Textual content by Tom Appel
2026 Lincoln Aviator Black Label AWD
Specs
Class: Premium Midsize crossover
Nation of Manufacture: U.S.
Shade: Cenote Inexperienced
Miles pushed: 217
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Consolation | B+ |
| Energy and Efficiency | B+ |
| Match and End | A |
| Gas Financial system | B- |
| Worth | C |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus different automobiles in the identical class. Worth grade is for particular trim stage evaluated, and will not mirror Shopper Information’s impressions of your complete mannequin lineup. | |
| Huge & Tall Consolation | |
| Huge Man | A |
| Tall Man | A |
| Huge & Tall consolation rankings are for entrance seats solely. “Huge” score based mostly on male tester weighing roughly 350 kilos, “Tall” score based mostly on 6’6″-tall male tester. | |
| Drivetrain | |
| Engine Specs | 400-horsepower 3.0-liter |
| Engine Sort | Turbocharged V6 |
| Transmission | 10-speed automated |
| Drive Wheels | AWD |
Noticed gas financial system: 18.4 mpg
Driving combine: 65% metropolis, 35% freeway
EPA-estimated gas financial system: 17/25/20 (mpg metropolis/freeway/mixed)
Gas kind: Common gasoline
Base worth: $85,380 (not together with $1695 (vacation spot cost)
Choices on take a look at car: Particular paint ($2000), Connectivity Bundle ($400), rear console ($480), Black Label “Invitation” cabin theme (no value)
Worth as examined: $89,955
Audio-System Model
Revel
Audio-System High quality
Poor Truthful Good Very-Good Glorious
Professionals and Cons
The nice: Extraordinarily refined on the transfer, elegant cabin, excellent audio system
The great: Loads of passenger and cargo house, a lot of energy
The not so good: Black Label trim stage prohibitively costly
Overview
For premium automakers doing enterprise within the U.S., it’s de rigueur to market sporty sub-brands focusing on clients in search of a efficiency improve to the same old luxurious truthful. Right here’s a fast have a look at a couple of luxurious manufacturers and their out there racy strains:
Efficiency Sub-Manufacturers
It’s Fascinating that Lexus bothers with efficiency variants, as no Lexus crossover each constructed truly qualifies as sporty. That stated, the F-series Lexus fashions we’ve pushed look the half, and positively retain their well-known experience management and cabin quietness.
Lincoln Lineup
Lacking from the checklist is Lincoln. Ford’s long-time luxurious division is down to simply 4 choices for the 2026 mannequin 12 months, and never one in every of them is obtainable in something approaching sporty trim. Right here’s what you’ll discover this 12 months at a Lincoln retailer:
- Corsair: Compact crossover
- Nautilus: Midsize 2-row crossover
- Aviator: Midsize 3-row crossover
- Navigator: Full-size truck-based 3-row SUV
Black Label
Whereas we applaud Lincoln’s dedication to constructing solely refined luxurious crossovers and SUVs, we have to focus on the model’s hyper-luxury trim stage: Black Label. Provided on all however the Corsair, Black Label differs from many high trim ranges in that a lot of the content material included within the improve comes within the type of providers as a substitute of kit.
As a part of the expensive improve to Black Label trim on the 2026 Aviator—which we’re about to debate at size–the next choices and tools develop into normal:
- Distinctive inside themes
- Heated and ventilated 2nd-row seats
- 30-way adjustable entrance seats
- Revel-brand 28-speaker audio system
- 22-inch alloy wheels
- Distinctive grille and exterior trim components
- Illumination Bundle with LED lighting and distinctive taillight remedy
- Out there Jet Look Bundle with black-out exterior trim
- Smooth-close doorways
- Customary AWD
Additionally included as a part of the Black Label trim stage:
- Premium Upkeep Plan, together with as much as 4 free service visits
- Pickup and supply service
- Complimentary “anytime” automobile washes
- Annual car detailing
- Devoted concierge and customized help
- Roadside help for all times
Aviator Costs and Trim Ranges
For 2026, Black Label caps a 3 trim-level menu of Aviator fashions:
- Premiere ($58,605)
- Reserve ($68,425)
- Black Label ($87,075)
Immediately we’ll try and reply two query we suspect severe Aviator customers are asking themselves proper now: Is the Aviator crossover? (spoiler alert, it’s), and Is the Black Label trim stage price an additional $20,000 over the already properly outfitted Reserve? (robust one)
Check Automobile
Shopper Information not too long ago spent per week behind the wheel of a 2026 Aviator Black Label in extra-cost Cenote Inexperienced. All advised, together with vacation spot cost, our take a look at automobile clocked in at $89,955.
