Everything costs more these days, and new vehicles are no exception. Yet the Lincoln Aviator has largely held the line, continuing to offer a blend of power, space, and impressive features without steep price increases over the years.
That value proposition becomes especially clear when you compare the current Aviator with the Genesis GV80, one of its closest rivals. Despite packing a twin-turbocharged V6, Lincoln’s three-row midsize SUV starts below a four-cylinder Genesis GV80, giving buyers far more horsepower for their money.
Why The Aviator Looks Like A Steal
2026 Lincoln Aviator Front Angle ViewLincoln
The Lincoln Aviator debuted for the 2020 model year and received a refresh for the 2025 model year. It serves as the upscale counterpart to the Ford Explorer and, for 2026, starts at $56,910. Under the hood sits a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 paired to a 10-speed automatic, and unlike many rivals, it’s standard across the lineup. When the current-generation Aviator debuted in 2020, the engine delivered 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. Output has only recently slipped to 383 hp for 2026, a change tied to revised certification procedures rather than any significant mechanical downgrade. Remarkably, the value advantage remains intact even after the Aviator’s horsepower drop.
The Genesis GV80 has been around since 2021 and received its own refresh for 2025. For 2026, it starts at $57,700, and Genesis has already confirmed a $58,850 price for 2027. At that entry point, buyers get only a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four rated at 300 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with an eight-speed automatic. Stepping up to the available twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 pushes the price to a substantial $75,950, yet even then the Genesis trails the Lincoln’s output with just 375 hp on tap. Lincoln no longer offers an upgraded powertrain for the Aviator, though buyers could choose a 494-hp plug-in hybrid option when the SUV launched. That option disappeared after 2023 due to limited demand.
2021 Genesis GV80 Front 3/4 ViewGenesis
The Aviator’s value story extends beyond horsepower, though. Third-row seating comes standard on Lincoln’s SUV, though in base Premiere trim you only get six seats with second-row captain’s chairs. Seven seats require upgrading to the Aviator Reserve, which starts at $66,730. Still, GV80 buyers must move up to the Advanced trim, which starts at $68,600, to gain access to a third row, in this case with seven seats. GV80 buyers wanting a six-seat configuration will need to pay even more. That alone makes the Lincoln look like a bargain. Rear-wheel drive is standard on both SUVs, with all-wheel drive available for an additional $2,500 on the Aviator and $2,150 on the GV80.
Aviator’s Bargain Status Isn’t Just About The Powertrain
2026 Lincoln Aviator DashboardLincoln
Dimensions Comparison
2026 Lincoln Aviator
2026 Genesis GV80
Length/Width/Height
199.7 | 79.6 | 69.6 inches
194.5 | 77.8 | 67.5 inches
Wheelbase
199.1 inches
116.3 inches
Ground Clearance
8.1 inches
Maximum Cargo Space
75.9 cubic feet
71.7 cubic feet
Space Behind Third Row
16.5 cubic feet
11.6 cubic feet
The Aviator’s price advantage would mean little if Lincoln skimped on equipment, but that’s not the case. Even the entry-level Aviator Premier model comes loaded with a 13.2-inch infotainment screen atop the center stack, plus a 12.4-inch digital gauge cluster. Also among the standard features are 20-inch wheels, adaptive suspension, a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless phone charger, a powered tailgate, and a panoramic sunroof. You also get a surround-view camera and Ford’s BlueCruise hands-free driver-assist feature for highways.
2025 Genesis GV80 SUV Interior Premium BlackGenesis
Genesis counters with a strong list of standard luxury features, though it misses out on some key ones. The base GV80 offers most of the Aviator’s standard features, though it misses out on a surround-view camera and hands-free driver-assist. The GV80 features adaptive cruise control with active lane centering, but you still have to have your hands on the wheel at all times. And instead of two standalone displays for the digital gauge cluster and infotainment system, the GV80 integrates them within a massive 27-inch display. The standard wheels also only measure 19 inches. One area where the GV80 excels is its standard material quality, though the Aviator doesn’t fall that far behind.
