Road Test: 2025 Lincoln Aviator Reserve

If you’re in the market for a luxury SUV that treats every drive like a first-class flight—minus the turbulence and tiny bags of pretzels—the all-new 2025 Lincoln Aviator Reserve should be on your radar. Lincoln has long been the quiet contender in the luxury SUV game, and with this latest refresh, they’re doubling down on what they do best: comfort, elegance, and a drive so smooth it might just put you to sleep (in a good way).

For 2025, Lincoln has given the Aviator Reserve a much-needed refresh, refining its already stately design with a bolder grille, sharper LED lighting, and an even more aerodynamic stance. It’s still unmistakably Lincoln—big, elegant, and confident—but now with a modern edge that says, “Yes, I have refined taste, and no, I don’t need to shout about it.”

Powertrain: Under the hood, the 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 highlights 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque matched to a 10-speed automatic transmission. The provides the Aviator Reserve more than enough muscle to handle everything from merging onto the 401 to tackling Alberta’s mountain passes. All-wheel drive (AWD) is standard, which means you won’t be caught slipping when winter rears its ugly head.

Despite its size, the Aviator moves with impressive agility, thanks to Lincoln’s available adaptive air suspension featured on our test model. Not only does it smooth out rough roads (we’re looking at you, Montreal), but it also lowers the ride height for easier access when loading cargo or stepping inside—a small but thoughtful touch that makes everyday life a little more convenient.

Exterior: The 2025 Aviator Reserve doesn’t just glide into view—it commands attention. Lincoln’s designers have taken the old model’s restrained luxury and added a bit more chutzpah. The signature grille has grown ever so slightly, now featuring a mesmerizing parametric pattern that seems to shimmer as you walk by. It’s elegant without trying too hard, like a CEO who still insists on driving themselves to work.

Then there are the lighting elements. The LED headlamps are sharper and more sculpted, giving off a high-tech, almost futuristic stare. And let’s talk about that light bar across the rear—it’s long, lean, and looks like it was inspired by a five-star hotel lobby. When illuminated, it gives the Aviator a truly distinctive nighttime presence. This is the kind of vehicle that makes you feel a little bit guilty about pulling up to a drive-thru.

Interior: Step inside, and the real magic happens. The cabin is a sanctuary on wheels, packed with high-quality materials, a whisper-quiet ride, and enough tech to make your living room jealous. The new 13.2-inch LCD touchscreen now dominates the dashboard, running Lincoln’s latest infotainment system (which, thankfully, is both intuitive and free from overcomplicated menus).

Meanwhile, the optional 30-way Perfect Position seats with active motion (part of the Luxury Package- $7,000) remain one of the best in the business—heated, ventilated, massaging, and adjustable in more ways than you knew existed. If comfort were a sport, the Aviator Reserve would be in the Hall of Fame.

Lincoln has always been about creating a stress-free driving experience, and the 2025 Aviator Reserve takes that mission seriously. The digital instrument cluster and head-up display keep everything you need within sight, while the Revel Ultima 3D sound system (included in the Luxury package) delivers concert-level audio clarity—perfect for drowning out backseat complaints on long road trips.

Driving: Driver assistance tech is, of course, top-notch. The Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 suite includes hands-free highway driving (BlueCruise), adaptive cruise control, and an even sharper 360-degree camera system, making parking this luxurious land yacht easier than ever.

Let’s talk about Canadian winters. Lincoln knows its audience, and the Aviator Reserve is built to handle the cold. Heated seats? Standard. Heated steering wheel? Obviously. Heated windshield wipers? Yup. Remote start via the Lincoln Way App? You bet. Basically, unless you’re parking it on top of an actual glacier, this SUV is winter-ready.

Conclusion: With a starting price in the low $80K range, the 2025 Lincoln Aviator Reserve is definitely a premium purchase—but it delivers serious value compared to some European rivals that charge extra for features that come standard here. Add a few options, and you’re looking at the $94K for our test vehicle, but with the level of luxury and tech you’re getting, it feels justified.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator Reserve isn’t trying to be the flashiest SUV on the block—it’s aiming to be the most relaxing one. And honestly, it nails that mission. With powerful performance, next-level comfort, and enough tech to make your commute feel like a spa retreat, it’s a standout choice for Canadian drivers who want luxury without unnecessary complications.

2025 Lincoln Aviator Reserve
Price as tested: $94,400.00
Freight: $2,395.00
Configuration: Front engine/All-wheel drive
Engine/transmission: 3.0-litre turbocharged V6/ 10-speed automatic
Power/torque: 400 horsepower/ 415 lb-ft of torque
Fuel (capacity): Premium (70 L)
Combined fuel economy ratings (L/100 km): 11.9 L/100 km
Observed fuel economy (L/100 km): 12.5 L/100 km
Warranties: 4-years/80,000 km (basic)
Competitors: Acura MDX, Cadillac XT6, Genesis GV80, Infiniti QX60, Volvo XC90
Website: Lincoln Canada