“Now, Dasher! Now, Dancer! Now Prancer and Vixen! On, Comet! On, Cupid! On, Donner and Blitzen!” Most of us fell asleep to the famous words of Twas the Night Before Christmas poem by Clement Clark Moore. As we snuggled into our beds, we dreamt of the reindeer named in this poem that could pull all the toys for all the children from around the world in one night. Now that the holidays are near, your mind may drift back to those silent nights. But you no longer need these friendly animals to power your holiday dreams. Enter the 2021 Lincoln Aviator. 

It may shock gearheads to learn that the new Lincoln Aviator has an insane amount of horsepower. Lincoln is widely known for its sophisticated and distinguished models, such as the classic Lincoln Town Car and recently discontinued Continental. So just how powerful can a vehicle from an automaker that puts elegance first really be? The answer will certainly surprise you. 

Let’s take a deeper dive into the Aviator’s powertrain options, which will leave Santa’s sleigh in the dust.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator’s power is a gift

Lincoln maintained its gentlemanly demeanor in the 2021 Aviator, but it also added American brawn. However, this luxury midsize SUV isn’t a one-trick pony. Shoppers can choose from two potent powertrains.

The base and Reserve trims feature a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, which kicks out 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. While this seems like more than enough power to excite every passenger inside this three-row SUV, it gets even wilder.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring – along with the Black Label models – utilizes a plug-in hybrid powertrain. However, this powerplant isn’t your stereotypical fuel-sipper. It harnesses the power of the aforementioned twin-turbo V6 and combines it with an electric motor with a 13.6-kWh battery. Together, these systems deliver 494 hp and 630 lb-ft of torque. Meanwhile, this plug-in hybrid achieves an EPA-estimated 56 MPGe when using both powerplants.

When you’re not resigned to driving your luxury SUV like a rocketship, you can switch the Aviator’s drive mode to ‘Pure EV.’ This setting allows you to only use the electric motor, so you won’t have to use any gas. However, the total electric range is only 21 miles, according to the EPA. 

The Aviator is big on luxury, too

This SUV’s price tag may ward off some shoppers, but the Aviator is worth every penny. The entry-level model has a starting MSRP of $51,000, and it’s loaded with goodies.

Buyers will enjoy synthetic leather heated seats, a power liftgate, satellite radio, and a 10-speaker sound system. All the infotainment features can be found on a 10.1-inch touchscreen compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Plus, passengers can utilize a Wi-Fi hotspot to make browsing on the go easier than ever.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator also includes a wealth of driver-assistance technologies. These include blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and more.

As shoppers move up in trim levels, they’ll gain more premium features. For instance, Reserve models come with a panoramic sunroof and second-row captain’s chairs. Plus, you can add packages to gain massaging seats, wireless device charging, a 28-speaker sound system, evasive steering assist, and adaptive cruise control.

Should Santa bring you this potent luxury SUV?

Like Santa’s reindeer, there’s something magical about the 2021 Lincoln Aviator. Its thrilling performance isn’t exactly typical of a Lincoln model, but it’s undoubtedly an exciting surprise. 

With models like the new Aviator, it’s no wonder why Lincoln is skyrocketing in popularity and dominating ‘best of’ lists. Don’t be surprised if, once you find yourself behind the wheel of the new Aviator, you find yourself whispering, “Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.”