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Consumer Reports Says 2025 Lincoln Aviator Should Be Avoided

Both the 2025 Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer received a mid-cycle refresh for the new model year, ushering in a host of updates for both models. As a result, Consumer Reports added the refreshed Explorer to its list of recommended vehicles last month, as that model improved its reliability ratings from below average to average or better, which also improved its overall score. Interestingly enough, that seemingly isn’t the case with the 2025 Lincoln Aviator, as it isn’t faring quite as well in terms of owner data gathered from the latest Consumer Reports surveys.

A side view of the 2025 Lincoln Aviator.

According to its latest list of popular SUVs to avoid and what to buy instead, Consumer Reports highlighted the 2025 Lincoln Aviator as one to avoid, for a number of reasons. The refreshed Aviator only received an overall score of 56, in fact, largely due to its poor predicted reliability and owner satisfaction scores, along with “tricky controls,” an engine that sounds a bit coarse during acceleration, an awkward and distracting cruise control interface, and the fact that lumbar adjustments must be made through the infotainment screen.

CR did praise the 2025 Lincoln Aviator for its upgraded driving experience, luxurious cabin, and abundance of amenities, but based on its downsides, recommends the Lexus TX for shoppers in the three-row mid-size luxury SUV space, as it has a much higher overall score of 76, coupled with an above average predicted reliability score. This comes as a bit of a disappointment for the Aviator, which was also named as a model to avoid by Consumer Reports last June, too.

This latest showing is also disappointing given the fact that the Explorer managed to post improvements in terms of reliability, which CEO Jim Farley is targeting across the automaker’s entire 2025 model year lineup. Thus far, that has largely proven to be the case – according to a handful of studies – but it seems as if the 2025 Lincoln Aviator may not help fulfill that prophecy.

Brett's lost track of all the Fords he's owned over the years and how much he's spent modifying them, but his current money pits include an S550 Mustang and 13th gen F-150.

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Comments

  1. So, reliability. It’s something that’s obviously attainable as described above with certain models. Don’t the various model teams share what is successful and why so that other model teams can benefit? I’m not sure how this is accomplished with other brands, but clearly, they are able to make this happen. No silos!!! More information sharing!!!

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  2. Who cares what CR has to say. I don’t, for sure! Is there really that much difference between an Aviator and an Explorer? I don’t think so.

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    1. Exactly, last year, i recall an article where CR was saying “domestic Luxury Cars” were more reliable and less costly to maintain than import brands. That was one time they slipped and spoke the truth. And they even named Lincoln as a an example in the article! Not a week or so later, then CR had some other article out where they put something like this one where they say to avoid Lincoln. They flip flop and most of their observations are blatantly untrue. Among the more outrageous CR claims is that brands like bmw would be what they would recommend! Seriously, a bmw!?? they break down all over the place and you have to pay big bucks to fix those, lose money, cars. I will never have another bmw again. Our dealer service dept always had the quip when you walked through his door…, “How does your BM trouble you” today. He thought he was funny. I was never amused. Whats worse, is they ride hard and are not really luxury cars. they are more like sports cars. but I find them unimpressive in the extreme. but the frequent and costly repairs was the last straw on those bmw’s. the jaguars were also abominable for breaking down with major repairs. One XJ8 L had complete engine failure at 52,000 miles! So when CR reccommends bmw it makes me think they are taking a payoff to say such an obvious lie. With these Aviators, the only things that changed for 25 was the infotainment set up. These cars come with too much “over the top” tech. For now, most of Lincoln’s clientele are in their 50’s or more. These people are not going to be wowed by gadgets or want to waste time learning how to use it. I am guilty of that myself. I ordered a 23 Aviator Reserve 1 which had more than enough options, and even too much. Fortunately, I can just shut off the stuff i don’t want to use. So I have had no problems with that car. but for those that insist on using all the tech, it probably works okay. but they are not patient to learn how to use it. So they answer CR forms that its bad or doesn’t work.

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  3. Loved the Aviator when it came out. We own a 2021. Great vehicle. But looking forward to an all new model within the next couple of years.
    Wishes:
    Updated engine and platform improvements
    Slight increase in interior room if possible
    Manual controls (unlikely)
    Tailgate from new Navigator
    Classy, attractive design overall

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    1. Please also add sliding rear coach doors. Do a limited edition above black label Navigator with the gull wing door.

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  4. “Consumer Reports says”: Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha……. Who cares what CR says?

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  5. Ford jut needs to bury Lincoln.

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  6. I am happy with my 2020 Aviator. The down side is – service and Lincoln dealerships. They really did not know to much about the car. Minor problems, they could not figure out what to do and how to deal with the problems. Generally it’s a great car.

    Reply

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