2027 Lincoln Aviator Review: Prices, Specs, MPG and Why the Reserve Is the One to Buy
Lincoln barely touched the Aviator for 2027, and that restraint says something. This is a three-row luxury SUV that already knows exactly what it is, and it is not trying to be a sport sedan on stilts.
Key Takeaways
- Pricing runs $57,495 to $85,910 across Premiere, Reserve and Black Label trims.
- One engine, every trim. A twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 making up to 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft, paired with a 10-speed automatic.
- What is new for 2027 is cosmetic: three fresh paint colors and a four-year Lincoln Security Package on every trim.
- BlueCruise hands-free driving is standard with a four-year complimentary period.
- Best value is the Reserve. It adds roughly $9,800 of content over Premiere and makes the same power as the $85,910 Black Label.
- The honest weak points: 29.2 inches of third-row legroom and 20 mpg combined.
What This Review Covers
- The quick verdict
- What is new for 2027
- The V6 and the 400 hp asterisk
- Exterior design and wheels
- Inside the quiet luxury cabin
- The third-row reality check
- Pricing and the smartest trim
- Full specs, MPG and dimensions
- Warranty and ownership
- Video walkaround
- Pros and cons
- How it compares with rivals
- Who should buy which Aviator
- Photo gallery
- Frequently asked questions
- Final verdict
An SUV That Would Rather Glide Than Carve
There is a particular kind of luxury buyer the 2027 Lincoln Aviator is built for, and the brand has stopped apologizing for it. This is not a vehicle for people who talk about turn-in response. It is for people who want a long hood, a hushed cabin, a seat that still feels good four hours into a drive, and a commute that leaves them less depleted than when they started.
Underneath, the Aviator shares its bones with the Ford Explorer. That is not the insult it once would have been. The platform delivers a cushioned ride and genuine rear-drive proportions, and Lincoln has layered on enough acoustic insulation, material quality and midcentury-inspired design to make the relationship feel distant rather than obvious.
Power comes from a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 producing up to 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, routed through a 10-speed automatic to the rear wheels or an available all-wheel-drive system. Acceleration is appropriately urgent for something this plush. Standard BlueCruise handles hands-free highway driving on compatible roads, with driver supervision required throughout.
If you want the platform sibling with the sharper edge, our 2027 Ford Explorer ST review covers what the same architecture feels like when it is tuned for pace rather than serenity.
What Is Actually New for 2027
Let us be straightforward, because some coverage inflates this. The 2027 Aviator is a light refresh, not a redesign. The mechanical package carries over unchanged.
Three new paint colors
Lincoln added Asher Gray Metallic, Avalanche Gray and Ruby Red Metallic to the palette. Reserve models fitted with the Jet Appearance Package can also be specified with a contrasting black-painted roof, which gives an otherwise dignified family hauler a noticeably sharper attitude.
Four years of the Lincoln Security Package
Every 2027 trim now includes a four-year subscription covering theft alerts, engine start inhibition, stolen vehicle assistance and insurance deductible reimbursement. It is a quiet addition, but a genuinely valuable one in an era when keyless relay theft has become a real concern for owners of premium SUVs.
Editor's note on verification: every price, output figure and dimension below comes from Lincoln's published specifications or the manufacturer's configurator. Where independent sources report slightly different numbers, we flag the discrepancy rather than picking a convenient figure. Nothing here has been estimated.
The 400 Horsepower Asterisk Worth Understanding
This is the detail most quick reviews skip, and it matters if you live in the wrong state.
The Aviator's twin-turbo V6 is rated at up to 400 horsepower on premium fuel. In what the industry calls Green States, the published figure is 383 horsepower. Torque stays at 415 lb-ft regardless. Lincoln lists 87 octane as the minimum requirement, with premium recommended to unlock the full output.
The practical translation: you can run this SUV on regular unleaded and it will work perfectly well, but you will not see the headline horsepower number. For most owners that difference is academic, because 383 hp in a three-row family SUV is already more than sufficient. For anyone who has budgeted for premium fuel across 15,000 miles a year, it is worth doing the arithmetic before you commit.
Maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds, which covers a modest boat or a small camper but places the Aviator behind some body-on-frame alternatives.
Exterior: Nearly 200 Inches That Somehow Look Tailored
Lincoln's design team deserves credit here. A broad grille, slim LED headlights and tidy, uncluttered bodywork make 199.7 inches of SUV look considerably more elegant than the dimensions suggest. The long hood and clean profile create a genuinely handsome silhouette, and the quad exhaust outlets serve as a reminder that something serious is breathing up front.
