Performance Comparison: Lincoln Aviator Q2 2025 vs. Previous Generation PHEVs | Power, Efficiency, and the End of an Era
You’re cruising down the highway in a Lincoln Aviator, the cabin silent except for your favorite playlist, when you decide to pass a slower vehicle. You press the accelerator, and instead of the usual V6 growl, you’re pushed back into those perfect-position seats by an immediate surge of electric torque. That was the magic of the Aviator Grand Touring—and it’s a feeling the 2025 model can’t quite replicate.
TL;DR
The 2025 Lincoln Aviator and previous-generation Grand Touring plug-in hybrids represent two completely different approaches to luxury SUV performance. The outgoing PHEV models (2020-2023) combined a twin-turbo V6 with an electric motor for 494 horsepower and 630 lb-ft of torque—figures that rival V8 performance with hybrid efficiency. The 2025 Aviator, by contrast, focuses on refinement with its 400-hp twin-turbo V6, standard adaptive suspension, and cutting-edge Lincoln Digital Experience technology, but it loses the plug-in hybrid option entirely due to low customer demand . Which one delivers the better driving experience? The answer depends entirely on what you value in a luxury SUV.
Key Takeaways
- Power Difference: Previous Grand Touring models produced 494 hp and 630 lb-ft—94 more horsepower and 215 more lb-ft than the 2025 model .
- Acceleration: The PHEV version could hit 60 mph in about 5.0 seconds, while the 2025 Aviator does it in 5.6 seconds .
- Efficiency Trade-off: The Grand Touring offered 21 miles of all-electric range and 23 mpg combined after battery depletion, versus the 2025’s 20 mpg combined .
- Tech Upgrade: The 2025 model gains the Lincoln Digital Experience with a 13.2-inch touchscreen and standard BlueCruise hands-free driving .
- Price Positioning: The PHEV commanded a roughly $9,450 premium over equivalent gas models, while the 2025 Aviator starts at $60,990 .
Understanding the Lincoln Aviator Powertrain Evolution: Two Philosophies, One Platform
When Lincoln introduced the Aviator for the 2020 model year, they made a bold statement. This wasn’t just another luxury SUV—it was a rear-wheel-drive platform shared with the Ford Explorer, wrapped in elegant sheet metal, and offered with a plug-in hybrid powertrain that nobody saw coming . The Grand Touring model packed a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 paired with a 75-kilowatt electric motor, delivering combined outputs that embarrassed many V8 competitors .
Fast forward to 2025, and the story has changed dramatically. Lincoln has refreshed the Aviator with new styling, updated technology, and refined driving dynamics—but the plug-in hybrid is gone. The company cites a take rate of just 14 percent for the PHEV, making it economically unviable to continue production .
Here’s the thing about Lincoln’s decision—it wasn’t about performance. The Grand Touring was genuinely quick. It was about customer behavior. Most buyers simply weren’t willing to pay the nearly $10,000 premium for hybrid technology they might never use .
The Grand Touring Powertrain: A Performance Hybrid Like No Other
Let’s start with what made the previous-generation Aviator Grand Touring so special. Under the hood sat a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine producing 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque on its own . But mounted to the rear axle was a 75-kW electric motor that added another 105 horsepower and immense instant torque. The combined system output? A staggering 494 horsepower and 630 lb-ft of torque .
This wasn’t just about numbers on a spec sheet. The electric motor’s instant torque transformed how the Aviator drove. From a standstill, the Grand Touring would launch with electric immediacy before the turbocharged V6 joined the party. Zero to 60 mph arrived in approximately 5.0 seconds—genuinely quick for a three-row luxury SUV weighing nearly 5,700 pounds .
The 13.6 kWh lithium-ion battery pack mounted under the floor served dual purposes. First, it provided up to 21 miles of all-electric range, enough for silent around-town running . Second, its low placement lowered the vehicle’s center of gravity, improving handling and reducing body roll compared to the standard Aviator.
