Tech-First 2025 Lincoln Aviator is More Connected and Autonomous
Hot on the heels of the 2025 Explorer, Ford’s luxury brand Lincoln today announced a key update and refresh for its own three-row midsize SUV. The 2025 Lincoln Aviator will arrive in dealerships this summer, and ordering is now open.
“With the new Aviator, technology takes an even larger role in helping create a relaxing, luxurious space that our clients have come to appreciate and expect from Lincoln,” brand director Heidi Shaffer says. “With advanced, connected features like the Lincoln Digital Experience and BlueCruise hands-free driving technology, we are creating a new, digital sanctuary on the road.”
- Also: All-New Digital Experience Coming to Ford, Lincoln Vehicles
- Also: Ford Explorer, Lincoln Aviator to Lose Hybrid Option
What is that “Lincoln Digital Experience” she’s talking about? Basically, it’s how the company refers to its new, Android-based infotainment system, making its debut with the 2025 Aviator. Not only does it offer a more personalized experience, with a driver’s favourite apps and content easily displayed front and centre, but it’s also designed to prioritize the use of voice, either via the Google Assistant or Amazon’s. Meanwhile, Google Maps serves as the built-in navigation device.
A number of entertainment apps are downloaded into the system, such as Spotify, Amazon Music, Audible and iHeartRadio. When parked, users can watch movies via YouTube, Prime Video or other streaming platforms, surf the web through Vivaldi or Google Chrome, or play video games by selecting from a growing list of games available on Google Play. By the way, 5G wireless technology is included.
As you may have noticed, the Aviator now features an easy-to-control and larger 13.2-inch touchscreen over the centre stack and a new 12.4-inch digital cluster screen, complete with a head-up display. Of course, those who prefer to rely on Android Auto or Apple CarPlay can continue to do so.
Don’t Feel Like Grabbing the Wheel?
Lincoln prides itself on being a comfort-first company, and with that in mind, Ford’s BlueCruise hands-free highway driving technology is available on the Aviator for the first time—free for four years from vehicle purchase. The system includes features such as Lane Change Assist, allowing a driver to switch lanes hands-free with the tap of the turn signal when the path is clear, and In-Lane Repositioning, which helps provide more space by subtly shifting away from vehicles in adjacent lanes.
Another thing that all 2025 Aviator models share is the Lincoln Co-Pilot 360 2.1 suite of driver assist features including Evasive Steering Assist, Lane-Keeping System with Blind Spot Information System, plus a 360-degree camera and front and rear parking sensors with Reverse Brake Assist.
Hybrid Powertrain is Not Coming Back
A single powertrain option is available with the Lincoln Aviator for 2025, namely a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine delivering 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque—both best in the segment for a standard engine. It’s paired with a 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission. The plug-in hybrid variant, which was dropped for 2024, is not coming back. Don’t forget that Lincoln is planning a range of fully electric SUVs in the years to come, one of which will be a midsize model similar to the Aviator.
As for styling, the 2025 update brings slight changes to the front grille, headlights and sequentially animated daytime running light strips, plus available 22-inch Ebony Black alloy wheels with gloss black-painted pockets and centre cap. Don’t miss the new Jet Appearance Package if you’d like a darker exterior, while four new colour schemes can be specified for the interior: Onyx, Light Space Grey, Harvest Bronze and Hot Chocolate, the last two with Onyx accents.
The bad news? In Canada, the 2025 Lincoln Aviator starts at $81,995 including destination and delivery, an increase of $6,000 from 2024.