• Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Auto Trends Magazine

Car reviews, industry news, & advice.

SUV

Revived Lincoln Aviator Set to Take Flight

March 29, 2018 by admin 1 Comment

New Aviator SUV strengthens the Lincoln marque.

Lincoln Aviator
The Lincoln Aviator will return in 2019.

The Lincoln Aviator is back, an all-new SUV set to take flight next year. Notwithstanding the obvious aviation references, the 2019 Aviator may very well enable the Lincoln brand to recapture at least some of its past glory, particularly as the preeminent American luxury automotive brand.

The 2019 Aviator was presented at a media conference at the New York International Auto Show this week. It joins the bigly Navigator and the soon-to-be-renamed two-row MKX (Nautilus as of 2019). The compact MKC starts things off for Ford’s luxury brand.

As for the MKT, the wagon-like outlier of the utility vehicle bunch, we don’t see its ongoing usefulness to the brand. Perhaps it will soldier on in a livery capacity for another year or two — gosh, don’t they make nice funeral cars?

Lincoln Aviator

2019 Lincoln Aviator

The 2019 Aviator sits on a rear-wheel drive platform with available all-wheel drive, but is based on unique architecture that is not related to the similar-sized Ford Explorer. Indeed, the Explorer comes with standard front-wheel drive.

Unlike the body-on-frame Navigator, the Aviator is unibody — just like the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Land Rover Range Rover.

The canvas features clear-cut Lincoln touches, beginning with the mesh grille now commonly used on other Lincoln models. Signature LED lights and a narrow lower grille are other upfront features.

Take note of the nose ridge on the hood, then allow your eyes to scan the profile. A high beltline underscores this SUV’s powerful stance.

Body sculpting and a character line that runs through the door handles adds visual interest. The roofline gently slopes to the rear, which is marked by wraparound tail lamps with a connecting light bar.

Lincoln Aviator

Upscale, Tech-Oriented Cabin

Inside, you’ll find a spacious cabin with seating for seven. The Lincoln press release uses beautiful flowing prose to describe that space, but it probably means little to you if you haven’t seen it.

Breaking it down into decipherable language, you’ll find such features as available 30-way power front seats with massage capability, aluminum trim and leather-trimmed seats.

Tech features include a 12-inch color display, wireless phone charging inside the front armrest, WiFi connectivity and power outlets throughout the cabin.

Lincoln will also offer its “Phone as Key” technology where drivers will be able to start their SUV with their smartphone.

Lincoln Aviator

Powertrain Choices

Lincoln hasn’t revealed the engine slated to power the Aviator. We do know that it will be a twin-turbo, likely a V6 displacing at 2.7-, 3.0 or 3.5 liters.

The middle engine is a Lincoln exclusive and is our pick if we were to choose one of the three.

A 10-speed automatic seems likely as well. We expect Lincoln to offer multiple drive modes and you’ll also see the now familiar piano key transmission controller.

Not only will the Aviator receive dual boosting power, but it will offer a plug-in hybrid variant similar to the one showcased in New York (and pictured here from the rear).

When added to the standard twin-turbo gas engine, we’re likely to see impressive performance numbers. Lincoln, however, hasn’t shared those details nor has it hinted at its range.

Lincoln Aviator

Reaching Higher

The Lincoln Aviator is designed to fill a gap in the Ford utility vehicle segment.

It is also expected to drive sales, helping Lincoln achieve its goal of 300,000 annual global units by 2020. A significant portion of those sales will be in China with the United States and Canada contributing the balance.

Lastly, there is always a chance the model will be the 2020 Aviator, given its 2019 release. No matter, this SUV’s arrival will be a welcome addition to dealer fleets.


See Also — Toyota: 2019 Corolla Hatchback Returns

Photos courtesy of the Lincoln Motor Company. All rights reserved.

