The 2021 Lincoln Aviator PHEV isn’t the SUV that you used to know. It’s really stepped up its game since it was reintroduced in 2019. After spending a week with the magnificent Lincoln Aviator Hybrid, there are notable features to love and three potential drawbacks to consider. 

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator PHEV review 

I was equipped with the 2021 Lincoln Aviator PHEV Grand Touring model with a few luxury packages that brought the MSRP up to $85,000. That sounds like a lot, but the SUV comes with a ton of comfort and convenience features to provide luxurious value. 

During our week together, I looked for any excuse that I could to drive it. It’s so much fun and provides practical uses for road trips and daily drives. This Lincoln Aviato model went all over South and North Carolina until the Colonial Pipeline cyberattack ruined the fun. 

Four Lincoln Aviator hybrid pros 

1. The Lincoln Aviator provides tons of space 

It’s baffling that the 2021 Lincoln Aviator PHEV has three rows because it doesn’t feel heavy and feels smaller than it actually is. However, you can access up to 18.3 cubic feet of cargo space begins the third row and up to 77.7 cubic feet of cargo space total. 

With the third-row seats folded down, I felt like I had an abundance of space to enjoy: my luggage, dog, and more fit without any stuffing. Plus, the layout has tons of storage trays and cubbies for organizing your smaller items. 

The center console is deep, the glove box is huge, there is a storage bin between the captain’s chairs in the second row, and everyone has access to cup holders. Also, I found a large in-floor storage compartment in the rear! 

2. The 2021 Aviator is comfortable 

The power seats in the front row are heated and ventilated. Plus, you can adjust the seats in tons of different ways to be comfortable. I even played with how much the edges of the bucket seats hugged me. 

I sat in the second row and felt very relaxed, enjoying the center console providing space away from the other seat. The third-row seats also recline at a relaxing angle, and the panoramic sunroof offers a massive view of the sky. 

The massage seats are very strong and relaxing. I leaned back for a total relaxation massage as a passenger while stuck in traffic. It was the most relaxing traffic jam of my life. Plus, the interior is peacefully quiet with a smooth ride. 

I’m usually a podcast person, but the Revel Ultima 3D Audio System is so epic. You can feel like you’re at a concert while driving. The Active Air Monitoring System kept the air fresh, and the sunshades prevented too much sunlight from entering the cabin. 

3. The tech is out of this world 

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator PHEV has an optional head-up display that shows you your speed, the speed limit, and more on the windshield behind the dash. You never have to take your eyes off the road to see crucial driving information. 

There is a button for everything, including the power liftgate. The third-row seats fold flat with the touch of a button, and the second-row seats automatically slide forward. You can control the shade for the sunroof from the second row too.

You can change the ambient lighting color, and sometimes when you approach the car, a Lincoln logo lights up on the ground, helping you see in the dark. The adaptive headlights turn around curves and much more. Of course, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard. 

I felt safe too. I had to drive on I-85 in a thunderstorm, but the Lincoln felt stable and reliable. When I was parked and loading up directions and a podcast for a drive, the Driver Attention Warning sounded an alarm to ensure I was paying attention! 

4. The Lincoln Aviator has strenght

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator PHEV has a 13.6-kWh battery pack, 75-kW motor, and a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine that combine to serve up 494 hp and 630 lb-ft of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under six seconds. 

Plus, it can be equipped with all-wheel drive, meaning it’s prepared to tackle snow and other slippery conditions. The Aviator PHEV can tow up to 5,600 lbs, and the gas-powered model tow up to 6,700 lbs when properly equipped. 

The potential Lincoln Aviator PHEV cons 

1. The seats are limited

I’m 5’1” and realized that I fit in the front seats. Usually, seats are way too tall for me, and that’s good because I’m shorter than the average driver. But passengers around 5’7” were only a few inches from hitting their heads on the roof. Edmunds agrees about the lack of headroom. 

The third row also seems to be limited in space. I sat back there and felt comfortable, but even with the second row pushed forward, my knees hit the back of the seats in front of me. This row is for tiny kids only! 

2. The wireless charger was in a weird spot 

This is a little subjective, but the wireless charger is in the center console. That means you have to put your phone away for a wireless charge. Also, the Lincoln doesn’t have Wireless Apple CarPlay. 

I wouldn’t mind putting my phone away with wireless Apple CarPlay, but the navigation system and Bluetooth connectivity work fine. You don’t need to plug your phone in to use it. This is just a personal gripe. 

3. Getting used to the brakes takes time 

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator PHEV has regenerative braking. It’s really cool to come to a smooth stop and have a message appear on the digital gauge cluster telling me how much charge I just gained. 

However, it’s tricky to figure out how to brake in the best way possible for the best charge. The brakes are confident and responsive but can be grabby too. It’s the one thing that I’m still trying to master!