Open Letter to Lincoln - How I'd Improve the Aviator

[Wolfepack88]

What does bone chilling mean?




Hahahahaha. Couldnt help myself. I see your point now.

Well for the young generation, below 32. Nothing better than getting in the car when its preconditioned and the seats and steering wheel are warm. Love it. Bone chilling for me is 20 or below.

 

[Pioneer4x4]

Bingo, hybrid is the way, PHEV is a joke and the average consumer cannot afford to put a 240v in their house. Too many additional costs nobody thinks about, such as homeowners insurance as the rise in fires from fast charging is now an underwriting consideration. Range anxiety is eliminated and people can still feel they are helping out the environment even though that is a total sham. Toyota had it right, hybrid!

PHEV only needs a 110 outlet, normal 15 amp. And it is far more powerful, AND efficient than a normal Hybrid. The electric motor is powerful enough to drive on, and therefore it can regen more powerfully, and the battery is MUCH larger so it can sore a lot more of the regen energy. You can't fast charge PHEVs, their 220v rates are less than a dryer.
Plus 494hp, 630tq, is NO JOKE.

 

[EcoBrick Bob]

One needs that extra HP & Torque to move that nearly 1,000 lb extra battery weight. I'm waiting for a solid state battery vehicle that can't catch fire!

Since E-15 88 octane was $2.76.9 yesterday and E-85 was $2.23 it's actually cheaper to run gas vehicles here in IA considering our .19 KW rates and the extra cost of PHEV or EV. I run E-85 in my C7 Vette which has an E-85 kit and is tune for it. While mileage suffers, it is cheaper than 91 non-ethanol at $3.71 and the extra power is Whoopeee!

Since most high priced SUV and EV owner/drivers are older, I vote for more buttons and knobs for HVAC and Entertainment systems. Having to go to the touch screen in high traffic environments is confusing, frustrating and frankly dangerous. There is no continuity between manufacturers, let alone between different offerings from the same one. Acura gets it. They offer both.

My wife's biggest complaint is that she has to turn on the Cruise Control every time she starts the car. Why not allow it to be on all the time like GM vehicles. Driving should be simple not a 10 or 20 step process everytime you re-start.

There is a simple $1,500. fix to the exhaust note. It's called a Borla Exhaust! Only hear it on startup and under hard acceleration... Purrrfect!

 

[Wolfepack88]

PHEV only needs a 110 outlet, normal 15 amp. And it is far more powerful, AND efficient than a normal Hybrid. The electric motor is powerful enough to drive on, and therefore it can regen more powerfully, and the battery is MUCH larger so it can sore a lot more of the regen energy. You can't fast charge PHEVs, their 220v rates are less than a dryer.
Plus 494hp, 630tq, is NO JOKE.

Yeah but my aviator takes all night just to charge a 23 mile range on my 110. So forget 110 for any real range hybrid. Yeah my vehicle is powerful but its just numbers when you are normally driving and even highway driving. The extra power is crazy but you are not lining up for a drag race every day.

______________________________

Help support this site so it can continue supporting you!

 

[EcoBrick Bob]

What kind of gas mileage does one get with a PHEV on a long trip when the electric energy is used up? I got 23.4 mpg driving 5-10 mph over the speed limit coming back from FL to Iowa in our Aviator Reserve. And... my fuel purchases pay taxes to pay for roads. Those costs will eventually be passed on to EV buyers with extra fees, and possibly to all of us indirectly who don't buy them.

I'm not against EVs, PHEVs or Hybrids. But, when you figure the cost differentual for a like kind model in today's market, One has to do lots of driving short distances to benefit. I do worry about fires in Coastal FLA because salt spray and salty air is everywhere. Rain makes saltwater road baths and any leak around an EV battery ,especially if vehicle has been in a wreck, can cause runaway cell fires. Flooded vehicles are even more prone. Naples area had quite a few vehicle fires after IAN. Very hard to put out. Just ask the North Naples Fire District.

