Three rows, a twin-turbo V6, and a cabin styled like a mid-century lounge. The 2027 Lincoln Aviator wants to be a comfortable cruiser first, but with 400 horsepower under the hood, it has a few cards to play against pricier European rivals.

• Standard 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 makes 400 hp, paired with a 10-speed automatic
• Rear- or all-wheel drive, with an optional Dynamic Handling package
• Trails segment performance leaders in 0-60 but holds its own on luxury content

Power on Paper

The Aviator’s 400-hp twin-turbo V6 is among the most powerful standard engines you’ll find in the mid-size luxury SUV class. Pair it with the 10-speed automatic and you get the kind of smooth, unhurried surge that fits Lincoln’s brand of luxury. The transmission swaps gears cleanly, the engine stays refined, and acceleration feels authoritative without ever turning rowdy.

Rear-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is available for extra cost. The optional Dynamic Handling package layers in an adaptive suspension, air springs, and variable-assist steering. Car and Driver tried both setups and called the upgrade’s benefits negligible, so most shoppers won’t miss it.

How It Compares on Speed

Big horsepower doesn’t always translate to quick stopwatch numbers. Car and Driver clocked the Acura MDX Type S at 5.5 seconds to 60 mph and the Audi Q7 55 at 5.9 seconds. If you want a luxury SUV that actually feels fast, the two-row BMW X5 xDrive40i pulls 60 in 4.4 seconds, which is a different conversation entirely.

So the Aviator’s powertrain is tuned for relaxed long-distance driving rather than hard driving. It’s stable through corners and relatively well-isolated from road imperfections. A relaxed, comfort-first feel is the bigger theme here.

What’s New for 2027

The updates are light this year. Lincoln adds three new exterior colors, Asher Gray Metallic, Avalanche Gray, and Ruby Red Metallic, plus a black painted roof option on the Reserve 201A with the Jet Package. Lincoln’s security package subscription, which covers theft alerts, a start-inhibit feature, stolen vehicle services, and deductible reimbursement, is now standard for four years.

Most buyers will gravitate to the mid-level Reserve trim. It bundles four-zone climate control, a 360-degree camera, a panoramic sunroof, and a 14-speaker sound system. A 28-speaker Revel audio system is available and, by Car and Driver’s account, highly regarded.

Towing, MPG, and Real-World Numbers

Towing capacity sits at 5000 pounds, which matches the Volvo XC90 when properly equipped. That’s enough for a small boat, a personal watercraft, a small camper, or a utility trailer. The Audi Q7 stretches to 7000 pounds, and if you really need to pull a load, Lincoln’s own Navigator is rated for 8700 pounds.

EPA estimates land at 18 city, 25 highway, and 21 combined mpg for the rear-wheel-drive model, and 17/25/20 for all-wheel drive. In Car and Driver’s 75-mph highway fuel-economy test, the rear-drive Reserve managed only 22 mpg, missing its EPA number by 3 mpg. For context, the Audi Q7 45 returned 26 mpg and the Volvo XC90 B5 hit 27 mpg on the same test.

Cabin Character and Comfort

Inside, the Aviator leans into a mid-century modern look, with Eames-inspired front seats and piano key buttons for the transmission. The front chairs offer numerous adjustments, including individual thigh positioning. Some testers at Car and Driver found them too firm, while others liked the blend of support and cushiness. The second row comes in six- or seven-seat layouts, with a choice of two different center consoles between the captain’s chairs, one of which allows easier pass-through to the third row. Dedicated rear climate controls are standard. The third row, however, only suits small children on anything longer than a few minutes.

Where the Aviator Earns Its Keep

If you measure luxury SUVs by 0-60 times alone, the Aviator slots into the middle of the pack. Measure by horsepower per dollar, three-row practicality, and ride comfort, and it looks far more competitive. Shoppers cross-shopping the Volvo XC90, Lexus TX, Audi Q7, and Acura MDX Type S should drive the Aviator back-to-back. The Lincoln’s character is distinctly American, more relaxed than sporty, and that’s either exactly what you want or precisely what pushes you toward a European badge.

Source: https://www.caranddriver.com/lincoln/aviator-2027