The Lincoln Aviator is the three-row SUV in the Lincoln lineup. It sits between the two-row Lincoln Nautilus and the flagship Lincoln Navigator, which suits Los Angeles drivers who need room for more passengers but do not want to step up to the largest Lincoln. To shop it well, decide how often you will use the third row, choose a trim based on the features you will use every day, and test drive it on the roads you actually drive. When you are ready, you can explore the new Lincoln Aviator at Galpin Lincoln and start your short list there.
Where the Aviator Fits in the Lincoln Lineup
Every model in the Lincoln lineup is an SUV: the Lincoln Corsair, the Lincoln Nautilus, the Lincoln Aviator, and the Lincoln Navigator. Each one moves up in size and presence. For most three-row luxury SUV shoppers, the real decision comes down to the Aviator and the Navigator.
The Aviator is the middle ground. You get a third row and a premium cabin in a size that is easier to live with in the city. The Navigator is the flagship at the top of the range. The Nautilus suits drivers who rarely carry more than four or five people.
Three questions sort this out quickly:
How often will all three rows be full? Every day and once a month lead to different answers.
Where will it park? Measure your garage, and think about the parking structures you use at work and around town.
What matters more to you, maneuverability or maximum space? The Aviator leans toward the first. The Navigator leans toward the second.
Start With How You Will Use the Third Row
A third row is only valuable if it works for your passengers. Before you compare trims, picture the trips you take most:
- School and activity carpools across the Valley
- Family visiting from out of town
- Weekend getaways with luggage, gear, or sports equipment
During your visit, sit in the third row yourself. Fold and raise the seats so you know how easily they move. Check the cargo area with every row upright as well as with the rear seats folded. If you use car seats, bring yours and install it. Ten minutes of hands-on testing will tell you more than any brochure.
Choose a Trim by Features, Not Badges
Aviator trims differ in comfort, technology, and design details. Shopping goes faster when you make a short must-have list first. Common examples include driver assistance features you rely on in traffic, seat comfort and climate features for long drives, audio and connectivity, and interior materials and finishes.
Once you have your list, look at the window sticker on each vehicle you are considering. That manufacturer label shows the equipment on that specific vehicle, any installed options, and the manufacturer suggested retail price. It is the most reliable way to confirm what comes on a particular Aviator. Use it to confirm powertrain and drivetrain details too, rather than guessing from a trim name.
If you cannot find the exact configuration you want on the lot, we also handle custom orders.
Test Drive It the Way You Actually Drive in Los Angeles
A quick loop around the block will not show you how an Aviator handles your real week. Ask for a drive that includes:
- A freeway on-ramp, so you can feel how it merges and settles at speed
- Stop-and-go traffic, so you can judge smoothness and cabin quiet on a typical commute
- A hillside or winding street, so you can see how it feels when the road gets less predictable
- A tight parking space, so you can test visibility, camera views, and turning in close quarters
If the vehicle will carry the whole family, bring them along. Passengers in the second and third rows will notice things the driver never will.
Buying or Leasing Your Aviator
How you pay matters as much as which trim you pick. Leasing often appeals to drivers who like a newer vehicle every few years and drive a predictable number of miles. Buying appeals to drivers who keep their vehicles a long time or want no mileage limits. There is also Lincoln Flex Buy, which structures a purchase with lower payments early in the term.
Whichever path you choose, ask for the complete terms in writing. Compare the total cost over the full term, not only the monthly figure. Lincoln financing and leasing are offered through Lincoln Automotive Financial Services, and the team at our finance center can walk you through the options side by side.
If you plan to trade in your current vehicle, bring your title or loan payoff details along with your service records. You can start with a trade-in offer online to make the appraisal conversation faster and more accurate.
Shopping the Aviator at Galpin Lincoln
Galpin Lincoln is the number one volume Lincoln dealer in California, serving Van Nuys, the San Fernando Valley, and greater Los Angeles from 8350 Langdon Avenue in North Hills. The easiest way to begin is online. Browse the Aviator models listed, note the ones that match your must-have list, then come in to compare them in person and take a real-world test drive.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Lincoln Aviator a three-row SUV?
Yes. The Aviator is the three-row SUV in the Lincoln lineup, positioned between the two-row Lincoln Nautilus and the flagship Lincoln Navigator. To judge whether the third row works for your passengers, sit in it during your visit and try folding and raising the seats.
Should I choose the Lincoln Aviator or the Lincoln Navigator?
Choose the Aviator if you want three rows in a size that is easier to park and maneuver around Los Angeles. The Navigator is the flagship at the top of the Lincoln lineup and suits shoppers who want maximum presence and space. Your garage size and how often you fill the third row are the best tiebreakers.
How can I tell which features come on a specific Aviator?
Check that vehicle’s window sticker. The manufacturer label lists the equipment on that exact vehicle, any installed options, and the manufacturer suggested retail price, so you are not relying on assumptions about a trim name.
Can I lease a Lincoln Aviator instead of buying one?
Yes. Galpin Lincoln offers financing, leasing and Lincoln Flex Buy, so you can compare them before you decide. Ask for the full terms of each in writing and compare the total cost over the term, not just the monthly figure.
Where is Galpin Lincoln located?
Galpin Lincoln is at 8350 Langdon Avenue in North Hills, CA. The dealership serves shoppers from Van Nuys, the San Fernando Valley, and across greater Los Angeles.
Your Next Step
The right Aviator is the one that fits how you live: the passengers you carry, the roads you drive, and the way you prefer to pay. Do your homework online, bring your must-have list, and let a real Los Angeles test drive make the final call. See the new Lincoln Aviator near Los Angeles at Galpin Lincoln and plan your visit.