2022 Lincoln Aviator Interiors

Not to be confused with the bigger Lincoln Navigator, the Aviator is the second biggest SUV in the lineup, offering three rows of seating and plenty of luxury amenities. Priced considerably lower than its bigger sibling, especially with the new price cuts for 2022, the Aviator does well to distinguish itself from the Ford Explorer; on it's based on.

Unlike the bigger Navigator, Lincoln also offers a plug-in hybrid variant if you’re looking for an efficient alternative. The popular luxury SUV segment includes several rivals like the Audi Q7, Volvo XC90, and the new Genesis GV80. For all the features on offer and the potent powertrain, the Aviator is reasonably priced.

2022 Lincoln Aviator Interior Design, Dimensions, and Comfort

Surprisingly, the interior of the 2022 Lincoln Aviator looks distinctive compared to the Navigator. The flat and boxy design suits the overall interior and the combination of beige and black is done tastefully. The sheer size of the Aviator also provides seating for 7 passengers and gets one of the most spacious cabins by segment standards. Even the third-row seats are usable for shorter journeys and don't feel like an afterthought. While it still falls behind some European offerings, the 2022 Aviator gets a classy and elegant dashboard design with distinctive layers. The relatively flat top portion houses the infotainment system in the middle, while just below it, a bar extends the length of the dashboard with four climate vents. Fortunately, Lincoln still provides physical controls. 

The 2022 Aviator gets massive seats at the front with thick bolsters and the high seating position also provides good visibility. Power adjustability and heating function are included as standard, while the higher trims also get ventilation function for seats, power-adjustable steering wheel with heating function and more. The rear seats share a similar story. With the bench seat option on the lower trims, three passengers can sit comfortably. Even the panoramic sunroof doesn't eat into the headroom. The Reserve and higher trims get captains chairs in the middle with individual armrests and even better support. However, the bench seat is still available as an option. The third-row seats, like most other SUVs in this segment, are best reserved for children. You also get power-folding third-row seats right from the base model. Also, Tri-zone automatic climate control is included as standard on the base trims with separate vents for all three rows. The Reserve and higher trims get an upgraded quad-zone automatic climate control.

Models	2022 Lincoln Aviator	2022 Genesis GV80	2022 Audi Q7	2022 Volvo XC90
Seating Capacity	7	7	7	7
Interior Passenger Volume (cubic feet)	144.7	108.7	N/A	103.8
Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)	41.5/61.5/43	40.2/60.2/41.6	39.9/59.5/41.7	38.9/57.7/40.9
Second Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)	39.7/61.3/40.1	38.4/58.2/38.7	38.8/58.5/38.8	38.5/56.5/37
Third Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)	36.9/54/29.2	34.3/53.2/30.3	35.9/49.4/29.2	36.3/46.9/31.9

The 2022 Lincoln Aviator makes good use of its larger footprint to liberate more interior space than all of its rivals. However, the third-row seats are still average for the class. Both the Audi Q7 and Genesis GV80 also offer similar space, while the Volvo XC90 is the least spacious option here. The Lincoln also scores some points in the interior quality and design department. 

2022 Lincoln Aviator Infotainment

While Lincoln has done an excellent job of differentiating the 2022 Aviator from the Ford Explorer, the infotainment system can break the illusion. The menu looks similar to Ford's SYNC 3 infotainment system. Also, as standard you get a 10.1-inch touchscreen display.

But, the Aviator adds some extra features to justify the premium asked with a 28-speaker Revel Ultima system on the higher trims and some unique additions like Lincoln+Alexa integration. All the usual features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, SiriusXM satellite and HD radio, and a 10-speaker audio system are included as standard. 

Key Infotainment Features

• 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
• SiriusXM satellite and HD radio
• Bluetooth and four USB slot connectivity
• Voice-activated navigation with SiriusXM traffic
• 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system
• Lincoln+Alexa integration and connected car feature

2022 Lincoln Aviator Cargo Capacity

When designing a three-row SUV, manufacturers either focus on third-row space or trunk capacity. With the 2022 Aviator, Lincoln has taken the second route, offering a surprising amount of space at 18.3 cubic feet with all the rows up.

The flat-folding seats help liberate up to 77.7 cubic feet with both rows folded. If you want more flexibility, folding just the third-row seats will boost capacity up to 41.8 cubic feet.

Models	2022 Lincoln Aviator	2022 Genesis GV80	2022 Audi Q7	2022 Volvo XC90
Standard Cargo Capacity (cubic feet)	18.3	11.6	14.2	12.6
Maximum Cargo Capacity (cubic feet)	77.7	84	69.6	65.5

The 2022 Lincoln Aviator is noticeably better than its rivals with all the seats up. However, folding them down will liberate less space than the Genesis GV80. Both the Audi Q7 and Volvo XC90 are less practical than the rest regardless of seat configuration. 

Additional Interior Storage Spaces

2022 Aviator gets a roomy glovebox and deep door pockets. The neatly designed center console deserves special mention, offering a concealed storage tray on top and a different deeper one below the main controls to keep items out of the way. Middle row passengers also get front seatback pockets on both slides. Even the third-row offers some practicality with cupholders on either side and a tray to keep your smartphone.

2022 Lincoln Aviator Creature Comforts

Being a luxury SUV, even the base model of the 2022 Aviator is loaded with luxuries like a power liftgate, keyless ignition with push-button start, power-folding third-row seats, power-adjustable front seats with heating function, and a tri-zone automatic climate control system. The Reserve model ups the ante with a power-adjustable steering wheel, premium leather upholstery, second-row captains chairs, quad-zone automatic climate control, ambient interior lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and a hands-free liftgate.

Lincoln also offers several optional packages with the Reserve model with features like heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, 30-way power-adjustable front seats, rear door sunshades, and a heated steering wheel. The Black Label model adds most of the aforementioned optional packages along with soft-close doors. The Grand Touring model gets the same equipment as the Reserve trim, while the range-topping Black Label Grand Touring model mimics the standard Black Label trim with an upgraded powertrain. 

Verdict

With several luxury features and options available for the base trims and prices slashed across the range, the 2022 Lincoln Aviator is shaping up to be an excellent SUV for hauling families in comfort. Unlike some competitors, all three rows are relatively usable with the Aviator, giving it an upper hand in the practicality department. Lincoln has also done a good job of distinguishing the Aviator from the Ford Explorer; on which it is based, be it in terms of the features on offer or the interior design. 2022 Aviator might not be on everyone’s radar but it's certainly worth checking out if you need a luxurious three-row SUV.