With a new look, new powertrains (including a hybrid version), and a host of tech-savvy features, the all-new 2020 Lincoln Aviator adds an innovative touch to the mid-size SUV segment. While we can always expect a new luxury SUV to bring about technologies, the Aviator has a few that are truly unique.

Calm screen

It’s not uncommon for any car or SUV nowadays to have several screens on the dash and instrument panel. These screens are typically used for information and entertainment, climate controls and navigation. However, the designers at Lincoln know that all these screens can cause confusion and driver fatigue at times, so as an alternative to looking at all the different numbers and words you can switch each one to a “calm screen.”

When switched to this mode, the screen displays the words “calm screen” along with a calming blue hue on the instrument panel display, while the center infotainment display and the small second-row HVAC screen both display a graphic of clouds floating by.

Gear shift location

This might seem like a trivial feature, but we just had to point out the interesting gear shift buttons (positioned below the center dash vents) that take the place of an actual gear shift lever. Lincoln has used a push-button shifter in the past models, however, the location and layout of these buttons could cause some confusion for new owners. We applaud the elegant and space-saving nature of the buttons, however, we wonder just how long it would take someone to get used to them.

Adaptive Suspension with Road Preview

Driver assistance technologies are one thing, but a feature that actually watches the road ahead of you is another. When equipped with the available adaptive suspension, the Aviator uses the forward-facing camera to scan the road ahead for up to 50 feet to look for any impending road deviations between two and six inches high. When a dip or bump is detected, the air suspension adjusts for it to make the ride as smooth as possible.

Plug-in hybrid engine

For those wanting to be environmentally conscious, or just get better gas mileage, the Aviator is available has a plug-in hybrid. Lincoln paired the twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine with a 75-kW motor to produce a staggering 494 horsepower and 630 lb-ft of torque. This setup is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission and is capable of netting 460 miles of total range.

Push-button doors

We know, this feature is even more trivial than the last calm screen, however, it seems like Lincoln was really trying to be innovative when it came to reinventing the wheel, or the inside door handle. Again, instead of having a good, old-fashioned door handle levers to open the front doors from the inside, the Aviator has buttons. Push the button and the powered door opens. Don’t worry, there is an emergency pull handle located on the driver side door. It’s only on the driver’s side though.

Interesting, yet innovative

We know a few of these features aren’t exactly ground-breaking, nor will they make anyone run out and buy a Lincoln Aviator tomorrow. But we do appreciate the time that the designers and engineers at Lincoln spent on the new Aviator. So why not highlight a few of their ingenious ideas?