Charging the battery took about 3.5 to 4 hours on a 240-volt Level 2 charger, or more than 12 hours on a standard household outlet . The system included smart features like Preserve EV mode, which could hold or even recharge the battery to 75 percent using the gasoline engine, saving electric range for later city driving .
Always remember that the Grand Touring’s performance came with responsibilities. The hybrid system required specific maintenance and battery care to maintain its capabilities over the long term.
The 2025 Aviator Powertrain: Refined but Conventional
The 2025 Aviator takes a different approach. Lincoln has simplified the lineup to a single powertrain: the same 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, now producing 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque . It’s mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission that’s been recalibrated for smoother shifts—according to MotorTrend, “this gearbox swaps cogs like it’s spreading melted butter” .
Without the hybrid assist, the 2025 model weighs less—about 4,970 pounds versus the Grand Touring’s 5,673 . That weight savings helps performance, but it can’t fully compensate for the missing 94 horsepower and 215 lb-ft of torque. The 2025 Aviator reaches 60 mph in 5.6 seconds, about half a second slower than its predecessor .
Fuel economy tells a similar story. The 2025 Aviator with all-wheel drive achieves 17 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 20 mpg combined . The Grand Touring, when running as a hybrid after battery depletion, delivered 23 mpg combined—a 15 percent improvement . And of course, for the first 21 miles of any trip, the PHEV used zero gasoline at all.
Here’s an interesting ownership consideration: The 2025 Aviator can run on regular 87-octane fuel, even though premium is recommended for best performance . The Grand Touring also recommended premium, but its hybrid system partially offset the fuel cost through improved efficiency.
Timeline: The Rise and Fall of the Aviator Grand Touring
The Aviator’s plug-in hybrid journey was relatively brief but impactful:
- 2019 – Lincoln unveils the all-new Aviator with Grand Touring PHEV variant
- 2020 – First Aviator Grand Touring models reach customers, offering 494 hp
- 2021 – PHEV carries over unchanged, earning praise for power but criticism for hesitant transmission
- 2022 – Minor updates but Grand Touring remains in lineup
- 2023 – Final year for Aviator Grand Touring production
- 2024 – Lincoln drops PHEV from Aviator lineup due to low 14% take rate
- 2025 – Refreshed Aviator debuts with 400-hp V6 only, new tech, and standard BlueCruise
Real-World Impact: Which Aviator Should You Choose?
The decision between a previous-generation Grand Touring and a 2025 Aviator depends entirely on your priorities as a luxury SUV buyer.
Choose the Grand Touring if: You value acceleration and low-end torque above all else. The PHEV’s 630 lb-ft of torque—available instantly from the electric motor—makes everyday driving feel effortless in a way that horsepower figures alone can’t capture. You’ll also appreciate the silent electric operation around town and the potential fuel savings if you plug in regularly.
Choose the 2025 Aviator if: You want the latest technology and don’t need hybrid capability. The Lincoln Digital Experience with its 13.2-inch touchscreen and 12.4-inch digital cluster modernizes the cabin significantly . Standard BlueCruise hands-free highway driving is a genuine fatigue-reducer on long trips . And the recalibrated transmission addresses one of the Grand Touring’s biggest criticisms—that hesitant, indecisive shifting .
Always rely on certified pre-owned programs when considering a used Grand Touring. Hybrid batteries and complex powertrains benefit from warranty coverage, and Lincoln’s CPO warranty provides peace of mind that a private sale cannot.