Talked with a 3 yr RIVIAN pickup owner this weekend. He drives 2K a month, within a 150 mile radius and charges his EV nightly with 220V. Says in non extreme temps, he regularly gets 300 or more miles to a charge. Not much mileage loss above 20 deg F. However, on one trip that happened with temps below 0 and a big headwind, he almost didn't make it home on a 120 mile round trip! He does have a gas powered vehicle for long trips.
Also, his home is in a very low KW rate city utility of around 10 cents a KW.

So... until solid state batteries are the norm and costs come down substantially, I don't want to see mass migration of the Aviator to a partial or complete battery power.

 

[Pioneer4x4]

Yeah but my aviator takes all night just to charge a 23 mile range on my 110. So forget 110 for any real range hybrid. Yeah my vehicle is powerful but its just numbers when you are normally driving and even highway driving. The extra power is crazy but you are not lining up for a drag race every day.

Hybrids don't plug in at all. Do you maybe mean full EVs? I traded my Aviator on a KIA EV6 GT Line full EV. Partly because we don't need the 3 row anymore for a couple reasons, partly because my wife loves my daughter's EV6, partly because we both like driving EVs.
The Aviator GT is awesome for its size and capabilities locally as EV, and also awesome on longer trips and towing (I've done all of that)
But I already traded my 2019 Volvo S90 T8 Inscription (PHEV) on a Polestar 2 EV. So now we have 2 EVs, and we love it. I never go to a gas station, never have any scheduled maintenance, more performance than my old 392 HEMI Challenger, and I love it. I'm a car guy, not a tree hugger. I like EV for the experience, power, convenience. I still want a Corvette as a weekend toy, or another SLK, but nothing about EVs bother me now.
And yes, I took my Aviator to the drag strip, mainly because I was curious. But I won't buy a slow car, ever. I love driving and would actually pay more for the privilege of it. And all night to charge is just fine. 20 miles for basically $1 can't be beat, plus that whole system is there helping once the battery is low.
Anyway, I loved it while I had it, very premium vehicle. I will miss it. But I love what we have now even more.

 

[Wolfepack88]

Hybrids don't plug in at all. Do you maybe mean full EVs? I traded my Aviator on a KIA EV6 GT Line full EV. Partly because we don't need the 3 row anymore for a couple reasons, partly because my wife loves my daughter's EV6, partly because we both like driving EVs.
The Aviator GT is awesome for its size and capabilities locally as EV, and also awesome on longer trips and towing (I've done all of that)
But I already traded my 2019 Volvo S90 T8 Inscription (PHEV) on a Polestar 2 EV. So now we have 2 EVs, and we love it. I never go to a gas station, never have any scheduled maintenance, more performance than my old 392 HEMI Challenger, and I love it. I'm a car guy, not a tree hugger. I like EV for the experience, power, convenience. I still want a Corvette as a weekend toy, or another SLK, but nothing about EVs bother me now.
And yes, I took my Aviator to the drag strip, mainly because I was curious. But I won't buy a slow car, ever. I love driving and would actually pay more for the privilege of it. And all night to charge is just fine. 20 miles for basically $1 can't be beat, plus that whole system is there helping once the battery is low.
Anyway, I loved it while I had it, very premium vehicle. I will miss it. But I love what we have now even more.

Yes the Aviator Grand Touring is a PHEV i.e. plug in hybrid. I say scrap that and just have a non plug in hybrid like many other vehicles. Eliminates a bunch of hassles that the plug in current has, limited range, long charge time, extra weight, safety issues with battery charging, cost of installing a 240 so you can actually charge it in a fast time.

 

[EcoBrick Bob]

If you want to see what the american car manufacturers are up against in EV development, read the latest issue of the blog "Driving". To paraphrase the article, a recent Chinese EV offering that sells for around $12,000. in China was brought to US and dis-assembled by GM technicians. Extremely well built, which left the technicians realizing how far behind we are in EV designs. and availability of cheap materials.

So... what we need as far as future Lincolns, and all other US made vehicles is more innovation, less subsidies, and control of the minerals that are required to cut the cost of EV batteries. We have way to many environmental restrictions on mining, especially on federal lands, where the minerals and rare earths exist in quantity, but are not cheaply available or in many instances not accessable period.

