Lincoln is back in contention with the big dogs in the premium market. And the attractive 2022 Lincoln Aviator is a major part of that achievement.
We like the Aviator for its sleek design, luxurious interior, and strong performance, less so for its unsettled handling when pushed and cramped third-row seat.
For 2022, the sticker has been shaved on some trims, which is a step in the right direction because the Aviator is over-priced, especially on the top models.
New colors have been added, the base model now comes with an optional appearance package, and the Reserve trim sees upgrades to its optional driver-assistance package.
2022 Lincoln Aviator Reserve (starting at $56,450)
We suggest you pass on the base model and choose the Reserve trim to obtain the best value for money from the Aviator range.
All Aviators are based on the Ford Explorer rear-wheel-drive (RWD) platform and are powered by a 400 horsepower, twin-turbocharged, 3.0-liter V6 engine connected to a 10-speed automatic transmission. On the Reserve trim, all-wheel drive (AWD) is an option for an extra $2,530.
Higher trim levels than the Reserve all come with AWD as standard.
Inside, the 3-row cabin has seating for six or seven, depending on whether a bench seat or captain’s chairs are selected for the second row. (In the base trim, the second row only comes as a bench seat.)
The base Aviator trim comes with a power tailgate, LED headlamps, and roof rails.
Both front seats are power-adjustable and heated. There is tri-zone automatic climate control, an integrated navigation system, 10.3-in. touchscreen, Wi-Fi hotspot, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration.
The Reserve trim ups the ante with the following added features: hands-free tailgate, panoramic sunroof, and adaptive suspension (requires 22-in. wheels or AWD).
Inside the Reserve, there is a 5.8-in second-row touchscreen for the climate control, 4-zone climate control, power lumbar support for driver and front passenger, head-up display, premium leather, power tip and slide release for second-row captain’s chairs, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and power tilt/telescoping steering column.
The sound is upgraded with a Revel system and 14 speakers, and a wireless phone charging pad is included.
A decent list of safety equipment and driver-assistance technology is included on all Aviator trims. These systems include a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision mitigation, and lane-keeping assist.
As noted below, the Reserve trim offers a safety-related package that adds several refinements to the driver aid systems.
A number of packages are available for the Reserve trim. The Element Package Plus includes heated and cooled front seats and outboard second row seats, heated steering wheel, and heated wiper blades.
On the safety front, the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Plus package brings parking sensors around the vehicle, adaptive cruise control, lane centering assist, traffic speed sign recognition, evasive steering assist, and reverse brake assist.
If you want the last word in lighting, opt for the illumination package, which comes with adaptive LED headlights (which turn with the vehicle to illuminate corners), and LED fog lights.
Finally there is the Luxury package, with 30-way power seats, power thigh extenders, rear door sunshades, and a Revel sound system with 28 speakers.
Adding in the $1,095 destination fee, the Aviator Reserve sticker comes to approximately $57,545. Given 3% financing over 60 months and no down payment, that would produce a monthly payment of $988. Find a Lincoln Aviator Reserve for sale
2022 Lincoln Aviator Reserve includes:
- 400 horsepower — decent power for the vehicle weight
- Luxury trappings — elegant and comfortable cabin
- Available packages — Several options to round out the feature set
- Safety systems — good collection of safety features and driver aids
2022 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring ($67,885)
The Grand Touring trim moves to a hybrid powertrain. This combines the V6 engine of the lower trims with a 100-hp electric motor and a 13.6-kWh battery.
This change ups the total power level to nearly 500 horsepower and gives the heavyweight Aviator some serious moxie when accelerating. For example, reaching 60 mph from rest takes well under 6 seconds — not too shabby for a vehicle weighing 5,600 lbs.
The Grand Touring trim adds 21-in wheels and a panoramic sunroof with power shade.
With the hybrid powertrain, there are seven drive modes, including two EV settings that allow the vehicle to cover about 20 miles on battery alone.
We are not entirely convinced of the merits of the Aviator hybrid system. It adds a lot of weight and cost to the vehicle in return for a mediocre electric-only range. Sure, performance is better when the battery is charged, but we think the Aviator is best when driven smoothly as a luxury crossover rather than trying to emulate a hard-charging Porsche SUV.
If we stick with the same 60-month loan at 3% financing as used for the Reserve, an Aviator Grand Touring would cost an extra $196 per month. Find a Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring for sale
2022 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring includes:
- Hybrid powertrain — boosts total power to nearly 500 horsepower
- EV mode — allows limited battery-only range
- Panoramic sunroof — nice to brighten up interior
2022 Lincoln Aviator Black Label ($78,870)
The Aviator Black Label is Lincoln’s effort to go all in on luxury features, and the result is impressive. The Black Label sticks with the standard non-hybrid powertrain, which we prefer. If a fully loaded Aviator is your dream, then this is the model to choose.
The list of standard features starts with 22-in wheels and includes every item on the Reserve trim optional packages and more.
Beyond the vehicle itself, Lincoln offers so-called member privileges for its Aviator owners. These include enhanced service and maintenance programs, plus other benefits.
With destination fee included, the Black Label will cost around $79,965, for a monthly payment of close to $1,370. Find a Lincoln Aviator Black Label for sale
2022 Lincoln Aviator Black Label includes:
- 22-in wheels — larger rims for that extra curb appeal
- Finer touches — lengthy list of standard luxury features leaves little to be desired
- Ownership benefits — special services available for Black Label owners
2022 Lincoln Aviator Black Label Grand Touring ($87,425)
Essentially, the Black Label Grand Touring trim is the same as the Black Label but adds the hybrid powertrain and other features of the Grand Touring trim. The wheel size reverts to 21-in from 22-in, while a dynamic handling package is added.
As an all-inclusive luxury trim, the Black Label Grand Touring is impressive but we feel the regular Black Label is the better choice.
The Aviator Black Label Grand Touring costs $88,520 including the destination fee, which works out at $1,520 a month in payments over 60 months, about $150 more than the Black Label. Find a Lincoln Aviator Black Label Grand Touring for sale
2022 Lincoln Aviator Black Label Grand Touring includes:
- Hybrid drive – adds electric motor to regular engine for extra power
- Ultra-luxury interior – “but wait, there’s more” Black Label feature list
