2021 Lincoln Aviator Reserve Review: The Best Aviator?

The Lincoln Aviator is a top seller for the brand and sits just under the giant and ultra-luxurious Navigator. The Aviator is a great combination of form and function that doesn’t feel as large to drive as the Navigator yet still gives you enough room to fit your family. The Reserve trim stands just above the base level Standard trim and offers some flashy touches like 20” wheels, 360-degree camera with front and rear camera wash plus an outstanding 14-speaker revel premium audio system. The Aviator itself starts at $51,465 with the Reserve model starting at $57,355. 

3.0L Turbocharged V6

The Aviator line offers two powertrains. However, the Reserve is limited to the base engine, which is a turbocharged V6 offering 400-hp. Both engines offering swift acceleration and smooth shifts. There is certainly no lack of power here, there really is no need for the ridiculously powerful Aviator plug-in hybrid that includes the same 3.0L V6 engine but is also paired with a 100-hp electric motor powered by a 13.6-kWh battery. The combined power delivered by the two motors gives 494-hp in total and 630 lb-ft of torque. Is the ultra quick acceleration of the hybrid fun, sure. But you will not be disappointed by the base engine whatsoever. 

Comfortable Ride

The powertrains make the Aviator faster than you’d think, but it remains a supremely comfortable ride. Even with optional 22-inch wheels, the absorption of sounds from bumps and potholes is very impressive. Those who use the Aviator with the optional hybrid powertrain in the city can get up to 18 miles of battery-only range, meaning you can enjoy whisper-quiet electric rides for daily driving around town, which is an added bonus. Another factor contributing to the comfortable ride is the quality of the seats which offer 30 adjustments with optional massage.

The second row is especially spacious, and without taking away too much from the 3rd row. The 3rd seating row is a common issue in larger SUVs, with many offering just a cramped space only suitable for small children. The 2021 Lincoln Aviator in its standard layout isn’t dissimilar, which is a pity, but with the second row moved forward a little, the 3rd-row space is easily improved.

Those not needing the 3rd row can instead take advantage of the 18 cubic feet of cargo space, which is greater than competitors in the category can offer, including the Cadillac XT6 and the BMW X5.

It’s Pricey, but You Get a Lot of SUV 

It has to be said that the 2021 Lincoln Aviator is not the cheapest option when you’re looking in this category. The top-end Black Label Grand Touring model exceeds $90,000, which is a big ask. While you do get a lot for the price, you don’t get comparable quality, especially on the interior.

It’s not that the 2021 Aviator is of poor quality, in fact it’s quite the opposite. The problem remains that if you’re going to spend $90,000+, you can actually get more quality from BMW, Audi or Mercedes-Benz. That’s why the Aviator tends to make more sense in the lower trim levels such as the Reserve model. You still get all of the space, most of the tech and a very quiet comfortable ride for less than similar offerings from the Germans.

Nonetheless, the comfortable seating, spacious rear seats, ample storage space, keen powertrain choices, not to mention the very pleasing 12.3” digital instrument cluster and the 10.1” infotainment touchscreen with Wi-Fi, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and optional Revel Ultima 3D sound system all make for a fine family SUV. It’s also 5-star safety rated by the NHTSA.