Standard spare tires have become a bit elusive in recent years. Some models produced by The Blue Oval, like the Ford F-150 Lightning, made the spare tire optional, along with the Lincoln Nautilus Premiere trim, replacing the spare with a so-called tire mobility kit, along with certain Ford Escape models and the Ford Explorer, too. Add the 2026 Lincoln Aviator to the list, as the luxury crossover loses its standard spare tire.
Sources familiar with the matter told Ford Authority that certain 2026 Lincoln Aviator trims are dropping the previously standard 18-inch mini spare wheel and tire, replacing it with a tire inflator and sealant kit. The change applies to Premiere, Livery (fleet-only), and Reserve models, all of which now feature a standard sealant kit rather than a spare.
The 18-inch spare isn’t gone completely, though. It’s available as an optional upgrade on the 2026 Lincoln Aviator Premiere 100A, 101A, and 102A, along with the Livery 500A, and Reserve 200A equipment groups. It retains its standard status on the Aviator Reserve 201A and Black Label 800A. Note that it’s also included when the 21-inch Bright Machined Aluminum wheels with Dark Alloy painted pockets are selected on Premiere models, regardless of equipment group. The same is true for the 22-inch Bright Machined Aluminum wheels with Magnetic painted pockets and the 22-inch Black aluminum wheels on the Reserve trim.
The 18-inch spare tire and wheel was previously standard on all 2025 Lincoln Aviator trims, for context.
Aside from that, the 2026 Lincoln Aviator is subject to minor changes and updates compared to the outgoing 2025 model. It receives the new Lincoln Connectivity Package, which replaces the Lincoln Premium Connectivity Package, while equipment group 102A joins the lineup for the first time. The Dynamic Handling Package also receives minor changes in availability, while several new dealer-installed options are on the order books, too.
The 2026 Lincoln Aviator will be produced at the Chicago Assembly plant, which will be its production home for years to come.
Comments
On something this pricey, how cheap can you really get?
I agree. Lincoln is supposedly your luxury brand and you remove the spare tire for Fix-A-Flat. When you make idiotic decisions such as this, you know that the bean counters have complete control of the company.
Keep on de-contenting what already are ludicrously expensive vehicles.
Bad idea. I won’t buy a vehicle that is used on vacations that doesn’t have a spare tire. Good way to ruin a vacation, not to mention I don’t want to get stranded at night in some bad area. I’m glad our 2020 Corsair Reserve and 2022 Maverick Lariat have spare tires.
I have a Shelby gt350 one of the first thing I did was to purchase a spare
Just hope you don’t have a blowout. Our 2025 Nautilus R3 has the standard spare.