Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring: A Comprehensive Review of Lincoln's First Plug-In Hybrid SUV

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Introducing Lincoln's Luxury Plug-In Hybrid Contender

The automotive landscape is evolving, and Lincoln has made a strategic entry into the electrified luxury SUV market with the Aviator Grand Touring. As the brand's first plug-in hybrid offering, this mid-size SUV combines Lincoln's renowned comfort with electrified performance, though not without some trade-offs.

Based on the same platform as the Ford Explorer but elevated with premium materials and sophisticated technology, the Aviator lineup represents Lincoln's commitment to modern luxury. The Grand Touring variant takes this philosophy further by incorporating a plug-in hybrid system that promises both performance and efficiency.

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Powertrain and Performance: Electrified Muscle

At the heart of the Aviator Grand Touring lies an innovative powertrain combining a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine with a 75-kilowatt electric motor, mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. This sophisticated setup delivers an impressive 494 combined horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque, numbers that surpass many competitors in the luxury plug-in hybrid segment.

While the power numbers are certainly impressive, our evaluation revealed some refinement issues in the Grand Touring's powertrain. The 10-speed automatic transmission doesn't shift as smoothly as in the conventional Aviator, and there's a noticeable busyness to the drivetrain under acceleration that luxury buyers might find disappointing.

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Driving Experience: Luxury With Electrified Nuances

Behind the wheel, the Aviator Grand Touring delivers the serene, isolated driving experience Lincoln is known for, with some unique characteristics introduced by its hybrid system:

Drive Modes

The Grand Touring introduces two exclusive driving modes beyond the standard Aviator's selections:

• Pure EV Mode: Allows electric-only operation for up to 18 miles, maintaining all-electric power even under full acceleration (though with reduced performance)
• Preserve EV Mode: Uses the gas engine to recharge the battery to about 75% capacity for later electric-only driving

Braking Performance

Like many hybrids, the Grand Touring suffers from less-than-ideal brake pedal feel. The transition between regenerative braking and mechanical braking isn't as seamless as in some competitors, resulting in a spongy pedal that lacks the linear progression of the gas-powered Aviator.

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Electric Range and Charging: Practical Considerations

With an estimated 18 miles of electric-only range, the Aviator Grand Touring falls short of some competitors but remains practical for short commutes:

• Charging Time: Approximately 3-4 hours using 240V Level 2 charging
• Real-World Range: Expect 12-15 miles in mixed conditions with climate control use
• Fuel Economy: Estimated 23 mpg combined (3 mpg better than AWD gas model)

While the electric range won't eliminate gas station visits, it's sufficient for many daily commutes and provides the flexibility of electric-only operation when desired.

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Price Comparison and Value Proposition

With a starting MSRP of $69,895 (including destination), the Grand Touring commands a significant premium over the gas-powered Aviator. Here's how the numbers break down:

When considering competitors, the Aviator Grand Touring faces stiff competition from the Volvo XC90 T8 plug-in hybrid, which offers similar electric range at a slightly lower price point but with less power.

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Who Should Consider the Aviator Grand Touring?

The Grand Touring makes the most sense for buyers who:

• Prioritize Lincoln's luxury experience but want some electrification
• Have short commutes that can mostly be covered by the electric range
• Value the additional power over maximum efficiency
• Can take advantage of federal and state EV incentives

For buyers who primarily want the best version of the Aviator without concern for electrification, the gas-powered model offers better drivetrain refinement at a lower price.

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Final Verdict: A Promising First Effort With Room for Improvement

The Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring represents an important step in the brand's electrification strategy, combining impressive power with Lincoln's signature luxury. While the powertrain could benefit from additional refinement and the electric range is modest compared to some competitors, it remains a compelling option for luxury SUV buyers interested in plug-in hybrid technology.

As Lincoln continues to develop its electrified offerings, we expect future iterations will address the current model's shortcomings while building on its strengths as a comfortable, powerful luxury SUV with the added benefit of electric driving capability.