Size-wise, the Aviator is slightly larger, resulting in more usable space. The Aviator was also designed from the outset as a three-row SUV, which pays dividends in the rearmost seats. Adults won’t want to spend too long back there, but the Lincoln offers more usable third-row accommodations than the GV80. Cargo capacity tells a similar story. With all seats in place, the Aviator leaves more room for luggage, strollers, or airport runs, making it the more practical choice for larger families.
Both automakers offer plenty of ways to push transaction prices well beyond their starting figures. Lincoln buyers can add a panoramic Vista Roof, upgraded Revel audio systems, massaging front seats, and Black Label luxury treatments. Genesis answers with Nappa leather upholstery, a Bang & Olufsen audio system, electronically controlled suspension, and rear-seat comfort upgrades.
Driving Impressions: Aviator vs. GV80
2025 Lincoln Aviator rear three-quarters angle in white while drivingLincoln
Performance Comparison
2026 Lincoln Aviator
2026 Genesis GV80 Four-Cylinder
0-60
5.6 seconds (estimate)
6.1 seconds (estimate)
Top Speed
140 mph (estimate)
145 mph (estimate)
Towing Capacity
5,000 pounds
6,000 pounds
EPA Fuel Economy
Up to 18 mpg city | 25 highway | 21 combined
Up to 20 mpg city | 26 highway | 22 combined
On the road, the Aviator leans heavily into traditional American luxury. Its twin-turbocharged V6 delivers strong acceleration, while the suspension prioritizes comfort over corner-carving prowess. In our first drive review of the original 2020 model, we praised the Aviator’s smooth ride and relaxed demeanor, with Lincoln doing an excellent job isolating occupants from rough pavement and highway noise. The one notable drawback is that the V6, while powerful, isn’t quite as silky as some rivals’ six-cylinder engines and can even feel coarse in comparison.
2025 Genesis GV80 SUV ExteriorGenesis
The GV80 takes a similar approach. In our review of the 2025 refreshed model, we found the GV80 to be a luxury-first SUV with responsive handling and performance that are not sporty. Its cabin remains exceptionally quiet at speed, with the powertrains barely registering any activity, and the ride quality is supple, with even hours behind the wheel leaving you far from weary.
When compared directly to the Aviator, the Genesis feels more polished and refined from behind the wheel, whether we’re talking about the standard turbo-four or the available twin-turbo V6. The tradeoff is that the Genesis never feels quite as effortless as the Aviator during hard acceleration, especially with the four-cylinder engine. However, it does have a higher towing capacity.
Luxury Buyers Keep Looking Past The Aviator
2026 Lincoln Aviator Side ViewLincoln
Genesis may be a relative newcomer to the luxury market, but it has quickly established itself as a credible alternative to the Germans. Much of that success stems from the brand’s decision to create dedicated luxury vehicles rather than simply dressing up mainstream Hyundai or Kia products. The GV80, in particular, has won over buyers with its handsome styling, richly appointed cabin, and focus on refinement.
The formula has proven effective. After trailing the Aviator in 2021 and 2022, the GV80 pulled ahead in 2023 and has maintained a narrow sales lead ever since, reaching 25,646 deliveries in 2025 compared with the Aviator’s 24,373. The numbers are even more skewed in the GV80’s favor when you include figures for the GV80 Coupe, which launched for the 2025 model year.
2025 Genesis GV80 Coupe Side profileGenesis
The figures make the Aviator’s value proposition all the more surprising. Despite offering a standard twin-turbocharged V6, standard third-row seating, and a lower starting price, Lincoln’s midsize SUV often gets overlooked by shoppers who gravitate toward vehicles like the BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE, and, increasingly, the GV80. Yet the sales figures suggest the Aviator remains very much in the conversation, even without the same level of buzz.
A Forgotten Luxury SUV Bargain
2026 Lincoln Aviator Front ViewLincoln
The Genesis GV80 has earned its popularity for its handsome styling, richly finished cabin, and impressive refinement. Yet the Aviator makes a strong case for itself. For buyers willing to accept some compromises, like a little less refinement and an engine that isn’t the smoothest, Lincoln’s three-row SUV may be one of the luxury segment’s best-kept secrets, delivering more power and practicality than many of its higher-profile rivals for less money. In a market where value is increasingly rare, the Lincoln stands out for all the right reasons.
Sources: Lincoln, Genesis
