Lincoln Aviator History

Mid-size luxury SUV · 2003–present

Lincoln Aviator — Sample hero image — replace with real model photography.

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) (2003–2005)

V8-powered rebadge of the third-gen Ford Explorer; a short-lived first attempt below the Navigator.
Second generation · CD6 revival (2020–present)

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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