Standard 20-inch wheels supply plenty of presence. Black Label's 22-inch designs turn the theater up considerably. Available adaptive lighting and the Jet Appearance package add visual polish, while the hands-free, approach-activated power liftgate makes the weekly grocery run less of a ceremony.
Inside: Quiet Luxury Done With Actual Restraint
The Aviator's cabin is the strongest argument for the whole vehicle. Warm trim, soft-touch surfaces and the distinctive piano-key gear selectors create an atmosphere that feels deliberately different from the German competition's tech-forward austerity. It is calmer, warmer and more American in the best sense.
A 13.2-inch touchscreen anchors the Lincoln Digital Experience, combining Google built-in functionality with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Crucially, Lincoln kept physical climate controls. In a segment racing to bury every function in a menu, that restraint is worth real money on a daily basis.
Seating configurations
- Premiere and Black Label: second-row captain's chairs, six-passenger capacity
- Reserve: optional three-seat second-row bench, raising capacity to seven
- Black Label: 30-way power-adjustable front seats with massage function and a 28-speaker Revel audio system
Those 30-way seats are not a marketing gimmick. The adjustability extends to individual thigh extensions and upper back support, and for anyone who drives long distances regularly, they are among the better front seats available at any price.
The Third Row: Let Us Be Honest About It
Here is where the Aviator asks for a compromise, and pretending otherwise would not help anyone shopping this segment.
Third-row legroom measures 29.2 inches. For context, second-row legroom is 39.0 inches and front legroom is 43.0 inches. That final row is genuinely comfortable for children and perfectly survivable for adults on a short restaurant run. It is not a place you should ask a grown adult to spend a three-hour highway stretch.
Cargo capacity follows the same pattern: 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 39.9 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 75.9 cubic feet with both rows flat. The 16.5-figure is workable for a grocery run with seven aboard, but a full airport trip for six people and luggage will require some planning.
If regular adult third-row use is non-negotiable, this is the point at which to cross-shop something larger. The Hyundai Palisade and Volkswagen Atlas both offer more usable rearmost accommodation for considerably less money, though neither matches the Aviator's cabin materials or powertrain.
2027 Lincoln Aviator Pricing and the Smartest Trim to Buy
| Trim | Drivetrain | MSRP |
|---|---|---|
| Premiere | RWD | $57,495 |
| Premiere | AWD | $59,495 |
| Reserve | RWD | $67,295 |
| Reserve | AWD | $69,295 |
| Black Label | AWD | $85,910 |
Why the Reserve makes the strongest case
Spend $9,800 more than the base Premiere and the Reserve returns a list of genuinely substantive upgrades rather than badge polish:
- Premium leather seating surfaces
- Panoramic Vista Roof
- Ventilated front seats
- Four-zone automatic climate control
- Wireless charging
- Access to upgraded Revel audio
- 21-inch wheels and ambient interior lighting
The decisive argument is mechanical. The Reserve's V6 delivers identical output to the $85,910 Black Label. Stepping above Reserve buys exclusivity, bespoke interior themes and concierge-style ownership services, not additional capability. That is a legitimate thing to want, but it should be a conscious choice rather than an assumption that more money means more car.
The counter-argument for Premiere
In fairness, the base Premiere is not a stripped-out loss leader. It arrives with the full 400-hp V6, adaptive suspension dampers, BlueCruise, a power-folding third row, the 13.2-inch touchscreen, a surround-view camera and heated front seats. Buyers who do not care about the panoramic roof or leather can add the Premiere II and Premiere III packages and still land below Reserve money.
Anyone running the numbers on monthly cost rather than sticker price should also look at how these trims lease, since luxury SUV residuals vary sharply between trim levels. Our guide to the best lease deals available right now explains where the real savings tend to hide.
Full Specs: Powertrain, Fuel Economy and Dimensions
Powertrain
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 |
| Power | Up to 400 hp on premium fuel; 383 hp in Green States |
| Torque | 415 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD or AWD |
| Seating | 6; up to 7 on Reserve |
| Max towing capacity | 5,000 lb |
| Fuel tank capacity | 20.2 gallons |
Fuel economy
| Drivetrain | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| RWD | 17 | 25 | 20 |
| AWD | 17 | 24 | 20 |
A note on the numbers: some published sources list 18 mpg city for rear-drive Aviators rather than 17. The variance appears to come from different configurations within the trim walk. Confirm the window sticker on the specific vehicle you are considering, or check certified ratings directly at fueleconomy.gov.