Filed Under: Auto Shows, New Models Tagged With: 10-speed transmission, Ford Explorer, leather, Lincoln Aviator, NYIAS2018, PHEV, rear-wheel drive, SUV, twin-turbo engine

Grand SUV: Ford Expedition Platinum

March 16, 2018 by admin 3 Comments

Extra power accompanies the top-trim Expedition Platinum.

2018 Ford Expedition Platinum 4WD.
2018 Ford Expedition Platinum 4WD.

Inasmuch as crossovers dominate the SUV segment, traditional models such as the Ford Expedition have an enduring appeal. Quite frankly, there are no other vehicles possessing the passenger carrying capabilities and towing power of full-size SUVs.

The 2018 Ford Expedition launches the fourth generation of this full-size model. It comes in standard and extended wheelbase (Max) versions. Customers have their choice of XLT ($51,470/$54,475); Limited ($62,675/$65,365); and Platinum ($73,030/$75,720) editions. Add $3,010 for four-wheel drive and $1,195 for the destination charge.

Employing a traditional body-on-frame design, the 2018 Expedition is based on the modified platform underpinning the Ford F-150 pickup truck. Many of the changes follow the current-generation F-150 launched in 2015 with its high-strength, aluminum-alloy body and high-strength steel frame. In all, Ford says the new Expedition is 300 pounds lighter than the outgoing model.

A Matter of Style

2018 Ford Expedition PlatinumFord didn’t choose a radical design with the all-new Expedition and that’s a good thing. It has a more elegant visage than the F-150 as the truck advances its masculine rigor. My test Platinum test model builds on this SUV’s handsome frame by including a chrome grille. Additional chrome embellishments cover the mirror caps, roof rails, window surround and rocker panels. The rear offers blacked-out roof pillars, with the backside appearing all the more massive in the extended wheelbase MAX.

Standard equipment includes automatic headlamps, fog lamps, daytime running lights, power operated and heated side mirrors, a roof rack and running boards. Ford also includes 18-inch machined-face aluminum wheels. All four-wheel drive models have front recovery hooks.

There is a long list of upgrades and options available with the 2018 Expedition. You’ll find LED fog lamps, roof rack rails, deployable running boards, LED tail lamps and a power liftgate. Package options add such features as a panoramic vista roof, an off-road package and a trailer tow package.

Roomy, Upscale Cabin

The Ford Expedition seats eight with plush bucket seats up front, second-row tilt and slide seats and a third-row bench seat. The dashboard layout is similar to the F-150’s with a large center console and a two-tier glove box. Open the lower tier and it is further split in half thanks to a shelf. Between the front seats is ample storage, including a deep cargo section.

The available captains chairs reduce the passenger count to seven, but they offer ideal comfort. Your rear seated passengers will appreciate the additional maneuvering room and leg space. If you opt for the Expedition MAX, you’ll notice additional headroom.

The Expedition followed the Lincoln Navigator in my driving rotation. The two are similar, although the interior of the Lincoln is a cut above. That said, the Expedition delivers a beautiful cabin, especially in Platinum guise. Real wood trim, lovely stitching and metallic trim supply this model with the panache you would find in a GMC Yukon/Yukon XL Denali. Figure that Ford had GMC in mind when designing the Platinum.

The equipment roster includes a tilt-and-telescopic steering column, power-adjustable pedals, a power driver’s seat, cloth seats, air conditioning, cargo lights and a cargo management system. Available features include a power-controlled steering column, a heated steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, leather seats, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated outboard second-row seats. Leather door-trim accents, ambient lighting and cargo organizers are also available.

2018 Ford Expedition Platinum

Ford Expedition Performance

The 2018 Expedition offers one powertrain combination and a powerful one at that. Here, you’ll find Ford’s second-generation twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine with two power ratings, depending on the trim.

On XLT and Limited models, you’ll have 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. Choose the Platinum edition and the performance numbers reach 400 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque. Ford pairs this engine with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

The performance numbers are strong, although they don’t match the high output numbers of the Ford F-150 Raptor pickup truck or the Lincoln Navigator SUV. Those two models have 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque to work with, thanks to larger turbos and other enhancements.

