Aviator replaced Lincoln MKT. The company wanted to have more recognizable names in the market, rather than the previous MK- nomenclature. Now, we have 2020 Lincoln Aviator, Corsair, and Nautilus alongside the legendary Navigator. The Lincoln Aviator sets up a challenge for all other mid-size luxury SUVs. The vehicle didn’t just replaced its predecessor, but also upgraded it with a high-output plug-in hybrid version.

As all other Lincoln vehicles, Aviator’s high-end version is Black Label. We hope to see unique themes like for its bigger sibling, Navigator. There are three other available configurations to start with, and the most intriguing is the 2020 Lincoln Aviator plug-in hybrid. Its drivetrain allows the mid-size SUV to achieve some range by using only the electric power.

The new Aviator is a seven-seater SUV that already has its rivals. Ford, the parent company, didn’t launch only the premium model, but also the Explorer with the same PHEV system. So, this is a cheaper option. From the same, luxury segment, we take the Volvo XC90, as the model with similar outputs, or Lexus RX, the best-selling unit in the class. The most comparison causes the all-new Cadillac XT6. However, the 2020 Aviator beats it in most segments.

2020 Lincoln Aviator Plug-In Hybrid Engine Specs and Range

The only available drivetrain for the 2020 Lincoln Aviator is a powerful hybrid. The company is not offering a conventional petrol configuration. And why would they? For the same price of the Cadillac XT6, you will get 90 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque more! Choose a Grand Touring version and there you find the PHEV system with even more power and twist.

A 3.0-liter V6 engine is turbocharged and mated to an electric battery and the system sends power through a new 10-speed automatic transmission to rear wheels. All-wheel drive is optional. Total output of the standard hybrid system is 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. Paddle shifters are standard and the acceleration of the 2020 Lincoln Aviator is superb, although the company is yet to announce this detail. We already know the hybrid SUV will have a towing capacity of 6,700 pounds.

If you choose the 2020 Lincoln Aviator Plug-In Hybrid, the towing capacity drops to 5,600 pounds. But, on the other hand, a more powerful electric battery will provide a better support. The Aviator PHEV is bringing a monster outputs with 495 hp and 630 pound-feet of torque. This is enough to compete some of the high-end models in the class, such as BMW X5M and Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid (read more about it at Ars Technica).

Configurations, Interior (Cargo Space, Accessories)

The all-new 2020 Lincoln Aviator is available in three base trim configurations. The entry-level SUV is Standard, with rear-wheel drive, CoPilot360 system, heated front buckets, and SYNC3 infotainment. Buyers can improve their ride with the Reserve package that includes 20-inch wheels, CoPilot360 Plus, and quad-zone climate controls. Premium leather and Revel audio system are also part of this package. Top of the class 2020 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring uses the PHEV AWD system and adds adaptive steering and Vista sunroof. The SUV offers 18 cubic feet behind the third row, 42 cu.ft. with this one folded down, and up to 78 cubic of maximum cargo space.

2020 Lincoln Aviator Black Label

We can speak about the Black Label as the independent model. It is a special update for all Lincoln vehicles. With unique upgrades, there is no surprise why this is the most expensive version. There are three themes available for Aviator. Chalet and Destination are already familiar thanks to its larger sibling. Flight is the special theme available only for 2020 Aviator.

This package includes: a plug-in hybrid system, all-wheel drive, 22-inch ultra bright machined wheels, and two standard packages – Luxury and Convenience.

Colors

There is a total of ten colors available for every trim level of the 2020 Lincoln Aviator. The company offers four paintjobs for free: Infinite Black, Blue Diamond, Magnetic Gray, and Silver Radiance. Optionally, you can pay $695 for extra colors: Iced Mocha, Crystal Copper, Ceramic Pearl, Burgundy Velvet, Pristine White, and Red Carpet.

Inside the cabin, the Standard model is coming in Ebony or Sandstone combination. Other two base models add Ebony Roast and Slate Gray schemes. Black Label SUV also offer a unique Chroma Caviar Dark Grey paintjob for exterior (costs $1,750), and three unique interior colors for each theme – Cashmere (Chalet), Ebony BL (Flight), and Mahogany Red (Destination).

2020 Lincoln Aviator Price

The MSRP of the 2020 Lincoln Aviator starts at $53,000 without upgrades. The hybrid model can get AWD for $2,500 and Interior package that adds heating for second row and steering wheel for $1,000. Reserve model costs $58,000 without upgrades. Grand Touring brings more serious equipment, and its price of $70,000 speaks of itself. Grand Touring II suite adds Luxury, Towing, and Dynamic Handling packages, and increases the price by $15k. With all upgrades, this version is pretty close to the price of a fully-loaded Black Label. Still, unique upgrades definitely worth more.