Yahoo Autos 2025 Lincoln Aviator Gets a Facelift and a Hands-Free Drive Mode
The 2025 Lincoln Aviator receives a fresh face with a bigger grille and restyled headlights that have animations.
Every Aviator model adds BlueCruise, which is a hands-free drive mode for the highway that can also execute lane changes.
Lincoln's luxurious mid-size SUV benefits from a new Google-based infotainment system that includes a larger 13.2-inch touchscreen.
The 2025 Lincoln Aviator has a pretty new face. That's the most obvious change to the mid-size luxury SUV, which also receives an entirely new infotainment system called the Lincoln Digital Experience. Folks who spend a lot of time on the highway will appreciate the introduction of BlueCruise, a hands-free drive mode made for the highway that's also available on the full-size Navigator and other Lincolns.
Aviator Facelift
We've always found the Aviator to be attractive, but its redesigned front end makes it look even better. Along with a new mesh design and larger shape, Lincoln raised the grille to align with the restyled headlights. The latter have daytime running lights that extend into the grille, and they also play an animation to welcome owners as they approach. They behave similarly when that person walks away. It's called the Lincoln Embrace. Ain't that sweet?
The Aviator's appearance otherwise goes unchanged. However, the top-of-the-line Black Label trim has two new paint colors: Cenote Green and Whisper Blue Metallic. All three models are now available with a new Jet package that includes the usual blacked-out exterior elements (badges, grille insert, window trim, etc.), but the mid-tier Reserve trim and Black Label add black 21- and 22-inch wheels, respectively.
As before, every Lincoln Aviator is powered by a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 that makes 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. The engine routes through a 10-speed automatic transmission with either rear- or all-wheel drive. An air suspension also remains available, and it has a kneel mode that drops the SUV's ride height up to 2.4 inches to make it easier to get in and out. A Class III trailer hitch now comes standard, providing a 5000-pound max towing capacity. Previously, an available Class IV hitch allowed the Aviator to tow up to 6700 pounds.
Better Infotainment
Inside, the 2025 Aviator looks very similar to previous iterations. The big difference is the larger 13.2-inch touchscreen, which also features the aforementioned infotainment system that's based on Google's Android Automotive OS. Lincoln says the interface was developed in-house, and it prioritized voice commands. Users can now control myriad functions using the default Google Assistant or opt for Amazon Alexa. Of course, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard and offer their typical user experiences.
While the Aviator already had a fully digital gauge cluster, it has a new 12.3-inch unit that now shares a single processor with the touchscreen. Google Maps can be pulled up on either display, but when the SUV is parked, there's an assortment of apps and connectivity options that provide extra entertainment. Along with familiar video streaming services such as Amazon Prime and YouTube, users can even play video games with a Bluetooth controller.
The Aviator's infotainment system offers a 5G connection and a Wi-Fi hotspot through the Lincoln Premium Connectivity plan. The first year is complimentary, but subscription pricing is TBD. The standard Vivaldi browser allows people to surf the web, and Lincoln says Google Chrome will eventually be available too, as will a video-conferencing app. Thanks to having over-the-air software updates for the first time, improvements and other new features are now possible.
Standard BlueCruise
Apart from the new infotainment setup, the Aviator's cabin receives small changes. The center console now has a wireless charging pad in the tray nearest the driver. The push-button shifter on the center stack has been reconfigured and includes the engine-start button. There's no binnacle around the gauge cluster anymore, and there's a new 5.8-inch display for second-row passengers to control media and climate settings.
For 2025, the Reserve trim offers four new cabin color schemes, including Harvest Bronze with Onyx black accents and Hot Chocolate with the same color accents. The Black Label alone is available with the new Invitation interior that includes Onyx black leather upholstery, brandy-colored contrast stitching, and open-pore wood accents from a Khaya tree.
Lincoln makes a host of driver-assistance tech standard on the Aviator. The roster includes a 360-degree camera system, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, front and rear parking sensors, and rear automated emergency braking. Most notably, every Aviator comes with a BlueCruise hands-free drive mode that works on the highway. Along with the ability to change lanes at the driver's command, the system can also automatically reposition the SUV in its lane to create more space from nearby vehicles. BlueCruise comes with four years of complimentary service.
The 2025 Lincoln Aviator is currently available to order, with first deliveries expected this summer. Compared with the previous model year, pricing is up between just over $5100 and nearly $8500, depending on the trim level, but Lincoln has obviously added lots of desirable new features and made previously optional equipment standard across the lineup. The Premiere starts at $59,890, the Reserve is $68,890, and the Black Label is $88,390.
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