Overview
The 2022 Lincoln Aviator is a midsize three-row luxury SUV designed for families and commuters who want premium comfort without stepping up to a full-size SUV. It sits in the heart of Lincoln’s lineup as a more upscale alternative to mainstream three-row SUVs, with strong performance and a quiet, well-appointed cabin. This model is part of the second-generation Aviator (introduced for 2020), which brought a rear-wheel-drive-based platform and a noticeably more athletic feel than many rivals. The 2022 model continues that formula with available plug-in hybrid power and a feature-rich, tech-forward interior.
Key Features
- Strong powertrain choices: a standard 3.0L twin-turbocharged V6 producing 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque paired with a 10-speed automatic, plus the available Grand Touring plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version combining the twin-turbo V6 with an electric motor for 494 hp and 630 lb-ft.
- Rear-wheel-drive-based architecture with available AWD, giving the Aviator confident towing and a more balanced driving feel than many front-wheel-drive-based competitors.
- Comfortable three-row seating with available second-row captain’s chairs, upscale materials, and a notably quiet ride on the highway—especially in higher trims with additional sound insulation and premium tires.
- Advanced driver assistance availability, including adaptive cruise control with lane centering and other safety tech designed to reduce fatigue on long trips.
- Useful capability for its class, with properly equipped models offering solid towing capacity (up to around 6,700 lbs on gasoline models when configured correctly).
Common Issues & Reliability
Shoppers searching “2022 Lincoln Aviator reliability” and “2022 Lincoln Aviator common issues” should know that overall durability can be good when maintenance is kept up, but some owners report quality and electronics-related problems.
1) Infotainment and screen glitches: Some owners report the center display freezing, rebooting, Bluetooth/Apple CarPlay connectivity drops, or intermittent camera issues. These can show up early (sometimes within the first 5,000–15,000 miles) and may require software updates, module resets, or in some cases component replacement.
2) Electrical and battery-related warnings: A subset of drivers report intermittent warning messages, no-start events, or battery drain concerns—especially if the vehicle sits for extended periods or sees lots of short trips. Symptoms may appear around the first year of ownership and can be tied to software updates, battery health, or parasitic draw concerns that a dealer can diagnose.
3) PHEV-specific concerns (Grand Touring): Plug-in hybrid models can occasionally experience charging irregularities, reduced EV operation, or “powertrain malfunction” messages that lead to dealer updates or sensor/module attention. If you’re researching “2022 Lincoln Aviator problems” specific to the PHEV, confirm charging behavior on both Level 1 and Level 2 and verify all recalls and software updates are completed.
4) Fit-and-finish and trim issues: Some owners mention rattles, wind noise, misaligned trim, or minor interior component issues that can develop within the first 10,000–30,000 miles depending on road conditions. These are usually fixable under warranty but are worth checking during a test drive on rough pavement.