Lincoln. The very name evokes a sense of classic American luxury, a legacy built on presidential limousines and spacious sedans. For many, including myself, a Lincoln was a symbol of reaching a certain echelon. My first car, a hand-me-down 1976 Continental Mark IV, was a testament to that era – a land yacht with endless presence and a thirst for gasoline to match. It was glorious. Cruising in that behemoth, I felt like royalty, a king of the suburban streets with my friends along for the ride. Times change, and so does Lincoln.
Today, the Lincoln sedan is largely a memory. The Continental, a name synonymous with American automotive prestige, has been retired. Lincoln’s focus now lies squarely on SUVs. This brings us to the vehicle at hand: the 2025 Lincoln Aviator Reserve. This isn’t just another SUV; it’s Lincoln’s statement in the competitive mid-size luxury SUV segment, slotting between the Corsair and Navigator. Don’t let “mid-size” mislead you; the Aviator Reserve commands attention. It’s a vehicle designed to impress, to project success, and to make its presence known.
The Aviator Reserve I tested was generously equipped with the Luxury, Illumination, and Dynamic Handling packages, showcasing the full spectrum of available features. From the outside, the Aviator exudes a refined sophistication. The signature Lincoln grille, proudly displaying an illuminated emblem, makes a bold yet tasteful statement. The adaptive pixel LED headlights, part of the Illumination Package, are not just functional; they are a design element, carving out the night with exceptional clarity. It’s like driving a sophisticated lounge, ready to turn heads without being ostentatious.
Stepping inside the 2025 Lincoln Aviator Reserve is an immersion into luxury. The cabin, enhanced by the Luxury Package, is draped in supple leather that feels as premium as it looks. Genuine wood trim adds warmth and elegance, while the Revel Ultima 3D audio system transforms the interior into a concert hall, revealing nuances in your favorite music you never knew existed. The heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats are more than just seats; they are personal thrones, offering customizable comfort for any journey.
Underneath its elegant exterior, the Lincoln Aviator Reserve packs a potent 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine. Producing 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, this engine delivers confident acceleration and ample power for any driving situation. While not a sports car, the Aviator moves with surprising agility for its size, launching forward with authority when you press the accelerator. The 10-speed automatic transmission shifts seamlessly, ensuring smooth power delivery, and the optional Dynamic Handling Package enhances cornering capabilities, making the Aviator feel surprisingly composed on winding roads.
The driving experience in the Aviator Reserve is akin to floating on a cloud – a very powerful and luxurious cloud. The available Air Glide Suspension is a standout feature, effectively absorbing road imperfections and providing an incredibly smooth ride. Potholes and bumps are reduced to mere whispers, enhancing the sense of serenity within the cabin. Speaking of the cabin, the noise insulation is remarkable, creating a tranquil environment where you can truly relax and enjoy the journey, even if the rear passengers are less serene. And for those passengers, the Aviator offers generous legroom in all three rows, along with dedicated climate controls to ensure everyone’s comfort.
For Lincoln purists who lament the departure of sedans like the Continental, the Aviator Reserve represents a successful evolution. It captures the essence of what made classic Lincolns desirable – the quiet confidence, the distinctive style, and the unwavering commitment to comfort – and reimagines it for the modern era. This SUV isn’t just filling a gap in the Lincoln lineup; it’s setting a new standard. It evokes the same feelings of pride and enjoyment that my old Mark IV did, but in a package that is both more relevant and more efficient for today’s world.
Is the 2025 Lincoln Aviator Reserve a worthy successor to Lincoln’s legacy of great American luxury cars? Absolutely. It embodies the Lincoln spirit, blending understated elegance with powerful performance and unparalleled comfort. While it may not possess the sprawling hood of my vintage Mark IV, the Aviator Reserve rekindled that same youthful enthusiasm for driving. And ultimately, isn’t that the hallmark of a truly exceptional vehicle?
2025 Lincoln Aviator Reserve Specifications:
MSRP: $60,190
MSRP (as tested): $77,540
Engine: 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6
Horsepower: 400 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Torque: 415 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
EPA Fuel Economy: 18 city / 26 highway / 21 combined mpg
Observed Fuel Economy (mixed driving): 20 mpg
Base Curb Weight: 4,829 lbs
Exterior Dimensions:
Length: 199.3 inches
Overall Width (with mirrors): 89.9 inches
Overall Width (without mirrors): 82.3 inches
Height: 69.6 inches
Wheelbase: 119.1 inches
Interior Dimensions:
Front Headroom: 41.5 inches
Front Legroom: 43.0 inches
Front Shoulder Room: 61.5 inches
Rear Headroom: 39.7 inches
Rear Legroom: 40.1 inches
Rear Shoulder Room: 60.0 inches
Cargo Capacity (all seats in place): 18.3 cu.ft.
Maximum Cargo Capacity: 77.7 cu.ft.
Warranty:
Basic: 4 years / 50,000 miles
Drivetrain: 6 years / 70,000 miles
Rust: 5 years / unlimited miles
Roadside Assistance: 6 years / 70,000 miles
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