Comparison: Aviator Grand Touring vs. 2025 Aviator
To see exactly how these two generations stack up, here’s a detailed comparison using data from trusted sources:
| Feature/Model | 2020-2023 Aviator Grand Touring | 2025 Lincoln Aviator |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | 3.0L twin-turbo V6 + 75 kW electric motor | 3.0L twin-turbo V6 only |
| Total Horsepower | 494 hp | 400 hp |
| Total Torque | 630 lb-ft | 415 lb-ft |
| 0-60 MPH | ~5.0 seconds | 5.6 seconds |
| Electric Range | 21 miles | N/A |
| Fuel Economy (combined) | 23 mpg (hybrid mode) | 20 mpg |
| Curb Weight | 5,673 lbs | 4,970 lbs |
| Infotainment | 10.1-inch screen | 13.2-inch Lincoln Digital Experience |
| BlueCruise | Not available | Standard with 4-year subscription |
| Towing Capacity | 5,600 lbs | 5,000 lbs |
| Price New | ~$70,640 starting | $60,990 starting |
Charting the Performance Difference
The power and torque gap between these two generations is substantial. This chart visualizes just how much the Grand Touring outperforms the 2025 model in raw numbers.
“The Aviator’s biggest problems aren’t with itself—they’re the Nautilus and Navigator,” notes MotorTrend. “When customers stroll into a Lincoln showroom and see those SUVs’ stunning interior reinventions with 48 inches of digital space, the Aviator may look unimpressive by comparison” . Yet for those who prioritize driving feel over screens, the Grand Touring remains a compelling alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions About Aviator Performance Generations
Is the 2025 Lincoln Aviator faster than the Grand Touring PHEV?
No. The Grand Touring models (2020-2023) delivered 494 horsepower and 630 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in about 5.0 seconds. The 2025 Aviator produces 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft, with a 5.6-second 0-60 time .
Why did Lincoln discontinue the Aviator Grand Touring PHEV?
Lincoln cites a low customer take rate of just 14 percent for the plug-in hybrid option. The relatively high price premium—about $9,450 over comparable gas models—made it difficult to justify continuing production .
What was the electric range of the Aviator Grand Touring?
The 13.6 kWh battery pack provided an EPA-estimated 21 miles of all-electric driving. After battery depletion, the vehicle operated as a hybrid with 23 mpg combined fuel economy .
Does the 2025 Aviator have any hybrid option at all?
No. For 2025, Lincoln offers only the 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine producing 400 horsepower. There is no plug-in hybrid or conventional hybrid variant available .
How does towing capacity compare between the two generations?
The Grand Touring could tow up to 5,600 pounds when properly equipped. The 2025 Aviator has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds .
Which generation has better technology features?
The 2025 Aviator features significantly updated technology, including the Lincoln Digital Experience with a 13.2-inch touchscreen, 12.4-inch digital cluster, and standard BlueCruise hands-free highway driving with a four-year subscription .
Are used Grand Touring models reliable?
The powertrain has proven generally reliable, but hybrid systems add complexity. Look for certified pre-owned examples with remaining warranty coverage, and ensure regular maintenance was performed on schedule .
What’s the fuel economy difference in real-world driving?
Real-world testing of the Grand Touring showed 23.1 mpg in combined highway driving after battery depletion. The 2025 Aviator achieves EPA ratings of 17 city/25 highway/20 combined with all-wheel drive .
Your Turn: Which Aviator Speaks to You?
The Lincoln Aviator’s evolution from plug-in hybrid powerhouse to conventionally powered tech-focused luxury SUV represents a fascinating chapter in Lincoln’s history. The Grand Touring offered something genuinely unique—V8-beating performance with hybrid efficiency, wrapped in Lincoln’s sanctuary-like cabin. The 2025 model delivers refined, smooth operation with the latest digital features, but it can’t match the PHEV’s urgent acceleration and silent electric cruising.
For enthusiasts and early adopters, the Grand Touring will always hold a special place. For technology-focused luxury buyers, the 2025 model’s digital experience and hands-free driving capabilities might be impossible to resist.
Have you driven an Aviator Grand Touring? Or perhaps you’ve experienced the new 2025 model? We’d love to hear your perspective. What’s your favorite memory behind the wheel of a Lincoln Aviator? Share your story in the comments below.
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