______________________________

Help support this site so it can continue supporting you!

 

[Wolfepack88]

Yes, our country is and has been in big trouble for some time. When we don't make "stuff" here anymore that is the end of our prosperity because a country without a solid strong middle class will deteriorate fast. Ross Perot outlined all of these things along with not addressing entitlements back in 1991-92 and nobody wanted to listen. Our standard of living has to equalize with other developed and developing nations. Are we really ready for that even mentally, no way and people will complain but it is of our own greedy doing. Corporate America along with the politicians sold us out. NAFTA was the start, WTO and most favored status for China was the beginning of the end. Our products don't have an equal playing field in China and never will until we take a stand. Lastly, the large unions didn't help either as quality of our products suffered as the union workers became fat and happy. The dead wood just like in teachers unions was never weeded out but rather allowed to grow and fester. Perfect storm killed the middle class.

 

[bell2802]

I have a 2022 aviator. I am not impressed with the ride. i believe the 20" tires with a 36psig pressure recommendation might play a role with the stiff ride. I had a 2014 explorer as a company car that rode much better. I want a better ride...

 

[peterk9]

I have a 2022 aviator. I am not impressed with the ride. i believe the 20" tires with a 36psig pressure recommendation might play a role with the stiff ride. I had a 2014 explorer as a company car that rode much better. I want a better ride...

Welcome to the Forum.
Are you sure 36 psi is correct? Have you checked that door label? Both my previous 2020 and current 2023 Aviator call for 32 psi in the front and 38 in the rear tires. My 2017 Explorer also had the 20" tires and I don't see much if any difference in the ride.

Peter

 

[EcoBrick Bob]

My 2023 Aviator Reserve with the adaptive suspension rides noticeably better than the 2020 Explorer ST that was running the same Michelin summer tires. I had no complaints with the Explorer ride, but the Aviator is both smoother riding and much quieter overall. Tire pressures and proper alignment both affect the ride and handling. Son in law has a 2024 Acura MDX with 20" Bridgestone Alenzas and says it wanders all over the road. He blaimed the tires. While one may be defective, I suggested he make sure the alignment is correct first, before he goes further. I had a similar issue with our Aviator. While the original 22" Goodyear Eagle Comfort tires were definitey crap, the alignment was also suspect, as when I had it re-aligned, it drove much better. The Michelin Pilot 4 SUV summer tires made it great. Handles like it's on rails!

______________________________

Help support this site so it can continue supporting you!

 

[Wolfepack88]

I will say my 2020 Aviator with Air Suspension rides smooth as silk on Michelins. I actually think the original stock Scorpions were even softer but they wore out a bit quicker. The air suspension makes this thing smooth as glass.

 

[MitchConnor]

Got a small list of stuff for Lincoln to consider:

1. Put an easy to find auto start stop on off switch in these cars. My wife's Edge ST has a button on the console. It's great. In an Aviator it's an idiotic two stage process to turn it off through the touch screen.

2. In cars equipped with the 360 cameras like mine -- you should be able to set the default camera view somewhere in the settings. I absolutely can not stand the tiny rear view and am constantly waiting for all the electronics to wake up before I can change the view from 360/rear to full rear. I can't even change the default with Forscan.

3. The model names and equipment levels are poorly delineated. Even the dealers don't know the differences between the Premier, Reserve, and Black Label. And a big reason why the GT was killed off was you couldn't casually identify one. There aren't even model designation badges on these things -- and no clear indication what models have the big engine, air suspension, etc. so finding an Aviator with what you want is a real pain -- especially if you don't want to blow $15,000 on a bunch of crap you don't need.

