another plus on this is the engine. Not thrilled with the 4cyl turbo on the Lexus. Love both on styling however the Aviator offers more chrome outside which was my preference. I did find the TX a bit disappointing inside with that typical Lexus grandeur. It's definitely lacking the high end finishes that I expect to see. So lots to consider.

[@jamisonz3365]

400 Horse Power?? That's a lot more than XT6, MDX and Lexus TX or even a standard BMW X7 or a GLS.

[@tracyaiken1633]

Does the second row have heated/cooled seats?

[@RaitisRides]

Nope just heated.

[@rblackwood3245]

Yes just ordered one

[@CS_1989]

Raiti, bro wats up with the manuf & the fake vents!?!? Either put a fog light or functional ventilation. Every time I see that I’m telling the dealer I want @ discount for extra plastic on my car

[@MCoupeMike]

Every Aviator Review since 2020: "Love all the physical buttons for the HVAC!" Lincoln in 2025: "Hey, let's move all the physical buttons to the Infotainment screen" 🤨🙄