The 2025 Ford Explorer’s refresh gave the popular SUV a new face and upped its interior game too. As such, it was only inevitable that the 2025 Lincoln Aviator would benefit from some of the same basic updates, with Lincoln still finding ways to add some special touches to the SUV for the new model year.
Jet Package Expands Availability, New Face Adds Punch
Like the aforementioned Explorer, the 2025 Aviator is a refresh versus an outright redesign and as a result, Lincoln prefers you focus your attention on the new front fascia (the rear end is largely carried over anyway.) Unlike the outgoing model which had constrained styling elements, Lincoln designers wanted to add more expression and simplicity to the design and that’s achieved with a larger front grille and headlights with the latter items having small wings that blend their way into the diamond shaped grille work. Below that are updated corner vents with the front bumpers being lightly tweaked as well.
Another set of changes is found in the trim ladder with Lincoln pitching the base Aviator for 2025. The Premier gets to take that model’s place and the lineup is now down to three trim levels (Premier, Reserve & Aviator.) Another change is that the Jet Package is now available on all three trim levels with the Premier model joining the Reserve and range-topping Black Label in getting the package. Name aside, it’s largely the same black-out package that we have seen on some of its rivals and brings blacked-out chrome accents to replace the shinier bits including the large 22-inch black alloy wheels.
Lincoln Digital Experience Ditches SYNC, Aviator Goes All In On Apps
Slip inside the 2025 Aviator and you’ll find that technology takes center stage with the cabin getting multiple upgrades for 2025. Lincoln’s Digital Experience infotainment system makes its way into the Aviator for the first time and while the system also sees duty in the bigger Nautilus, Lincoln claims that the software is very flexible and can work with multiple screen types (the Aviator does not get the panoramic style screen its bigger corporate stablemate gets.)
Instead, it gets a 13.2-inch infotainment screen with the Digital Experience system giving access to features such as YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Alexa, and other native-use apps. You can even use video conference apps like Zoom and play video games but Lincoln is quick to point out that some of these features are only available when parked. Ford also throws in standard Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for those that prefer those services and the system is easily customizable to suit the tastes of a wide range of occupants. Ford’s BlueCruise technology also makes its way to the Aviator for 2025 with the system continuing to bring automated driving when out on the freeway including automated lane change capability. A 12.4-inch infotainment system is standard too
Lastly, the Black Label Invitation theme makes its debut for 2025 and infuses equipped Black Label models with theme-exclusive exterior and interior details. They include laser-etched wood accents and other trim-exclusive details. Lincoln claimed that it’s supposed to reflect the moment you’re invited to an expensive garden party and it certainly sets the scene well.
Carryover Performance Still Makes This Aviator A Sleeper
Performance here is shared with the Explorer, but the Aviator shuns the 2.3-liter four-cylinder and instead uses the 400-hp, 3.0-liter, turbocharged V6 for all of its trim levels with a 10-speed automatic continuing to be paired to it. Lincoln said that it made revisions to the suspension offerings with all three trims getting some form of adaptive suspension. Lincoln’s top-tier ActiveGlide system will still continue to be offered on the Black Label trim only.
When Can I Buy One?
The 2025 Lincoln Aviator will be going on sale later this year. While Lincoln wasn’t ready to reveal pricing at the time we recorded are accompanying video coverage, the brand confirmed after our session that a base Aviator Premier will start at $58,495 which is a $5,000 plus jump from the outgoing (and newly axed) base model. The mid-level Reserve trim will have an MSRP of $67,495 while the Black Label starts at $86,995. While it remains to be seen what the full options list will look like, there is a possibility of an Aviator entering the same $100,000 pricing territory as the larger Navigator.
While that might surprise some potential buyers, the 2025 Lincoln Aviator is certainly aiming for a higher benchmark especially in technology and luxury. We look forward to hearing more about the model in the future and we look forward to sharing our thoughts about it in a future review.
@carlmalek Thank you to @Lincoln for allowing us to spend some time with the #2025lincolnaviator #lincolnaviator a #facelift is the main exterior update here but the #interior gets new tech, including the #lincolndigitalexperience infotainment system. Pricing came after our recording session, but a base one starts at $58,495. #vehicles #carsoftiktok #cartokhub #cardujour #fyp #suv #suvsoftiktok #suvs #sportutilityvehicles #familyvehicle #familyvehiclesoftiktok #luxurycars #luxurysuv #luxuryvehicles
♬ original sound – Carl Malek
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.