After the Explorer saw a moderate overhaul, it’s time for the Lincoln Aviator to get a similar treatment.
Just last week, Ford brought us the updated 2025 Explorer, and now we’re seeing its Lincoln equivalent as the new Aviator makes a Monday debut. Like its mainstream counterpart, Lincoln’s mid-range luxury SUV sees a few notable exterior styling tweaks, new cosmetic options and packages and updated technology to freshen it up against the wide range of competition.
What you won’t see this time around, however, is the hybrid “Grand Touring” model — the updated 2025 Lincoln Aviator launches with just one V6 powertrain option.
One major hallmark of Lincoln’s updated design is the larger grille. Not only is it bigger on this new model, but Lincoln also deleted the chrome surround, much like the company did with the Nautilus. On the Aviator, designers also raised the grille so its top edge aligns with the new LED headlights, which feature daytime running lights that cut inward slightly.
In profile or around the back, the 2025 Lincoln Aviator doesn’t look markedly different than the outgoing model, apart from new 20- through 22-inch wheel designs wheel designs and a distinctive lack of chrome brightwork. As before, the “Aviator” badge still adorns each fender and the thin taillights and full-width rear light bar remain an integral part of the SUV’s exterior design.
Several package options are available to change up the Aviator’s look beyond the actual trim levels. The Jet Package, for instance, is available adds in 21-inch bright machined aluminum wheels on the Premiere or 22-inch black wheels on the Reserve, while Black Label models get a different style Ebony style. On all trims, the package brings all-season tires, black exterior accents and body-color elements to the lower front and rear fascia, as well as the door cladding and wheel lips.
Another Black Label Special Edition package is available for the top trim level: That adds a black roof for a two-tone effect, 22-inch black wheels and the black exterior elements.
Inside is where you’ll see a wide range of changes
Much like the new Explorer, the 2025 Lincoln Aviator brings in more technology and some quality-of-life improvements over the previous model. Front and center is a new 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster, featuring alongside a larger 13.2-inch center touchscreen. Lincoln says the new system is easy and straightforward to use, while it also adds Google built-in apps (like Maps and Google Assistant) and 5G connectivity. The “Lincoln Digital Experience” also opens up access to a host of other apps through the Google Play sore, including various music and video streaming apps. Web browsing is also an option while you’re parked through the Vivaldi browser, though the Chrome app is also coming soon in beta.
Each Aviator comes with the Lincoln CoPilot 360 2.1 system as standard equipment. The company’s driver assistance suite includes features like evasive steering assist, lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, Lincoln CoPilot 360 2.1 Vision (a 360-degree camera and parking sensors), and reverse brake assist.
Other standard features include a panoramic vista roof, a power-adjustable heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, adaptive suspension, wireless phone charging, phone-as-a-key functionality and a Class III towing package.
What about performance?
Like the previous Aviator, the 2025 model still carries the 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine in the lineup. It’s essentially the same powerplant and 10-speed automatic setup as the higher-end Explorer trims (and the ST performance model), putting out 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. The key difference here is Lincoln’s omission of its hybrid model, leaving the gasoline powertrain as the only option, no matter which trim you choose. Rear-wheel drive is still the default setup, while the brand’s “Intelligent Four-Wheel Drive” is still available.
At the moment, EPA fuel economy figures are not available for the 2025 Lincoln Aviator. That said, since we are just talking about a refresh, it’s unlikely the new model will change much from the roughly 20 mpg combined rating the current model gets, give or take 1 mpg by adding all-wheel drive.
The 2025 Lincoln Aviator will go on sale this summer. Pricing will start at $59,890 for the entry-level Premiere model, followed by $68,890 for the mid-range Reserve and $88,390 for the Black Label.
