Based on the Ford Explorer but dipped in a coating of Lincoln luxury, the refreshed 2025 Aviator arrives with plenty of style and technology. Highlights include refreshed styling, interior updates, a new infotainment system, and the availability of BlueCruise on the model for the first time.
Available in Premiere, Reserve, and Black Label trim levels, the 2025 Lincoln Aviator remains a midsize, three-row crossover SUV with seating for up to seven people. A twin-turbocharged V6 engine and rear-wheel drive are standard, and four-wheel drive (4WD) is an option.
With the 2025 Aviator, Lincoln says it is evolving its design language. That is most evident forward of the windshield, where a restyled front end features a new grille, headlights, and daytime running lights with sequential animation.
Aviator buyers can upgrade the exterior lighting with an Illumination Package. It adds adaptive pixel LED headlights that bend to illuminate the road in curves, dynamic signature lighting, and a lit Lincoln star emblem in the grille.
In addition, a new Jet Package offers a blacked-out exterior treatment in combination with 21-inch or 22-inch wheels, depending on the trim level.
Starting with the 2025 Lincoln Aviator Premiere, each version of the SUV has a standard panoramic glass roof, power-adjustable heated steering wheel, and heated and ventilated front seats. Lincoln’s 30-way Perfect Position front seats are available. The 2025 Aviator Reserve comes with four new interior color themes.
The Aviator Black Label continues as the most luxurious version of the SUV, and it comes with a new Invitation theme featuring Black Onyx premium leather with Brandy stitching and open-pore Khaya wood. The Black Label Flight theme continues, with a Luggage Tan over Ebony color combination and dark engine-turned trim recalling vintage flight instrument panels.
Lincoln equips the 2025 Aviator with a standard twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, making 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. It pairs with a 10-speed automatic to power the rear wheels unless you order the optional 4WD system. An adaptive suspension is standard, and an Air Glide air suspension is available.
Every 2025 Aviator has Lincoln Co-Pilot 360 2.1, an extensive collection of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). Lincoln confirms the package includes blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assistance, evasive steering assistance, front and rear parking sensors, rear automatic braking, and a 360-degree surround-view camera.
BlueCruise is new to the Aviator and is standard with a complimentary four-year subscription to the service. BlueCruise is a Level 2 hands-free driving assistance system that can take control of the Aviator’s steering, braking, and acceleration while maintaining a safe following distance to traffic ahead. In addition, the version in the Aviator includes Lane Change Assist for hands-free lane changes and In-Lane Repositioning to give vehicles in adjacent lanes a little more room.
However, BlueCruise works only with an active subscription to the service and only on pre-approved, limited-access highways across North America. Furthermore, drivers must always pay attention and be ready to retake control of the SUV if BlueCruise requires it. In my experience using the technology in other Ford and Lincoln models, that happens frequently, and the technology can add stress rather than calm to a drive.
The other significant piece of technology news about the 2025 Aviator is the debut of the Lincoln Digital Experience. It pairs a 12.4-inch digital instrumentation panel with a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment display and features Amazon Alexa Built-in and Google Built-in.
Lincoln Digital Experience integrates Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Google Play. In addition, it supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and provides access to SiriusXM 360L premium satellite radio and connected services. Lincoln Connected Service includes a complimentary one-year subscription, and a Lincoln Premium Connectivity plan provides 5G internet access. Over-the-air updates keep the technology current.
In addition, a new Vivaldi web browser app allows you to watch videos when the Aviator’s transmission is in Park, and Lincoln says Google Chrome web browsing is coming soon. Video conferencing apps are also on the way, ensuring you won’t miss a meeting. They will offer the ability to play audio while driving and video when parked. Shhh. Don’t tell the boss, or your work-life balance is toast.
Lincoln will continue to offer a Revel Ultima 3D high-end audio system with 28 speakers and its Phone as a Key technology that turns your smartphone into the Aviator’s key.
When the 2025 Lincoln Aviator goes on sale in the summer of 2024, it will compete with the Acura MDX, Audi Q7, Cadillac XT6, Genesis GV80, Infiniti QX60, Lexus TX, and Volvo XC90.
Lincoln is the source of information in this article. It was accurate as of February 3, 2024, but it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker’s website or your local dealership.
Christian Wardlaw is a veteran digital automotive journalist with nearly 30 years of experience in test-driving vehicles. In addition to JDPower.com, his work has appeared in numerous new and used-car buying guides, newspapers, and automotive industry trade journals.
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