Inside Décor
At present out there for the Aviator Black Label—and completely the Black label—are three cabin décor packages: Invitation, Flight, and Moonbeam. That stated, solely the Invitation and Moonbeam choices have been out there on our take a look at automobile, this as—we assume—the Flight décor was decided to conflict with the Cenote exterior.
Whomever ordered our take a look at automobile opted for the Invitation bundle, a good-looking black/grey structure with contrasting seat-side crimson stitching. In Lincoln converse the bundle contains:
All of the stated, we discovered the cabin good-looking and decidedly upscale. The crimson/burnt-wood accents are loopy elegant, and breakup what would in any other case be a considerably somber setting. Frankly, we love the look. In reality, fashionable crossover interiors actually don’t come a lot nicer, no matter how a lot the car prices.
Management Format
The management structure is comparatively uncomplicated for a luxurious car, with actual bodily switchgear for local weather capabilities. The middle console extends off the dashboard by way of a kind of “bridge,” which permits footwell house beneath it for a handbag of backpack. Gear choice comes by means of “piano key” switches on the console. Although this may occasionally sound unconventional, drivers report acclimating to the association rapidly and simply.
Room and Consolation
There’s loads of grownup house in each seating rows, and easy accessibility to the cabin by way of giant door openings.
Trip and Dealing with
Underway the cabin stays quiet, and experience high quality top-notch–in a firmish, European manner. Although not spongy, the Aviator chassis absorbs virtually all however probably the most excessive street imperfections with ease. Dealing with is a blended bag. We’d describe the Lincoln’s strikes as competent, although they fall comfortably in need of sporty. As for cabin quietness, we really feel inclined to level out that the out there Revel-brand audio system is among the many best sound programs at present out there in a mainstream luxurious car. You’ll want to pattern the stereo in your take a look at drive.
Energy and Efficiency
The identical could be stated for the powertrain. All Aviators are powered by a easy and refined 400-horsepower turbocharged V6 mated to a 10-speed automated transmission. Regardless of the car’s usually tranquil demeanor, a fast stab of the accelerator pedal returns quick ahead thrust and loads of merging and passing energy.
The beefy engine feels and sounds refined in motion, and even returns first rate gas financial system. In extraordinarily chilly climate—which included gas-wasting warm-up and idle time—we noticed higher than 18 mpg, first rate given the ambient circumstances and out there energy.
Exterior Design
And whereas we usually don’t touch upon exterior design, we do discover the Aviator—in addition to the Nautilus and Navigator—to be commendably glossy and clear in profile. We additionally recognize the brand-common feel and look of the Lincoln lineup.
Worth
For 3-row crossover customers primarily in comfort-and-design, we heartily recommend taking the Aviator for a take a look at drive. Contemplate, too, the Lexus TX, which is arguably quieter than the aviator, although not fairly as properly completed inside.
As for going with the Black Label trim stage, we’re just a little hesitant to suggest the extra money outlay for a variety of options which can imply little after some time, and won’t deliver a lot worth at trade-in time. That stated, we’re very impressed by the Black Label-exclusive cabin décor.
Take heed to the Automobile Stuff Podcast
2026 Lincoln Aviator Black Label Footage
(Click on beneath for enlarged pictures)
2025 Lincoln Nautilus Black Label: Overview, Costs, and Specs
