If you’ve been waiting for the “just right” moment to upgrade into a three-row luxury SUV, the 2026 Lincoln Aviator is it. Lincoln took the big refresh it gave the Aviator recently and layered on more tech, smarter driver-assist features, and refined styling touches—all while keeping the smooth, twin-turbo V6 power that drivers love.
For Bakersfield families and professionals who split time between city streets, Highway 99, and longer trips to the coast or Los Angeles, the 2026 Aviator delivers that ideal mix of comfort, quiet, and confidence. And you can explore it all right here at Jim Burke Lincoln in Bakersfield.
A Sharper, More Modern Look
Lincoln didn’t start from scratch for 2026, but it did make the Aviator look even more upscale. Recent styling updates include a sleeker front grille and enhanced LED lighting that align the SUV with Lincoln’s latest design language, giving it a bolder, more polished presence in your driveway.
For an extra dose of curb appeal, the available Jet Appearance Package wraps the Aviator in a monochromatic exterior finish—think Infinite Black, Crystal White, Whisper Blue, Red Carpet, and more—paired with a unique grille and available high-gloss black 22-inch wheels.
Inside, the 2026 Aviator continues to offer seating for six or seven passengers in a high-end cabin with rich materials and a calm, quiet atmosphere. Fold-flat second and third rows unlock up to 77.7 cubic feet of cargo space, and the PowerFold third row makes it easy to switch from hauling kids to hauling weekend gear with the press of a button.
A Panoramic Vista Roof is now standard across the lineup, bringing more light into the cabin—perfect for bright Central Valley days and evening drives home from work.
Powerful, Smooth, and Now V6-Only
Under the hood, the 2026 Aviator sticks with what it does best: a standard 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 that produces around 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive comes standard, with all-wheel drive available if you want extra traction for mountain trips or wet winter days.
Previous model years offered a Grand Touring plug-in hybrid, but Lincoln has since discontinued that hybrid variant, and the 2026 U.S. lineup focuses on the refined gas V6. The payoff is simple: strong, effortless acceleration and a smooth, quiet drive that feels right at home cruising through Bakersfield or merging onto the freeway.
Ride comfort is a major highlight. The Aviator features standard adaptive suspension for a plush, composed feel, and available Air Glide Suspension (part of the Dynamic Handling Package) takes it a step further. This air suspension adjusts its ride height for different drive modes and can “kneel” as you approach, lowering the vehicle to make it easier for passengers to get in and out or to load the cargo area.
Tech That Feels a Step Ahead
Inside, the 2026 Aviator leans into Lincoln’s Digital Experience platform, giving you a modern interface that supports Google apps and services. You can use Google Assistant for hands-free help, get real-time navigation through Google Maps, and download additional apps via Google Play, all from the large central touchscreen.
Key tech highlights include:
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A 13.2-inch touchscreen with SYNC-based infotainment and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration
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A crisp 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster with customizable displays
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An available Revel Ultima 3D Audio System with up to 28 speakers for immersive sound throughout the cabin
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Phone As A Key, letting you unlock, start, and drive without even taking your phone out of your pocket once it’s set up in the Lincoln app
One of the biggest “what’s new” items is connectivity. For 2026, the Lincoln Connectivity Package includes a four-year complimentary subscription with an in-vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot, enabling streaming, gaming, and embedded apps for you and your passengers on longer drives.
Smarter Driver Assistance and Safety
The 2026 Aviator doubles down on advanced driver-assist technology. Lincoln Co-Pilot360 and Co-Pilot360 Drive 2.0 bundle features such as:
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BlueCruise hands-free highway driving
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Auto High-Beam Headlamps
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Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert
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Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking
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360-Degree Camera with Reverse Brake Assist
BlueCruise 1.5 is now standard on all 2026 Aviator models and gets a key upgrade for this model year: automatic lane-change capability. With BlueCruise active on compatible highways, the system can initiate lane changes to pass slower traffic while maintaining speed, helping your Aviator feel even more confident and effortless on long drives.
The Aviator also earns top marks in crash testing, with strong results from both the IIHS and NHTSA, reinforcing its role as a family-friendly luxury SUV that doesn’t compromise on safety.
Trims Tailored to Your Life
For 2026, you can choose from trims like Premiere, Reserve, and Black Label, each building on the Aviator’s core strengths.
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Premiere delivers a richly equipped starting point, with the twin-turbo V6, standard Panoramic Vista Roof, adaptive suspension, and a full suite of driver-assist technology.
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Reserve adds the Illumination Package (including an Illuminated Lincoln Star in the grille and Adaptive Pixel LED Headlamps), Dynamic Handling Package options, leather seating surfaces, ambient lighting, and additional comfort features.
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Black Label represents the highest expression of Lincoln design, with curated interior themes, elevated materials, and exclusive ownership perks for a true top-tier luxury experience.
Our team at Jim Burke Lincoln can walk you through each trim, help you compare features, and find the Aviator that fits your lifestyle and budget.
Explore the 2026 Lincoln Aviator at Jim Burke Lincoln
If you’re ready to see what’s new with the 2026 Lincoln Aviator in person, Jim Burke Lincoln is your local destination. Our Lincoln showroom is conveniently located in the Bakersfield Automall at 5300 Gasoline Alley Dr., and our staff is here to make every step—from test drive to financing to long-term service—as smooth as the Aviator’s ride.
Browse our current 2026 Aviator inventory online, value your trade, then stop by or contact us to schedule a test drive. Whether you’re upgrading your family hauler or treating yourself to a more refined daily drive around Bakersfield, the 2026 Lincoln Aviator at Jim Burke Lincoln is ready to impress.