Ace of Base: 2020 Lincoln Aviator Standard

Today’s post is not meant to convince you that any particular crossover ranks super high on my personal Top Forty. Indeed, I would prefer if the Lincoln Motor Company was still cranking out Town Cars and Versailles (ok, maybe not the Versailles) than a myriad of tall wagons. However, market conditions rule the roost and here we are.

Longtime readers (thanks, both of you) know my unreasonable Stockholm Syndrome relationship with the Lincoln brand. This helps explain today’s choice, but you know what also helps its selection? That’s right — this platform’s return to rear-drive architecture.

The entry-level Aviator starts at $51,100, which is not a wholly unreasonable sum when one considers that customers can opt a Honda Pilot Elite to near fifty grand. That machine sends power to all four corners, however, while the Lincoln is a rear-drive-only affair at these prices. Under the hood of this (and all) Aviators is a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 that’s good for 400 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. Grand Touring hybrid models append plug-in hybrid technology to this drivetrain, cranking the wick to an astonishing 450 horses and 600 lb-ft of torque. From a luxury crossover.

You see why we were all disappointed with Cadillac’s new V-badged sedans.

Your author’s jaundiced eyes do think that Lincoln’s current design language works quite well, translating here into a handsome tall wagon. A chrome upper grille mesh plays well with those LED peepers and the taillights are of the Lincolnblende variety — without evoking the cross-eyed nature of the old MKT’s rump. Those are 19-inch wheels, by the way. Most paint shades are extra cost, sadly, save for the greyscale and this natty Blue Diamond.

Lincoln knows how to do an interior again, with infotainment that informs and seats that coddle. The Aviator is a three-row rig, able to be configured in six- or seven-passenger arrangements. Charging an extra $1,000 for heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel is annoying, especially when one can get these features as standard on Hyundais which cost about half the price. And mark me down as a fan of the push-button Piano Key gear selector. Yes, I know I’m in the minority.

Said infotainment spans 10.1 inches across the centre stack in this Standard model, boasting all the features you’d expect in this class. Tri-zone climate controls mean both front seat occupants and rear seat munchkins are kept happy. YouTube the Lincoln Symphonic Chimes, while you’re at it – some say it’s a bridge-too-far-gimmick, but I think it’s a neat ambient feature.

Hey, at least they’re trying. With its powertrain, styling, and amenities, I do believe that — for the first time in ages — this particular segment of Lincoln sure seems to be a lot more than just a fancy Ford.

[Images: Lincoln]

Not every base model has aced it. The ones which have? They help make the automotive landscape a lot better. Any others you can think of, B&B? Let us know in the comments and feel free to eviscerate our selections.

The model above is shown with American options and priced in American Dollars. Your dealer may sell for less.