Lincoln has announced that the 2024 model year for the Aviator will not include the Grand Touring plug-in hybrid grade. This is just one of the few changes that will be made to Lincoln’s mid-size SUV for the upcoming model year.
The Grand Touring grade was first introduced with the current Aviator’s 2020 market debut. It paired a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 from non-hybrid models with an electric motor positioned between the engine and a 10-speed automatic transmission. This combination enabled the vehicle to generate 494 horsepower to all four wheels, while also offering a 13.6-kwh battery pack that provided 21 miles of EPA-rated electric range.
For the 2024 model year, all Aviator models will now use the standalone twin-turbo V-6 and 10-speed automatic, producing 400 horsepower. The non-hybrid models were available with rear-wheel drive as well as all-wheel drive, and this is expected to continue for the 2024 model year.
The base grade has also been renamed to Premiere, replacing the previous Standard name. The pricing for the Premiere grade starts at $54,735, including a $1,395 destination charge. The Reserve grade remains the middle grade and starts at $60,400 with destination, while the top Black Label grade starts at $82,120.
In addition, there are further updates expected for the Aviator, although the timing is uncertain. Earlier this year, an Aviator with a camouflaged front end was spied testing, hinting at a possible styling refresh. This new design could potentially draw inspiration from the Lincoln Star concept unveiled in 2022.
Notably, electric versions of both the Aviator and the related Ford Explorer are also in development. They will utilize a dedicated EV platform that Ford announced in 2021 and are anticipated to be available around 2025.
Currently, Lincoln does not offer any EVs, but the company has plans to have four in its lineup by 2026. However, this plan has encountered resistance from Lincoln’s dealerships, as many of them have reportedly opted out of a certification plan to sell EVs.
The decision to exclude the Grand Touring plug-in hybrid grade from the 2024 Aviator model year comes alongside other changes to the pricing and naming of the various grades. Despite the absence of the Grand Touring grade, Lincoln enthusiasts can look forward to updated styling and the potential release of electric versions of the Aviator and Ford Explorer in the near future. Additionally, as the automotive industry continues to shift toward electrification, it will be interesting to observe how Lincoln’s dealerships and customers respond to the brand’s evolving commitment to electric vehicles.