Either way, 20 mpg combined is the Aviator's least flattering statistic. With a 20.2-gallon tank, that works out to roughly 400 miles of mixed-driving range. Rivals with hybrid or plug-in options will cost noticeably less to run, and buyers covering high annual mileage should factor that into the total ownership picture rather than the purchase price alone.
Dimensions and cargo
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Length | 199.7 in |
| Width | 79.6 in |
| Height | 69.2 to 69.6 in |
| Wheelbase | 119.1 in |
| Headroom, front / second / third | 40.2 / 38.4 / 36.9 in |
| Legroom, front / second / third | 43.0 / 39.0 / 29.2 in |
| Cargo, behind third / second / first row | 16.5 / 39.9 / 75.9 cu-ft |
Warranty and the Ownership Picture
| Coverage type | Duration |
|---|---|
| Limited (bumper to bumper) | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
| Powertrain | 6 years / 70,000 miles |
| Complimentary maintenance (Black Label) | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
This is genuinely competitive coverage for the segment, and it is one of the quieter reasons to take the Aviator seriously against European alternatives. Six years of powertrain protection on a twin-turbo V6 is meaningful reassurance.
Black Label ownership adds a further layer: remote vehicle pickup and delivery for service, complimentary car washes and premium maintenance. Whether that justifies the step up from Reserve depends entirely on how much you value not visiting a dealership.
Insurance deserves a mention too. Three-row luxury SUVs with 400-hp engines and 22-inch wheels tend to carry premiums well above the family-SUV average, and replacement costs for adaptive lighting and camera systems are not trivial. It is worth running quotes before signing, and our comparison of the best car insurance companies for 2026 is a sensible starting point.
Video: A Closer Look at the 2027 Aviator
Photographs flatten the Aviator's proportions. This walkaround and drive review covers the cabin, the trim differences and how the V6 behaves on the road.
Video: 2027 Lincoln Aviator Reserve review. Credit: YouTube
2027 Lincoln Aviator Pros and Cons
What Works
- Muscular twin-turbo V6 with relaxed highway manners
- Comfortable, genuinely distinctive cabin design
- Four years of BlueCruise included on every trim
- Reserve is well equipped and sensibly priced
- Physical climate controls survived the screen era
- Strong warranty for the segment
- Optional 30-way front seats are exceptional
What Does Not
- Third row is tight at 29.2 inches of legroom
- 20 mpg combined is unremarkable
- Handling is comfortable rather than engaging
- Some option packages get expensive quickly
- No hybrid option in the current lineup
- Full 400 hp requires premium fuel
- 5,000-pound tow rating trails some rivals
How the 2027 Aviator Stacks Up Against Its Rivals
The three-row luxury SUV class is crowded and unforgiving. The Aviator competes directly with the Volvo XC90, Audi Q7, Acura MDX, Lexus TX and Mercedes-Benz GLE.
Here is the strategic read. On outright driving precision, the Q7 and GLE are ahead. On efficiency and electrified options, the XC90 and Lexus TX have the clear advantage. On value per dollar of equipment, the MDX is a persistent threat.
What the Aviator offers that none of them quite replicate is a specific flavor of relaxed, warm, unhurried American luxury combined with a genuinely powerful standard engine and a long warranty. Nothing in the German camp gives you 400 horsepower as standard equipment at $57,495.
Buyers who want three rows with a sharper driving character should look at the Mazda CX-90, which undercuts the Aviator substantially while offering inline-six power. Those prioritizing outright value over badge prestige will find the Kia Sorento covers similar ground for far less, albeit with a smaller footprint and a less convincing cabin.
Where the Aviator sits in Lincoln's own range
Within the brand, the Aviator occupies the space between the two-row Nautilus and the full-size Navigator. If your priority is maximum third-row space and towing capacity rather than midsize proportions, the Navigator is the honest recommendation, and the broader full-size luxury segment, including electrified options like the Mercedes-Maybach GLS, is where that conversation belongs.
Who Should Buy Which Aviator?
- Buy the Premiere RWD if you want the full powertrain and BlueCruise experience at the lowest entry point and can live without the panoramic roof.
- Buy the Premiere AWD if you face real winters and want to keep the budget disciplined.
- Buy the Reserve if you want the best balance of equipment and price in the lineup. This is the value pick.
- Buy the Reserve with the second-row bench if you genuinely need seven seats rather than six.