As for the model at hand, I had to remind myself several times that it wasn’t a big V8 moving the Expedition, but an even more powerful twin-turbo V6. The turbos spool up quickly and help this SUV move with authority. Only on occasion did I notice the transmission as it moved up and down the gear range — it was that unobtrusive. Otherwise, the engine and transmission make for a happy pairing.

The Expedition shows its off-road chops too. A new off-road package supplies up to seven drive modes with Ford’s Terrain Management System. On my first full day with this SUV, I took it to my favorite off-road haunt with ample amount of ooze, sludge and muck along the way. A 10-foot tall hump was the perfect specimen for testing approach, break over and departure angles — the Expedition conquered it. Everything else that followed was comparatively easy, although I avoided one clay bog and its siren call inviting me to likely disaster.

If you’re planning to tow, the Expedition delivers a 9,300-pound towing capacity (9,100 pounds with the Max). These numbers rival what some pickup trucks deliver.

2018 Ford Expedition Platinum

Ford Expedition Technology

In the past year, Ford has made some big improvements with its technologies, including its available SYNC 3 interface. Where the previous system was an exercise in frustration, the current one is uncomplicated and easier to use.

The standard audio package includes a nine-speaker system with a CD player and one charging USB port. Move away from the base model and Ford supplies a 12-speaker B&O system, voice-activated navigation and a 110-volt outlet. You’ll also get SYNC telematics, two USB ports, and AppleCarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility. A Connectivity Package is available with the base model and comes with the other trims, bringing in Wi-Fi hotspot capability, a wireless charging pad and two additional USB ports for the third row.

All models come with a rearview camera. Available driver-assist technologies include a 360-degree camera, a blind spot information system, forward sensing warning, pre-collision assist with pedestrian detection, a lane keeping system and adaptive cruise control. The Expedition also has an enhanced parking assist package for parallel parking, reverse perpendicular parking and park out assist.

2018 Ford Expedition Platinum

Parting Thoughts: 2018 Ford Expedition

So, which Ford Expedition will you consider? Standard or extended wheelbase? Two- or four-wheel drive? XLT, Limited or Platinum trims? If you’re a current Expedition owner, making the transition could very well begin with the Limited. Choose four-wheel drive if you regularly tow or if you like to head off-road.

The extended wheelbase Max model is ideal for customers who haul a lot of gear. Well equipped, your 2018 Expedition may cost you about $75,000. That seems like a bargain when compared with the Lincoln Navigator I had the week earlier costing just over $100,000.

All in all, the 2018 Ford Expedition does an excellent job in upholding the SUV banner for Ford. Its proven big truck architecture is a plus and the powertrain suits this SUV fine.

If you’re cross-shopping the Expedition, you’ll want to explore the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, the GMC Yukon/Yukon XL, Nissan’s Armada and the Toyota Sequoia. Nissan and Ford have the newest models, but if you want an extended wheelbase SUV, only Ford, Chevrolet and GMC deliver.

2018 Ford Expedition Platinum


 2018 Ford Expedition Platinum 4WD

  • Base model from $51,790 (plus $1,195 destination)
  • Platinum model from $73,030 (plus $1,195 destination)
  • Price as tested: $81,305
  • Seats 7 or 8 occupants
  • Engine: 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 gas
  • 400 horsepower @ 5,500 RPM
  • 480 foot-pounds of torque @ 3,250 RPM
  • 10-speed automatic transmission
  • Wheelbase: 122.5 inches
  • Length: 210 inches
  • Width: 81.6 inches
  • Height: 76.6 inches
  • Passenger volume: 171.9 cubic feet
  • Storage volume: 20.9/57.5/104.6 cubic feet
  • Towing capacity: 9,300 pounds (standard wheelbase)/9,100 (extended wheelbase)
  • EPA: 17/24 mpg
  • Regular grade gasoline
  • Fuel tank: 23.3 gallons
  • Curb weight: From 5,433 (2WD)/5,692 (4WD) pounds
  • IIHS safety rating: NR
  • Limited vehicle warranty: 3 years/6,000 miles
  • Powertrain warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles
  • Corrosion warranty: 5 years/unlimited miles
  • Vehicle assembly: Louisville, Kentucky USA

See Also — Aluminum Super Duty: 2017 Ford F-350 Platinum 4WD

Ford Expedition photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine. All rights reserved.

