2026 Lincoln Aviator vs. the Competition

The Lincoln Aviator is a supremely comfortable three-row cruiser, with confident handling, and a well-appointed interior that will remind you of the Navigator, but in a more practical size. Class-leading power and an unbeatable level of standard equipment keep the Aviator at the top of the midsize luxury SUV segment, and the sophisticated styling lets you look good while you enjoy all of this. But the Aviator obviously isn’t the only SUV in this segment, and it’s worth looking at how the competition measures up.

Lincoln Aviator VS Mercedes-Benz GLE

Our first comparison is to the Mercedes-Benz GLE, and the first thing that stands out is that the GLE has less standard horsepower than the Aviator, combined with a higher starting MSRP. So we have “upgraded” the GLE from its base trim to the GLE 450 4MOTION, which equally equips both vehicles with a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine. The result of this “upgrade” is that the horsepower of the GLE is now much closer to the Aviator, but the cost difference expands much higher versus the Lincoln, even after adjusting the price of the Aviator to include all-wheel drive. A higher price isn’t the worst thing, assuming that you’re getting more for it, but the power deficit is just one deficiency on the GLE. The GLE also comes with just five seats, and it costs even more money to get the same seven seats that come standard in the Aviator. And even with just five seats, Mercedes-Benz still couldn’t find the extra 2.7 inches of legroom that you’ll find with the Aviator.

Additionally, the Aviator comes better equipped, even with the huge price difference. The mid-tier Reserve trim is closer in price to the GLE, but you don’t even need to option up to get an Aviator that’s better equipped than the GLE. Some features are familiar strengths for the Aviator, such as the heated steering wheel, the ventilated front seats, and the adaptive suspension. But it goes even further with the GLE, since the Aviator also comes with bigger wheels, better climate control, and genuine leather upholstery. You really have to wonder what you’re paying so much for with the Mercedes.

Lincoln Aviator VS Genesis GV80

This next comparison was a tricky one. Starting prices are similar, but the GV80 comes with an underpowered standard engine and only two rows of seats. Higher trims come with a V6 engine and a third row, so in order to make this comparison more equal, we’re comparing the top trims of each vehicle. Pricing is close, and while the Aviator still has a clear power advantage, it’s a bit less extreme than the four-cylinder version of the GV80. Interestingly, the Aviator also gets better fuel economy, not something you often see in conjunction with superior power, but Lincoln put in the work designing the Aviator and its drivetrain. Helping with this is the advanced 10-speed automatic transmission in the Aviator, which allows for smoother power delivery than the more typical 8-speed transmission in the GV80.

The Aviator is longer, wider, and taller than the GV80, so it’s no surprise that it comes with a lot more room to stretch out, and that that room doesn’t come at the expense of cargo space. You can also dial in the exact right seating position in the Aviator in a way that isn’t quite possible in the GV80. This same kind of attention is paid to the stereo. Both of these trims come with a premium stereo, but the Revel Ultima system in the Aviator is clearly the more premium of the two. Speaking of advanced technology, the Aviator comes with BlueCruise, an advanced form of semi-autonomous driving that lets you drive hands-free on the highway. Genesis has no comparable technology. And lastly, the Aviator lets in more natural light, thanks to a bigger sunroof.

Lincoln Aviator VS Audi Q7

For our last comparison, we’re looking at the Audi Q7. The base engine for the Q7 isn’t exactly competitive, so we’re using the upgraded 55-badged version, which comes with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, just like the Aviator. We’ve also added the available AWD to the Aviator, since it’s included on the Q7. Power output isn’t the same, though, and you’ll absolutely feel the power advantage in the Aviator. The Aviator and Q7 are almost exactly the same length, the Aviator being only 0.4 inches longer. But some clever engineering means the Aviator offers more legroom for the first two rows, as well as significantly more cargo space. You also have options with the Aviator when it comes to 2nd-row seating, but Audi only offers a 2nd-row bench seat.

Upgrading to the V6 in the Q7 raises the price by quite a bit, and that means it competes primarily with the middle Reserve trim of the Aviator. This gives the Aviator an even more significant advantage in equipment, starting with wheels. 21-inch wheels fill the arches of a big three-row SUV much better than the 19-inch set on the Q7, and to even have the option to upgrade to 21-inch wheels on the Audi, you also need to move up a trim. The Aviator Reserve comes with a premium stereo system, and while you can upgrade to a Bang & Olufsen® system in the Audi, the cost of this option alone is more than the small price difference between these two vehicles. On top of that, the Aviator comes with standard adaptive suspension, an option that puts the Q7 in a whole different price category if you want it. The heated steering wheel in the Q7 isn’t quite as expensive, but it is still extra, while it’s standard in the Aviator. Lastly, Lincoln BlueCruise comes standard on the Reserve, and allows you to drive hands-free on the highway and arrive feeling much more relaxed and comfortable. No such system is offered for the Q7.

Winner - Lincoln Aviator

The answer is clear, the Lincoln Aviator is obviously the best option in the segment. A serious power advantage, considerably better standard equipment, and a price that’s more than competitive all give the Aviator an advantage that’s easy to see. We’re sure you’ll love the Aviator, so let Joe Rizza Lincoln of Orland Park help you pick one out that’s right for you.

*Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (also referred to as "MSRP", "Base MSRP", "Base Price" or the "Starting At" price), excludes destination/delivery charge, taxes, title, license, and registration and/or electronic filing fees, dealer fees, and total of options.For authenticated AXZ Plan customers, the price displayed may represent Plan pricing. Not all AXZ Plan customers will qualify for the Plan pricing shown and not all offers or incentives are available to AXZ Plan customers.