2027 Lincoln Aviator vs Lincoln Navigator: We Compared the Data

By the CarWhere Vehicle Data Team · Updated November 8, 2026 · how we score

Our pick: the Aviator — it leads our weighted scorecard 3–1.5 across 4 categories, winning on better 5-year value retention (41.5% vs 34.7%) and better fuel economy (20 mpg vs 18 mpg best EPA combined). Choose the Navigator if you want the most power (440 hp vs 400 hp).

Scorecard: Aviator 3 pts · Navigator 1.5 pts across 4 scored categories.

The scorecard

Aviator vs Navigator scorecard: each category, both values and the category winner
Category (weight)2027 Aviator2027 NavigatorWinner
Starting MSRP (2)—$102,995No data
5-year value retained (1.5)41.5%34.7%Aviator
Best EPA combined (1.5)20 mpg18 mpgAviator
Most horsepower available (1)400 hp440 hpNavigator
Max towing (1)—8,700 lbNo data
Standard seats (1)—7No data
Recalls, 2023–2025 model years (0.5)2615Navigator
Weighted points31.5Aviator

Which one we'd buy, and for whom

  • Commuter. Commuters: the Aviator — 20 mpg vs 18 mpg (best EPA combined).
  • Resale. Resale-minded buyers: the Aviator — 41.5% vs 34.7% (5-year value retained).

Price: sticker and what buyers paid

A current starting MSRP isn't on file for both models.

Reliability: NHTSA complaints and recalls

  • Aviator: a complaint rate per 1,000 sold isn't available yet.
  • Navigator: a complaint rate per 1,000 sold isn't available yet.
  • Recall campaigns touching the 2023–2025 model years: Aviator 26, Navigator 15.

Complaint rates are owner complaints filed with NHTSA divided by vehicles sold — a federal-data signal, not a survey score.

Specs side by side

Aviator vs Navigator specifications
2027 Aviator2027 Navigator
Starting MSRP (base trim)—$102,995
Horsepower400 hp440 hp
Max torque415 lb-ft510 lb-ft
EPA combined20 mpg17–18 mpg
Max towing—8,700 lb
Seats (standard / max)— / 77 / 8

Automaker-published figures; EPA ratings from fueleconomy.gov. "—" = not published.

Resale: 5-year value retained

A 5-year-old (2021) Aviator lists for a median $29,857 — 41.5% of today's median new price of $71,998. A 5-year-old (2021) Navigator lists for a median $37,995 — 34.7% of today's median new price of $109,621.

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More on the Lincoln Aviator

Related head-to-heads

FAQ

Is the Aviator better than the Navigator?

On our data, yes. Our pick: the Aviator — it leads our weighted scorecard 3–1.5 across 4 categories, winning on better 5-year value retention (41.5% vs 34.7%) and better fuel economy (20 mpg vs 18 mpg best EPA combined). Choose the Navigator if you want the most power (440 hp vs 400 hp).

Which is more reliable, the Aviator or the Navigator?

We only rank reliability by NHTSA complaints per 1,000 vehicles sold, and that rate isn't available for both models yet. NHTSA lists 26 recall campaigns touching the 2023–2025 Aviator and 15 for the Navigator.

Which holds its value better, the Aviator or the Navigator?

The Aviator: a 5-year-old example lists for 41.5% of the new price, versus 34.7% for the Navigator, based on median used asking prices against today's median new price.

Which is cheaper, the Aviator or the Navigator?

We don't have a current starting MSRP for both models.

Which has better gas mileage, the Aviator or the Navigator?

The Aviator: up to 20 mpg combined vs 18 mpg for the Navigator (best EPA rating across each lineup).

How we score

Each category compares one published number per model and counts only when both models have it. The winner earns the category weight; results inside the tie band earn nothing. Our pick has more weighted points; level points fall back to more category wins, then the reliability winner, then the price winner.

  • Starting MSRP: lower wins; tie within 3%.
  • NHTSA complaints per 1,000 sold: lower wins; tie within 15%.
  • 5-year value retained: higher wins; tie within 2 points.
  • Best EPA combined: higher wins; tie within 1 mpg (3 MPGe).
  • Most horsepower available: higher wins; tie within 5%.
  • Max towing: higher wins; tie within 5%.
  • Cargo behind rear seats: higher wins; tie within 5%.
  • Standard seats: higher wins; tie same count.
  • Median discount verified buyers got: higher wins; tie within 0.5 points.
  • Recalls, 2023–2025 model years: lower wins; tie within 1.

Towing weighs 2 for pickups and 1 otherwise; seating is only scored between SUVs and minivans, using standard (never optional) seats. Sources: automaker spec pages and order guides; EPA ratings (fueleconomy.gov); NHTSA owner complaints and recall campaigns against published US sales; median used asking prices across active US dealer listings from licensed vehicle-data providers; verified buyer-submitted deal sheets for discounts.

Cite this page: CarWhere, "2027 Lincoln Aviator vs Lincoln Navigator: We Compared the Data," carwhere.com/compare-cars/lincoln-aviator-vs-lincoln-navigator, updated November 8, 2026.