2020 Lincoln Aviator - Three Rows of Tech

LOS ANGELES – A press release full of flying puns heralded the new 2020 Lincoln Aviator.

Tech is the key with this SUV – literally. One available feature is the ability to use your smartphone to unlock the doors and start the engine. Yes, that’s a very 2018 type of thing for an OEM to do.

Another 2018 thing to do is to offer a hybrid trim as a performance variant – and Lincoln is doing that with the Aviator Grand Touring trim, which pairs an electric motor with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6.

Lincoln doesn’t mince words – it says the midsize luxury SUV is the highest volume segment in the U.S. and the third-highest volume in China. Naturally, the brand needs a three-row SUV in this class.

All-wheel drive is available, and that twin-turbo V6 also finds a home in non-hybrid models, promising an output of 400 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. The plug-in hybrid is expected to make 450 hp and 600 lb-ft.

You’ll get a 10-speed automatic transmission with this gas engine, plus five drive modes. The hybrid offers two additional drive modes to allow drivers to best manage their electrical assist, though Lincoln doesn’t say what kind of all-electric driving range one might expect in “Pure EV” mode.

Inside, the instrument cluster has a LCD screen that spans 12.3 inches.

The smartphone as key tech has a keypad backup (inside and out) in case of dead batteries, and the app can be deleted if your phone falls into the wrong hands. We’re skeptical about this tech, but who knows – it could be the wave of the future.

Lincoln has taught the Aviator some suspension tricks. It lowers itself to let you into the vehicle, and available Adaptive Suspension with Road Preview uses a camera to scan the road for potholes and crappy surfaces and adjust damping accordingly.

Other on-board tech includes driver-assist features such as a traffic-jam assist system and a system that helps you steer around a collision. Additional available features include wireless cell phone charging and in-car Wi-Fi hotspot.

The second-row seats recline and that phone app can also activate the power liftgate. A premium audio system is available. Black Label features and materials are available, with several versions to choose from, including Flight, Destination, and Chalet.

[Images © 2018 Tim Healey/TTAC, Lincoln]