 

[peterk9]

Mitch, regarding point #3. All Aviator models have the twin-turbo 3.0L engine. Although the reason for the Lincoiln's discontinuation of the hybrid was not clear, the reason for Explorer hybrid was because of the high demand for the PIU hybrid along with other Ford models so that could be the same reason Lincoln used. It had nothing to do with the inability to identify one.
When shopping for a vehicle, I feel the onus is upon the buyer to do their homework on the features of the different trim levels. Dealers sometimes sell many different brands/models so it is understandable that they may not know every vehicle feature. My own salesman has repeatedly mentioned that I know more about the different vehicles/trims than he does.

Peter

 

[moose66]

If we are going to ask, why not ask for the moon/stars. How about recording ability from the front and rear cameras? Or include a mirror mounted integrated dashcam option. I believe Lexus has this on the TX.

______________________________

Help support this site so it can continue supporting you!

 

[EcoBrick Bob]

MItch,
Where is the start/stop button in the touch screen??? My 2023 Aviator Reserve has it on the top of the dash. This is in the same general area as my 2020 Explorer ST. I recently spent hours looking for it on the touch screen..... Wife made me come in and go to bed. Never found it! Maybe tomorrow.

The window sticker shows the model, whether it's AWD, and all options. As for determining what series the Aviator is on a used vehicle, hopefully the selling store will get that information and provide it to any interested party. As for those attempting to determine what model they see in the local grocery store parking lot, I think that there are very few automobiles that have specific model identifications, to deliniate between levels of models. Explorer does, but none of my current vehicles do.

Also... Who, but you really cares.... Wait... sometimes I do!!!

 

[MitchConnor]

Mitch, regarding point #3. All Aviator models have the twin-turbo 3.0L engine. Although the reason for the Lincoiln's discontinuation of the hybrid was not clear, the reason for Explorer hybrid was because of the high demand for the PIU hybrid along with other Ford models so that could be the same reason Lincoln used. It had nothing to do with the inability to identify one.
When shopping for a vehicle, I feel the onus is upon the buyer to do their homework on the features of the different trim levels. Dealers sometimes sell many different brands/models so it is understandable that they may not know every vehicle feature. My own salesman has repeatedly mentioned that I know more about the different vehicles/trims than he does.

Peter

Nope. Most vehicle trim levels are very clearly delineated. The trim levels in Aviators are a complete mess.

I’ve bought plenty of cars in my time and frequently asked by friends and neighbors to help negotiate purchases on their behalf. I know what I’m doing.

MItch,
Where is the start/stop button in the touch screen??? My 2023 Aviator Reserve has it on the top of the dash. This is in the same general area as my 2020 Explorer ST. I recently spent hours looking for it on the touch screen..... Wife made me come in and go to bed. Never found it! Maybe tomorrow.

The window sticker shows the model, whether it's AWD, and all options. As for determining what series the Aviator is on a used vehicle, hopefully the selling store will get that information and provide it to any interested party. As for those attempting to determine what model they see in the local grocery store parking lot, I think that there are very few automobiles that have specific model identifications, to deliniate between levels of models. Explorer does, but none of my current vehicles do.

Also... Who, but you really cares.... Wait... sometimes I do!!!

I’m referring to the auto start stop that turns the engine off at traffic lights. On every other car I’ve had with it there’s an easy to find button that shuts it off. In thr Aviator you either go through a two step process on the touch screen or push a button below the touch screen. It’s as if Microsoft designed thst dooey process.

 

[peterk9]

Nope. Most vehicle trim levels are very clearly delineated. The trim levels in Aviators are a complete mess.

I’ve bought plenty of cars in my time and frequently asked by friends and neighbors to help negotiate purchases on their behalf. I know what I’m doing.

I didn't notice any difference in shopping for an Aviator than I did when I looked for an Explorer. The Order Guide in my opinion is quite clear on what you can get on which trims as is the "Build & Price" feature. Although I'd like to see some flexibility in the options, they are clearly spelled out. I just don't see the problem.

Peter

 

[Wolfepack88]

If we are going to ask, why not ask for the moon/stars. How about recording ability from the front and rear cameras? Or include a mirror mounted integrated dashcam option. I believe Lexus has this on the TX.

This 100%. Today with all the scammers out there and road rage issues, having a camera option should be 100% offered with either a cloud or local flash drive for storage.