2022 Lincoln Aviator Hybrid

The Lincoln Aviator Hybrid is based on the well-known Ford Explorer. We don't see that as a bad thing, simply because the Explorer is a superb product. The downside of badge engineering is that it inevitably creates the argument for merely buying the cheaper product. To keep that from happening, Lincoln goes above and beyond. It's not just a basic body swap but a complete overhaul of the interior and the materials. It also differentiates itself from its gas-driven counterparts by using blue exterior accents and making subtle changes to the piano key shifter.

The 2022 Lincoln Aviator plug-in hybrid is powered by a twin-turbo V6 engine, teamed up with an electric motor powered by a 13.6 kWh battery. The total system output is 494 horsepower and 630 lb-ft of torque, providing an all-electric driving range of 21 miles. At an MSRP a few thousand dollars dearer than its Swedish rival, the Volvo XC90 Recharge, is the Lincoln Aviator Hybrid really worth the price?

A decade ago, it would have been laughable to think that a Lincoln could compete with the likes of Volvo, Lexus, and BMW. Now, however, it's a worthy rival. Heck, we'd even say that it's better than some German vehicles. There's a lot to like here. Let's start with the dual personality of the 2022 Lincoln Aviator Hybrid. It offers an all-electric range of 21 miles, which allows for silent cruising to school or the nearest Walmart. But the Lincoln Aviator PHEV can unleash 494 hp in an instant, sprinting from 0-60 mph in five seconds. We love unassuming luxury SUVs that can give hot hatches a thorough performance hiding in a straight line. And while the Aviator Hybrid may be on the pricey side, we believe Lincoln did enough to hide its humble roots. The minimalist interior is superb, and we appreciate that Lincoln went through the trouble of designing an interface that's different from Ford's SYNC system. As a standard 6-seater, space is excellent albeit tight in the 3rd row for taller folk, and the list of standard safety features is good, with safety ratings for the gas-engined variants from the IIHS able to serve as a review for the Lincoln Aviator Hybrid, too. The combined fuel consumption isn't as impressive as we would have liked, considering this is a PHEV, but 23 mpg isn't bad for a near-500-hp car.

There are two plug-in hybrid Aviator SUV models available in the USA: Grand Touring and Black Label Grand Touring. The Grand Touring model has a base MSRP of $68,360, while the top-spec Black Label Grand Touring has a starting cost of $87,905. These prices are a touch lower than last year and exclude the destination and delivery charge of $1,095 in the US.