Unlike some luxury automakers that tried to make their vehicles do everything, Lincoln took one path and focused on it. This was most evident in the Aviator, a three-row SUV with seating for up to seven. Effortless comfort became the MO, and this stylish family cruiser did exactly that, especially in plug-in hybrid guise. Unfortunately, the Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring left the lineup after 2024, and with it went a rare gem. Let’s take a look back and remember what made this variant so special.
Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring: American Luxury, Defined
In its class, the Aviator Grand Touring defined American luxury. Its exterior features bold details and plenty of chrome that helped it stand out. Shiny trim gives the SUV a feel that harkens back to the Lincolns of old, a subtle nod to the boldness of its predecessors. Full LED headlights and an LED light bar out back complete the look, a timeless piece of luxury that’s truly as American as it gets.
Step inside and you’re greeted with bold colors, genuine wood trim, and plenty of real metal inlays. Impeccable fit and finish meet a hushed cabin that makes every drive so relaxing, especially with those 30-way Perfect Position front seats. The Aviator Grand Touring’s cabin screams American in every way, giving it a distinct identity. Pleasing chimes curated by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra elevate the experience, all while adding some hometown vibes every time you turn the car on. Four to five sit comfortably, depending on the layout, while the third row is best used in a pinch or for expanding the small cargo area behind it.
The effortless feel continues with its tech. Ford and Lincoln’s Sync 3 interface made staying connected so easy. Plus, its intuitive controls added to the simplicity of living with the Aviator Grand Touring. Meanwhile, the 28-speaker Revel Ultima premium audio system offers up an immersive, concert-like experience for all of your tunes. The Lincoln CoPilot 360 driver assistance suite works well, too, subtly making corrections on the road. Just make sure you keep the following distance setting in the middle; that way, adaptive cruise control doesn’t get jerky when traffic slows down.
A Premium Cruiser Through and Through
On the road, the Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring embraces its identity as a cruiser. Despite the good body control, accurate steering, and an Excite mode, don’t expect any form of sportiness from this SUV. Instead, enjoy its supremely comfortable ride and ability to make rough pavement disappear, especially with the available adaptive air suspension. Even with the largest wheel size, the Aviator glides through the road. It’s like riding on a cloud without any of the bounciness associated with softly sprung cars.
The Aviator Grand Touring’s plug-in hybrid powertrain elevated the drive to new levels of pure bliss. Although the 10-speed automatic had rough shifts every so often, it’s not to the point of detriment. In all-electric mode, you can go 23 miles of pure quiet motoring, perfect for daily commuting or short trips, thanks to its 13.6-kWh battery.
For longer drives, the 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 and electric motor make a whopping 494 hp and 630 lb-ft of torque. The result? Effortless, lag-free power no matter the driving scenario. You get a huge wave of torque when you put your foot down on the accelerator. Most importantly, the 10-speed automatic shifts quickly and puts all of that power to good use. No drama, just relentless acceleration doled out in a smooth, refined manner.
Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring: All About Effortless Comfort
The Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring brought a driving experience that’s missing in today’s luxury cars. A focus on comfort and effortless driving instead of attempting to check every single box. The plug-in hybrid system elevated that notion even further thanks to the added driving flexibility it brought to the table. Unfortunately, the Aviator no longer offers that option due to the discontinuation of that powertrain. However, the cool, effortless personality remains in the standard gas-powered model.
Nevertheless, the Aviator Grand Touring was a rare one. A comfortable, electrified cruiser that embodied the American take on luxury. Its only true competitor is the Volvo XC90 T8, another strong competitor brimming with Scandinavian flair. However, the Lincoln stood out for its combination of muscle and premium appointments. It embraced boldness and brought plenty of flash and substance with it, turning it into a highly compelling luxury car. If you find one of those rare plug-in hybrid Grand Touring models, don’t hesitate. Grab it immediately. It’s the best one.
