Lincoln Aviator vs. Navigator: Which Three-Row Lincoln SUV Is Right for You?

Both are three-row luxury SUVs. One is a 400-hp midsize with BlueCruise included; the other is a 432-hp full-size flagship with a 48-inch display and 8,700 lbs of towing. South Bay Lincoln in Hawthorne breaks down the differences.

Shop Aviator Shop Navigator

Aviator: From $56,910

Midsize, 400 hp, seats up to 7, BlueCruise included for four years.

Navigator: From $91,995

Full-size, 432 hp, seats up to 8, standard 4WD, 48-inch display.

Both Three Rows

Lincoln’s two three-row SUVs—the only question is how much space and capability you need.

Both In Stock

Drive them back to back at South Bay Lincoln, 5100 W. Rosecrans Ave, Hawthorne.

Aviator or Navigator? Start With How You’ll Use It

2026 Aviator Details 2026 Navigator Details

Lincoln builds two three-row SUVs, and shoppers in Los Angeles cross-shop them constantly. The Aviator is the midsize option: a 3.0L twin-turbo V6 with 400 horsepower, seating for up to seven, standard adaptive suspension and Lincoln BlueCruise included for four years on every 2026 model. The Navigator is the full-size flagship: 432 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, standard four-wheel drive, seating for up to eight, 107 cubic feet of cargo space, up to 8,700 lbs of towing and a 48-inch panoramic display.

The right answer usually comes down to three things: how many people and how much gear you carry regularly, whether you tow, and where you park. The sections below use the specifications published on South Bay Lincoln’s own model pages so you can compare directly.

2026 Lincoln Aviator vs. 2026 Lincoln Navigator: Side by Side

Figures as listed on our 2026 Aviator and 2026 Navigator model pages.

Spec	2026 Lincoln Aviator	2026 Lincoln Navigator
Starting price	$56,910 (Premiere)	$91,995 (Premiere)
Engine	3.0L twin-turbo V6	Not listed on our model page
Horsepower / torque	400 hp / 415 lb-ft	432 hp / 510 lb-ft
Drivetrain	Standard adaptive suspension; available Air Glide	Standard four-wheel drive; 10-speed transmission; adaptive suspension
Seating	Up to 7	Up to 8
Max cargo	77.7 cu. ft. behind first row	107 cu. ft.
Max towing	Not listed on our model page	8,700 lbs (Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package)
Est. fuel economy	18 city / 25 hwy	15 city / 22 hwy
Display	Standard head-up display; Lincoln Digital Experience	48-inch panoramic display; Lincoln Digital Experience
Hands-free driving	BlueCruise included 4 years on all 2026 models	See dealer for BlueCruise availability
Audio	Available Revel Ultima 3D, 28 speakers	Standard 28-speaker audio with QuantumLogic 3D Surround
Trims	Premiere, Reserve, Black Label	Premiere, Reserve, Black Label

2026 Lincoln Aviator three-row SUV at South Bay Lincoln

Choose the Aviator If…

You want three rows without full-size dimensions. The Aviator fits standard garages and tight Westside parking more easily, seats up to seven and still offers 77.7 cu. ft. of cargo space with the rear rows folded.

You value driving dynamics and hands-free highway miles. 400 hp, standard adaptive suspension, available Air Glide Suspension and BlueCruise included for four years make the Aviator the better commuter for the 405 and PCH. It also starts about $35,000 below the Navigator. Explore the 2026 Aviator or see how it compares to rivals.

2026 Lincoln Navigator interior with 48-inch panoramic display at South Bay Lincoln

Choose the Navigator If…

You regularly fill all three rows or tow. Seating for up to eight, 107 cu. ft. of cargo space, standard four-wheel drive and up to 8,700 lbs of towing with the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package make the Navigator the choice for big families, boats and trailers.

You want the flagship experience. The 48-inch panoramic display, standard 28-speaker audio with QuantumLogic 3D Surround, Lincoln Rejuvenate with digital scent on Reserve and the Lincoln Split Gate are Navigator-only. Explore the 2026 Navigator, preview the 2027 Navigator, or see how it compares to rivals.

Pricing, Trims & Ownership Costs

Both SUVs come in Premiere, Reserve and Black Label trims. Starting prices as listed on our model pages:

Aviator Premiere — $56,910

Heated and ventilated front seats, adaptive suspension, 400-hp twin-turbo V6, BlueCruise included for four years.

Navigator Premiere — $91,995

432 hp, standard 4WD, 10-speed transmission, 48-inch panoramic display, heated and ventilated front seats.

Aviator Reserve — $66,730

Adaptive pixel LED headlamps, Dynamic Handling Package with Air Glide Suspension, Panoramic Vista Roof.

Navigator Reserve — $101,995

Lincoln Rejuvenate with digital scent, power running boards, Panoramic Vista Roof.

Aviator Black Label — $85,380

Perfect Position front seats, Revel Ultima 3D Audio with 28 speakers, Black Label owner benefits.

Navigator Black Label — $119,525

Second-row power tailored seats and the full Black Label experience.

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Aviator vs. Navigator FAQs

What is the main difference between the Lincoln Aviator and Navigator?

Size and capability. The Aviator is a midsize three-row SUV (400 hp, seats up to 7, 77.7 cu. ft. cargo) starting at $56,910; the Navigator is a full-size three-row SUV (432 hp, seats up to 8, 107 cu. ft. cargo, 8,700-lb towing, standard 4WD) starting at $91,995.

Which Lincoln SUV has a third row?

Both the Aviator and the Navigator have three rows. The Nautilus and Corsair are two-row SUVs. The Navigator offers the most third-row and cargo space of any Lincoln.

Does the Navigator have BlueCruise like the Aviator?

BlueCruise is included for four years on all 2026 Aviators. For current BlueCruise availability and terms on the Navigator, contact South Bay Lincoln at (424) 622-3555.

Which is better for towing?

The Navigator, rated up to 8,700 lbs with the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package, which adds a trailer brake controller and Slow Climb drive mode. Our Aviator model page does not list a tow rating; ask our team for details on a specific vehicle.

Can I lease either one?

Yes. Both are available to lease or finance through Lincoln Automotive Financial Services. See our current lease offers or quick qualify online.

Drive Them Back to Back at South Bay Lincoln

The fastest way to decide is to sit in the third row of each and drive both. Schedule a test drive in Hawthorne or call (424) 622-3555.

Aviator Inventory Navigator Inventory Schedule Test Drive Contact Us

Specifications and starting prices are as listed on South Bay Lincoln’s 2026 Aviator and 2026 Navigator model pages and exclude government fees and taxes, finance charges, electronic filing charges and emission testing charges. Features vary by trim and options. Driver-assist features are supplemental and do not replace the driver’s attention. Vehicles subject to prior sale.

Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on this site, absolute accuracy cannot be guaranteed. This site, and all information and materials appearing on it, are presented to the user "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied. All vehicles are subject to prior sale. Price does not include applicable government fees and taxes, finance charges, electronic filing charges, and emission testing charges. ‡Vehicles shown at different locations are not currently in our inventory (Not in Stock) but can be made available to you at our location within a reasonable date from the time of your request, not to exceed one week.