When it comes to luxury SUVs, the Lincoln Navigator always lands atop the best of lists. And it’s a legendary contender in Lincoln’s arsenal of posh and upscale vehicles for sure. With three rows of plush comforts and a full suite of technological innovations, it’s hard to compete with the Navigator’s first impressions. However, there is a Navigator alternative, hiding in Lincoln’s own lineup, with just as must to offer. Keep reading and see which Lincoln is the smarter alternative to the behemoth Navigator.

The iconic SUV that is the Lincoln Navigator

There’s no question that the Lincoln Navigator is the largest and probably the most luxurious of the Lincoln fleet. And it makes a statement, especially among those consumers who want the best of capability and top-notch comfort. The Navigator always hogs the limelight with its truck-like 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine and its eight-passenger luxury touchpoints. 

The Navigator is often a top choice because of its seven or eight-passenger capacity, its luxurious interior, and its four-wheel drive, as Car and Driver describes. Its 440-hp engine brings the strength of a pickup. And it continues to hold its own against the likes of the Cadillac Escalade.

As Edmunds describes, not much has changed for the 2024 Lincoln Navigator. But why change something if it doesn’t need anything, right? Before you rush out to buy the Navigator or its elongated L version, keep reading. There’s another Lincoln, narrowly tucked in Navigator’s shadow, that you might just find to be the smarter buy.

The Lincoln Aviator is an even more affordable option

What if you could buy a Lincoln SUV that brings many of the looks, feels, and amenities of the 2024 Lincoln Navigator, except without the Navigator price tag? Lincoln lists the newest Navigator with a starting MSRP of $82,765. And for some, the more attractive starting MSRP of the 2024 Lincoln Aviator (around $58,000) is far more attractive.

Edmunds celebrates the 2024 Lincoln Aviator for a number of reasons, including its upscale interior, comfortable ride, and strong acceleration. New this model year, the Aviator gets an exterior refresh and updated interior.

It’s another option for those who want three rows, luxury-feeling interior touch points, and a Navigator-like experience for about $30,000 less.

Why the Lincoln Aviator is such a great alternative

The 2024 Lincoln Aviator is a smart alternative option to the bigger and more expensive 2024 Lincoln Navigator. The Aviator comes in five available trim levels, including the Aviator, the Reserve, the Black Label, the Grand Touring, and the Grand Touring Black Label. The first three variations come equipped with a robust 3.0-liter V6 and 400 horses. The two Grand Touring versions use a plug-in hybrid powertrain based on that V6 and 494 horses. 

Consumers won’t likely miss the 40-horsepower difference between the Navigator and the Aviator. And the Aviator’s fuel economy is a tad smarter with its 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway (RWD) versus Navigator’s 17 mpg city and 23 mpg highway. The full suite of must-have driver assistance features is similar in both models, as well. 

The entry-level Aviator still brings all the bells and whistles you’d expect from a Lincoln, including remote start, rain-sensing wipers, 19-inch wheels, synthetic leather, a power liftgate, and heated, power-folding mirrors. But with options for even more upscale equipment and premium amenities, bump up to the Reserve or the Black Label.

If you’re thinking about a big luxurious SUV, you’re in good hands at a Lincoln dealership. But before you invest $80k in the 2024 Lincoln Navigator, maybe consider the 2024 Lincoln Aviator. You’ll still have the size, comfort, and convenience of the Navigator without the hefty price tag. And for many, this makes the Aviator a smarter buy.