Filed Under: New Car Reviews Tagged With: 2018 SUVs, Ford Expedition, Ford Expedition Max, four-wheel drive, SUV, SYNC 3, twin-turbo engine, V6 engine

  • Page 1
  • Page 2
  • Page 3
  • …
  • Page 68
  • Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

Social Media

Visit our social media pages:
Facebook
Twitter
Google+
Pinterest

Where is Matt Currently Published?

CARFAX (new car reviews)
NAPA Know How Blog
On the Road Again

Meta

  • Log in
  • Entries RSS
  • Comments RSS

Pages

  • About
  • Automotive Brochures
  • Contact
  • Write
    • Style Guide

Categories

Recent Posts

  • First Look: 2019 Toyota Avalon
  • The Next-Generation Chevrolet Equinox
  • Cute Ute: 2018 Ford EcoSport
  • Maxima Fighter: 2018 Toyota Camry XSE
  • At the Spring 2018 Charlotte AutoFair
  • Amped Up With a 2018 Nissan Leaf
  • New Pickup Truck Shopping Tips
  • High Country Chevy Silverado Delivers a Premium Package
  • Revived Lincoln Aviator Set to Take Flight
  • All-Wheel Drive Surprise: 2019 Nissan Altima
  • GMC Introduces Off-Road Sierra AT4 Line
  • Toyota: 2019 Corolla Hatchback Returns
  • Electric Avenue: BMW 740e
  • Cadillac Exclusive: Twin-Turbo V8 Engine
  • Generation Two: 2018 Buick Enclave
  • Grand SUV: Ford Expedition Platinum
  • PHEV: 2018 Mini Cooper Countryman
  • New! 2018 Lincoln Navigator Black Label
  • Rolling Classic: 2018 Chevrolet Suburban
  • The Electrified 2018 Volvo S90 T8
  • Luxury Elevated: Range Rover Velar
  • Quick Stop: IIHS Begins Rating Rear Crash Prevention Systems
  • Unpacking the 2019 Volvo XC40
  • Premium Midsize SUV: 2018 Toyota Highlander
  • Automated Driving? IIHS Researchers Detect Ambivalence
  • Enhanced Performance: 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe RST
  • Live! From the 2018 Chicago Auto Show!
  • Highlights of the 2018 Jeep Wrangler
  • Bestseller: 2018 Nissan Rogue
  • How to Keep Children Safe in a Crash
  • President Trump’s SOTU Address Touts $1.5 Trillion Infrastructure Investment
  • Waymo Expands Commitment to Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
  • Genesis to Separate From Hyundai Showrooms
  • Limited Time Only: Jaguar F-TYPE 400 SPORT
  • At a Glance: 2019 Ford Edge ST
  • Hyundai Veloster N: Namyang Performance
  • At a Glance: 2019 Kia Forte
  • New Toyota Avalon Demonstrates Commitment to a Languishing Segment
  • Refreshed Jeep Cherokee Includes New Turbo Engine
  • The Next Centennial: 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  • Happy Centennial: 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  • New 2019 Ram 1500 Includes Mild Hybrid Drivetrains
  • Ford Ranger Fun Facts
  • Steady as She Goes: 2018 Volkswagen Passat
  • America’s Top 10 Selling Vehicles in 2017
  • All Terrain and the 2018 GMC Acadia
  • How to Buy a Repo Vehicle
  • Super Steed: Ford Performance Enhanced Mustang GT
  • Check Engine Light On: How to Diagnose (OBD-II)
  • Behind the Wheel of the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek
April 2018
S M T W T F S
« Mar    
1234567
891011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
2930  

Copyright © 2018 · News Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in