Comparing the New Lincoln Aviator vs. the Lincoln Navigator

The Nautilus and Aviator: Lincoln Luxury within the SUV World

Shopping for a Lincoln SUV for sale near Conway, SC, or anywhere along the Grand Strand? The 2026 Lincoln Aviator and 2026 Lincoln Navigator are both outstanding luxury SUVs, but they serve different buyers. The Aviator delivers agile midsize handling and strong everyday value. At the same time, the Navigator is Lincoln's full-size flagship, built for maximum interior space, serious towing capability, and the brand's most lavish standard amenities. Browse our full Lincoln model showroom to see how the Aviator and Navigator fit alongside the rest of the 2026 lineup.

Meet Both Lincoln Models

Aviator: Three-row midsize luxury SUV powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 producing 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Seats up to seven, with rear-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive available.

Navigator: Full-size flagship SUV powered by a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 producing 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, also paired with a 10-speed automatic. Four-wheel drive is standard across every trim, and the Navigator is available in both standard and extended-length Navigator L body styles for buyers who want even more cargo and third-row room.

Performance & Capability

The Aviator offers better fuel economy and a quicker, more nimble feel around town, with an EPA-estimated 21 mpg combined on rear-wheel-drive models. The Navigator trades some efficiency for raw capability, returning an EPA-estimated 18 mpg combined while delivering more horsepower, more torque, and significantly more towing capacity. Properly equipped, the Aviator can tow up to 5,000 pounds, while the Navigator and Navigator L are rated to tow as much as 8,700 pounds, making the Navigator the clear choice for buyers who regularly tow boats, trailers, or campers along the coast.

Space & Seating

The Navigator provides substantially more passenger and cargo room than the Aviator, offering up to 107 cubic feet of total cargo capacity in the standard-wheelbase model, and as much as 121.6 cubic feet in the extended Navigator L. The Aviator is easier to maneuver in tighter spaces, including parking lots and downtown Myrtle Beach streets, while still comfortably seating up to seven passengers across three rows. Families who need the extra third-row legroom or maximum cargo space for road trips will lean toward the Navigator L, while drivers who want three-row versatility without the larger footprint will appreciate the Aviator's easier daily livability.

Technology

Both models include Lincoln's Google-built-in infotainment system, Lincoln BlueCruise hands-free highway driving, and wireless smartphone integration. The Navigator distinguishes itself with a 48-inch panoramic display that spans the dashboard, giving front passengers a fully digital, edge-to-edge view of navigation, media, and vehicle information. The Aviator counters with a standard head-up display across every trim, projecting key driving information directly onto the windshield. For 2026, BlueCruise has also been upgraded to version 1.5 on the Aviator, adding automatic lane-change capability for a more hands-free highway experience. Buyers who want to see both systems in person can schedule a test driveat Beach Lincoln.

Safety

Both the Aviator and Navigator come standard with Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Drive 2.0, a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance features that includes Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Information System, Lane-Keeping Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control. The Navigator builds further on this foundation with a standard 360-degree surround-view camera system and Reverse Brake Assist across every trim, while the Aviator offers many of these same technologies as part of its available Co-Pilot360 packages. Whichever model you choose, it delivers some of the most advanced safety technology in its respective SUV segments.

Pricing

The 2026 Aviator starts at approximately $56,910 for the Premiere trim, with pricing climbing to roughly $85,910 for the fully loaded Black Label trim. The 2026 Navigator starts noticeably higher, at approximately $91,995 for the Premiere trim, reflecting its full-size flagship positioning, with Black Label trims reaching approximately $119,525 (or $122,525 for the extended Navigator L Black Label). If budget flexibility is a priority, the Aviator delivers true three-row luxury at a meaningfully lower entry price. You can use our Build & Price tool to configure either model and see real-time pricing, or value your trade to see how much it could offset your purchase.

Which is Right For You?

Choose the Aviator for daily driving, easier maneuverability, and excellent value without sacrificing three-row versatility or luxury feel. Choose the Navigator for maximum towing capacity, the most interior space available in the Lincoln lineup, and the brand's most flagship-level luxury experience, especially if you regularly travel with a full house of passengers or tow heavier loads.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between the Aviator and Navigator?

The Aviator is a midsize three-row SUV built around agility, efficiency, and value, while the Navigator is a full-size flagship SUV offering significantly greater towing capacity, cargo room, and top-tier luxury appointments. The Aviator produces 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque from its 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, while the Navigator steps up to 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque from a larger 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6.

Does Beach Lincoln offer certified pre-owned Aviator or Navigator models?

Yes, certified pre-owned Aviator and Navigator models are regularly available at Beach Lincoln. CPO vehicles undergo a multi-point inspection and come backed by an extended Lincoln warranty for added peace of mind. You can browse our current certified pre-owned inventory here.

How often do these models need oil changes?

Both the Aviator and Navigator use our brand's Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor, which tracks your specific driving conditions and habits to determine the ideal service interval rather than relying on a fixed mileage number. This means your actual service schedule may vary based on how and where you drive.

Does Beach Lincoln use genuine OEM parts?

Yes, Beach Lincoln uses genuine Lincoln OEM parts for all service and repair work on both the Aviator and Navigator, ensuring proper fit, performance, and warranty compliance. Current parts and service specials, including tire rebates and brake inspections, can be viewed on our offers page.

What areas does Beach Lincoln serve? 

Beach Lincoln proudly serves Myrtle Beach, Conway, Columbia, Carolina Forest, and the surrounding area. Local shoppers can also explore our Lincoln dealer page for Carolina Forest, SC, for additional dealership details.

Is the Lincoln Black Label trim available on both models?

Yes. Black Label is the top trim on both the Aviator and Navigator, adding curated interior design themes, exclusive owner benefits, and the most premium materials available in the Lincoln lineup. You can explore the current Lincoln Black Label inventory or learn more about the Lincoln Black Label experience on our website.

Explore Inventory at Beach Lincoln and Compare Further

Ready to see these SUVs in person? Check out our current Lincoln Aviator inventory for sale or our Lincoln Navigator inventory in Myrtle Beach. If you'd like to see how the Aviator stacks up against other competitors, take a look at our Aviator vs. Ford comparison, or explore our dedicated 2026 Navigator comparison page for an even deeper look. When you're ready, you can also schedule a test drive or get a personalized price quote from our team at Beach Linco