Automobiles have long been as much about technology as mechanics. But never was this trend more true than when Lincoln introduced a car with a keyboard.
Lincoln's press release introducing the 2025 Lincoln Aviator is five pages long. About three and a half pages cover cabin technology. All three sentences describe the car's engine, transmission, and suspension. And yes, a keyboard (Bluetooth) comes with the car.
The Aviator has always been the Ford Explorer's graduate twin. That's no different with this latest update, which isn't a complete redesign. It's more of a digital glow-up.
Lincoln has not disclosed pricing. We expect an increase from his starting price of $55,380 in 2024. This includes a $1,395 destination fee and a $645 “acquisition fee” that other automakers don't charge. The 2025 Aviator is expected to arrive this summer.
Let's skip the mechanical details
The 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine found in the upper trims of the Explorer is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. You can choose between rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, and if you want as little road feel as possible, you can add the optional Air Glide suspension. This is about as much attention as Lincoln puts into the mechanical parts of the car, so I'll stop here and explain what's changed.
The large grille improves the sense of unity in appearance.
The 2025 Aviator features a larger grille than the model it replaces. As is the case with almost every redesigned SUV in recent years, and no one is bucking this trend yet, it truly elevates the Aviator's appearance. Thinner LED headlights include a more dramatic swoosh (can we even call it a swoosh? Nike, if you don't like that, call Lincoln), with a large grille pierced below. It has become.
That's pretty much the end of the exterior changes, but Lincoln says that when you approach the vehicle with the key, a greeting animation will play behind the lights.
Lincoln saves most of the ink to describe the cabin, so let's take a closer look.
Apple, Google, Amazon… it’s all here
Aesthetically, the cabin design theme remains largely unchanged. Some knobs and buttons are missing. However, the piano key shifter that lets you know you're in Lincoln remains.
The central touchscreen is now 13.2 inches in landscape orientation. It's not a massive multi-screen array like the new Lincoln Nautilus, but it's probably cheaper.
It runs an operating system the company calls “Lincoln Digital Experience.” This includes nearly every automotive integration feature offered by any technology company. Wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, Google Assistant, and Alexa are all built-in.
The Vivaldi web browser runs on the screen while the car is parked, and Chrome will soon be added, Lincoln said. Includes YouTube and Amazon Prime Video. “To stay productive on the go and never miss a work call, customers can stay connected with the upcoming leading video conferencing app, which enables audio access while driving. and be able to view participants' incoming video feeds while parked,” Lincoln said.
5G wireless is standard but requires a connectivity plan.
All three rows have USB outlets. Heated and ventilated front row seats and a heated steering wheel are also standard on the base trim.
Luxury automakers are constantly at war for the best audio systems. Lincoln is bringing his 28 speakers to the fight with his Revel Ultima 3D system available.
4 years of hands-free highway driving
All Lincoln models come standard with Ford's BlueCruise hands-free highway driving system. Consumer Reports calls BlueCruise the best hands-free system on the market. Amazingly, Lincoln includes four years of use of his system in the purchase price. This beats his 90-day trial of the 2025 Explorer.
