2022 Lincoln Aviator vs. 2021 Aviator: Which Should You Choose?

If you're in the market for a capable midsize three-row luxury SUV, the Lincoln Aviator will tick lots of boxes. However, before putting your money down, we believe you'd want reassurance that the Aviator model year you're getting is right for you. Will the 2021 model suffice, or should you step up to the latest 2022 model? Having only recently begun its second generation in 2020, the Lincoln Aviator is still fresh-faced, with many modern amenities.

As a result, there are only a few notable differences between the 2022 Lincoln Aviator and the 2021 model. For instance, the base Aviator Standard is now available with an Appearance package packed with a panoramic sunroof and 20-inch alloy wheels, while the reserve trim now supports wireless charging.

The Aviator also gains new colors for 2022: metallic clearcoat-finished Bronze Smoke and Gilded Green. In addition, Grand Touring Aviator models now come in Flight Blue with a metallic clearcoat finish.

Want to learn more? Read our 2022 Lincoln Aviator vs. 2021 Aviator comparison guide below, then test drive both models at Livermore Lincoln in Livermore, CA.

Polished Performance

Both the 2022 and 2021 Aviator models are equipped identically in the performance department. That means a base twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine making 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. There's also a plug-in hybrid Lincoln Aviator Electric vehicle with thoughtful luxury and dynamic performance you’d expect from a premium vehicle. It includes the same twin-turbo V6 plus 102-horsepower electric motor and a lithium-ion battery making a combined 494 horsepower and 630 lb-ft of torque.

A 10-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive are standard. All-wheel drive is available as an option.

Feature-Rich Interior

Again, the two Aviator models are identical inside. Both models offer power-adjustable front seats with heating functionality, push-button start, tri-zone automatic climate control, ambient interior lighting, powered second and third-row seats, synthetic leather upholstery, and a power liftgate. However, the 2022 Aviator is available with an array of options, including a Premium package (with 20-inch wheels and a panoramic sunroof) and an Elements package (with heated steering wheel and heated second-row seats), while the 2021 model only has the Elements package. Higher Aviator models from both years offer more premium features, including 12-way power-adjustable front seats, perforated leather seats, second-row captain's chairs, quad-zone automatic climate control, and so much more.

Elsewhere, both models seat up to seven passengers in a generous interior. Also, both vehicles get 18.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats, 41.8 cubic feet with these seats folded, and a maximum of 77.7 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded.

Sophisticated Safety Technologies

With regard to safety, the 2021 Lincoln Aviator is equipped with the Co-Pilot360 suite of advanced safety features. It includes blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assistance, post-collision braking, rear- and forward-sensing systems, hill-start assistance, pre-collision assistance, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and dynamic brake support. The 2021 Aviator is also eligible for the Co-Pilot360 Plus, which offers adaptive cruise control, Active Park Assist Plus, and road sign recognition.

For its part, the 2022 Aviator comes with an updated Co-Pilot360 1.5, which includes standard amenities like a forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and braking, front and rear parking sensors, as well as automatic high beams.

Higher 2022 Aviator models add the Co-Pilot360 1.5 Plus suite. It includes hands-free park assist, adaptive cruise control with lane centering, reverse brake assistance, road sign recognition, a surround-view parking camera system, etc.

Intuitive Technology

The 2022 and 2021 Lincoln Aviator both feature the SYNC 3 infotainment system, which offers a standard 10.1-inch touchscreen, Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay® smartphone integration, Amazon Alexa, a Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth connectivity, four USB ports, satellite radio, and a 10-speaker sound system.

Navigation, additional USB ports, HD Radio, a rear-seat entertainment system, as well as a 14- or 28-speaker Revel sound system are optional in both models. However, the 2022 model does add wireless device charging.

Test Drive the 2022 and 2021 Lincoln Aviator at Livermore Lincoln

Want to learn more about how the 2022 Lincoln Aviator compares to the 2021 model? If so, you can test drive both vehicles for free at Livermore Lincoln in Livermore, CA. When you stop by, our seasoned sales team will be there with you every step of the way to ensure you enjoy a seamless shopping experience. We will also walk you through our monthly specials and financing incentives for additional savings on your preferred vehicle.

Visit us today to learn more!