Lincoln Aviator History
A three-row mid-size luxury SUV — a 2003–2005 Explorer-based original, revived as an acclaimed modern model for 2020.
Photo: “22 Lincoln Aviator Reserve.jpg” by HJUdall / Wikimedia Commons — CC0 1.0. Cropped to 16:9.
History
The first Aviator (2003–2005) was a rebadged, V8-powered version of the third-generation Ford Explorer, slotting below the Navigator as a smaller three-row luxury SUV. It was short-lived and dropped after 2005.
Lincoln revived the Aviator for 2020 on a new rear-wheel-drive-based platform shared with the sixth-generation Explorer, this time as a genuinely upmarket three-row crossover. The reborn Aviator offered a 400-hp twin-turbo V6 and a 494-hp Grand Touring plug-in hybrid, and was widely praised as a return to form for the brand.
Generations
First generation · Explorer-based (U2)
V8-powered rebadge of the third-gen Ford Explorer; a short-lived first attempt below the Navigator.
Second generation · CD6 revival
Photo: “22 Lincoln Aviator Reserve.jpg” by HJUdall / Wikimedia Commons — CC0 1.0. Cropped to 16:9.
All-new rear-drive-based three-row crossover with a twin-turbo V6 and a Grand Touring plug-in hybrid.
2020 Photo: “2020 Chang'an-Lincoln Aviator (front).jpg” by User 3204 / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped to 16:9.
2021 Photo: “2021 Lincoln Aviator.jpg” by DestinationFearFan / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped to 16:9.
2022 Photo: “22 Lincoln Aviator Reserve.jpg” by HJUdall / Wikimedia Commons — CC0 1.0. Cropped to 16:9.
2023 Photo: “Lincoln Aviator II PHEV 01 China 2023-04-14.jpg” by Navigator84 / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped to 16:9.
2024 Photo: “2024 Lincoln Aviator Black Label in Flight Blue, rear left.jpg” by Mr.choppers / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. Cropped to 16:9.
2025 Photo: “Lincoln Aviator (U611) IAA 2025 DSC 1441.jpg” by Alexander Migl / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped to 16:9.
Body styles
- SUV
Related models
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