- Buy the Black Label if the ownership services, bespoke interior themes and 28-speaker Revel system are the actual point of the purchase.
One practical suggestion before you commit: sit in the third row yourself, with the second row set where your passengers would actually place it. That single test will resolve the Aviator question faster than any spec sheet.
2027 Lincoln Aviator Photo Gallery
2027 Lincoln Aviator: Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the 2027 Lincoln Aviator cost?
The 2027 Lincoln Aviator starts at $57,495 for the Premiere RWD and rises to $85,910 for the Black Label AWD. The Premiere AWD is $59,495, the Reserve RWD is $67,295 and the Reserve AWD is $69,295. Prices exclude destination, taxes and dealer fees.
What engine does the 2027 Lincoln Aviator have?
Every trim uses the same 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It produces up to 400 horsepower on premium fuel, or 383 horsepower in Green States, with 415 lb-ft of torque throughout. Rear-wheel drive is standard on Premiere and Reserve, with all-wheel drive optional and standard on Black Label.
What is the 2027 Lincoln Aviator's gas mileage?
Rear-wheel-drive models are rated at 17 mpg city, 25 mpg highway and 20 mpg combined. All-wheel-drive versions return 17 city, 24 highway and 20 mpg combined. With a 20.2-gallon fuel tank, that equates to roughly 400 miles of mixed-driving range.
Which 2027 Lincoln Aviator trim is the best value?
The Reserve. For about $9,800 above the base Premiere it adds premium leather, a panoramic Vista Roof, ventilated front seats, four-zone climate control, wireless charging, 21-inch wheels and access to upgraded Revel audio, while producing exactly the same power as the far more expensive Black Label.
Can adults sit in the Lincoln Aviator's third row?
Briefly. Third-row legroom measures 29.2 inches, which suits children comfortably and adults only for short journeys. If regular adult third-row use matters, a larger SUV such as the Lincoln Navigator or a mainstream three-row alternative will serve better.
How much can the 2027 Lincoln Aviator tow?
Maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds. That covers a small boat, a utility trailer or a compact camper, but it falls short of several body-on-frame SUVs and some rivals in the three-row luxury class.
Is BlueCruise standard on the 2027 Lincoln Aviator?
Yes. Lincoln BlueCruise hands-free highway driving is standard across the lineup with a four-year complimentary period, after which a subscription is required. It operates only on compatible mapped highways and requires continuous driver supervision through the in-cabin monitoring system.
Does the 2027 Lincoln Aviator require premium fuel?
No. Lincoln lists 87 octane regular unleaded as the minimum requirement, with premium recommended. Running regular fuel is perfectly acceptable, but the full 400-horsepower rating is achieved only on premium.
Final Verdict: Comfort With Real Conviction
The 2027 Lincoln Aviator understands its assignment, and it executes it with more confidence than most of its rivals manage. It makes the commute less exhausting and the highway feel shorter. Strong V6 power, a cushioned ride and a cabin with genuine personality give it luxury credentials that hold up under scrutiny.
It is not a clean sweep. The third row is tight, 20 mpg combined is hard to defend in 2027, and there is no electrified option when nearly every competitor offers one. These are real limitations, not nitpicks, and anyone who needs seven genuinely usable seats or low running costs should shop elsewhere with a clear conscience.
For everyone else, the recommendation is simple. Buy the Reserve. It delivers the Aviator's best qualities at the point in the range where the value curve peaks, and it leaves Black Label to the buyers who want the full concierge treatment and know exactly why they are paying for it.
The 2027 updates are modest, but they did not need to be more than that. This was already a good SUV with a clear sense of itself, and Lincoln was wise enough not to tamper with it.
Shopping a Three-Row Luxury SUV?
Compare the Aviator against its closest rivals, and check the real ownership numbers before you sign anything.
All SUV Reviews Three-Row V8 Alternative Latest Car ReviewsSources and further reading
- Lincoln USA: official Aviator model page and configurator (pricing, trim content, paint options)
- EPA and DOE fueleconomy.gov (certified fuel economy ratings by configuration)
- NHTSA safety ratings and IIHS crash test ratings (independent safety verification)
- Autoblog: 2027 Lincoln Aviator specifications (reference specification data)
Transparency: specifications, pricing and fuel economy figures reflect manufacturer-published data available on November 2, 2026. Where independent outlets report conflicting figures, the discrepancy is noted in the text rather than resolved silently. Pricing excludes destination, taxes, title and dealer fees, and varies by region. Nothing in this article has been estimated where a verified figure was unavailable.
