Ace of Base: 2020 Lincoln Aviator Standard

Matthew Guy
by Matthew Guy

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.

Matthew Guy
Matthew Guy

Matthew buys, sells, fixes, & races cars. As a human index of auto & auction knowledge, he is fond of making money and offering loud opinions.

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  • TCowner We've had a 64.5 Mustang in the family for the past 40 years. It is all original, Rangoon Red coupe with 289 (one of the first instead of the 260), Rally Pac, 4-speed, factory air, every option. Always gets smiles and thumbs ups.
  • ToolGuy This might be a good option for my spouse when it becomes available -- thought about reserving one but the $500 deposit is a little too serious. Oh sorry, that was the Volvo EX30, not the Mustang. Is Volvo part of Ford? Is the Mustang an EV? I'm so confused.
  • Mikey My late wife loved Mustangs ..We alway rented one while travelling . GM blood vetoed me purchasing one . 3 years after retirement bought an 08 rag top, followed by a 15 EB Hard top, In 18 i bought a low low mileage 05 GT rag with a stick.. The car had not been properly stored. That led to rodent issues !! Electrical nightmare. Lots of bucks !! The stick wasn't kind to my aging knees.. The 05 went to a long term dedicated Mustang guy. He loves it .. Today my garage tenant is a sweet 19 Camaro RS rag 6yl Auto. I just might take it out of hibernation this weekend. The Mustang will always hold a place in my heart.. Kudos to Ford for keeping it alive . I refuse to refer to the fake one by that storied name .
  • Ajla On the Mach-E, I still don't like it but my understanding is that it helps allow Ford to continue offering a V8 in the Mustang and F-150. Considering Dodge and Ram jumped off a cliff into 6-cylinder land there's probably some credibility to that story.
  • Ajla If I was Ford I would just troll Stellantis at all times.
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