Drew Dowdell

6 minutes ago, David said:

@Drew Dowdell Is there an AWD option? I see plenty of AWD Toyota Minivans at the pass. I would think this would do well with large families doing winter sports.

There is not 

We get it. The last time the minivan was popular was in the mid-90s, after they had successfully shoved the faithful family station wagon off the market.  But even then, the sands of time weren't staying still. Larger crossovers were starting to come out and eat into the minivan market.  By the early 2000s, manufacturers were looking for ways to revitalize the market, and in 2004, General Motors debuted their new U-Body vans as "Crossover Vans" to widespread ridicule.

Twenty years later, Kia is giving it another go with the Kia Carnival MPV. Last year's Carnival MPV still retained some of its minivan looks. For 2025, the Carnival is built with a distinctly SUV shape; you'd be hard-pressed to tell it was a minivan until you see the location of the rear door handles, and Kia gave the Carnival a bold, upright grille and near-flat roofing, mimicking that of an SUV.  This might be enough to convince shoppers that doesn't look like a minivan.

The Kia Carnival has been one of the most luxurious minivans on the market since the nameplate's North American release in 2021. For 2025, the Carnival's cabin has been reconfigured with a new operating system that can respond to voice commands. Most commonly used controls are accessible via a swipe of the screen, but physical controls for HVAC are still there.  Voice commands can open windows, change the cabin temperature, and even recognize if the voice is coming from the front or second row. The VIP Lounge Seat package can even recline into "relaxation mode" via voice command. An optional rear entertainment system has two 14.6-inch screens that can stream video or mirror from devices via HDMI and connect to Bluetooth headphones. There are seven USB-C ports scattered throughout the cabin, two standard power ports and two more 115V inverters guarentee every device stays powered up. The seat belt buckles light up to make them easier to find in the dark, and an available rear-view camera mirror allows for unobstructed rear vision.

Carnival gains a digital key that allows drivers to use their smartphone as their key, leaving their device in their pocket.  Drivers can share the key to others over text messaging. Keeping the family safe is a new feature called Highway Driving Assist 2, which first debuted on the Kia EV6, and keeps the vehicle a set distance from the vehicle in front on certain select highways.

Under the hood, the Carnival retains its 3.5 liter V6, though very slightly down in power from last year, at 287 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque paired with an 8-speed automatic.  New for 2025 is a hybrid powertrain available on all but the base trim. With a combined output of 242 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque, the system blends a 1.6-liter turbo 4-cylinder with a 54 kW electric motor through a 6-speed automatic transmission. Both powertrains drive solely the front wheels.

Hybrid models get additional upgrades to improve performance and fuel economy. In Eco/Smart mode, the hybrid system can be set to three different levels of deceleration control, with higher levels allowing greater battery regeneration. E-Handling and E-Ride improve handling, cornering, and smooth out the ride. E-Evasive Handling Assist helps to control the vehicle's movement during emergency steering.

The 2025 Kia Carnival will be available in five trims, LX, LXS, EX, SX, and SX Prestige, while Carnival HEV will be limited to LXS, EX, SX, and SX Prestige when it hits dealer showrooms this summer.

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Choice Hotels has announced a deal with Tesla to install chargers across its range of properties.  Participating brands Radisson, Quality Inn, Cambria, Comfort, Country Inn & Suite, and other Choice brands can add four or more Tesla Universal Wall Connectors for guests to use.  Guests are able to filter their hotel search to find properties offering charging inside the Choice Hotels app.  Customers who have one of Choice Hotels' branded credit cards will be eligible for points bonuses when used for charging at Choice Hotel locations.

The Tesla Universal Wall Connector is a 240-volt unit that uses a 48-amp circuit and can provide 11.5 kW of power. Its primary connector is the North American Charging Standard (NACS) format while a J1772 adapter is stored in the unit itself.  While not a fast charger, the availability of these units at a hotel solves the issue of charging while traveling.  For a Tesla Model-3, this charger can add up to 44 miles of range per hour. The Tesla Universal Wall Connector costs $595 per unit at the time of this writing and is natively compatible with virtually all new EVs on the road today.  Owners of the Nissan Leaf and other older EVs, however, are out of luck.

The Cambria brand of Choice Hotels has been aggressively expanding its EV charging availability, with 41% of properties already offering at least one charger and a goal of 100% by the end of 2024. The Choice Hotel footprint includes over 7,500 hotels in 46 countries.

Choice Hotels joins the Marriott and Hilton hotel chains' similar recent announcements of expanding EV charging access.

Our take: Charging while you sleep has always been one of the selling points of EVs, so charging while you sleep away from home makes perfect sense.

Cheers and Gears is reader-supported. If you purchase through the links provided, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Read More:

Hilton Adding EV Charging to Over 2,000 Hotels in North America
Marriott and EV Connect Partner to Install EV Chargers in North America

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17 hours ago, trinacriabob said:

It's always interesting to go back and listen to the version of a song prior to a reboot, as in what provided the inspiration for Donna Summer's "MacArthur Park."

 

I tend to go the other direction. I like when there are modern takes on older songs.  I recently stumbled onto this new version of Clocks, even more chill than the original.

15 hours ago, smk4565 said:

I did read that Ford is working on a low cost EV platform.  That is what they really need, because you need volume to make EV's work, and you can't get volume with $100,000+ products.

 

What about domestic built SUVs?  The BMW X7, Volvo XC90, Toyotas, Mercedes GLS are made in the USA, Stellantis makes SUVs in the USA.  But Toyota or Volvo would never put that kind of power in anything, and Mercedes is going to axial flux motors, and ditching the radial motors it seems, so that rules them out.

Yeah, but none of those companies are domestic-based, as the Magna release states.  The only other option could be Rivian, but I don't see them going that way either.

Ford is undoubtedly working on a lower-cost EV platform.  This is being farmed out to Magna because they don't want to commit resources to something so low volume as a Navigator EV.

15 hours ago, David said:

Reviewing Magna press release, I missed their CES press release of their all new 800V eDrive unit that can be used as a primary unit or as a secondary unit to any of their other 800V drive units.

At 250 kW / 5000 Nm which is 335 HP / 3688 lb-ft of torque this could make a very complimentary front AWD unit to this for Lincoln.

Magna Unveils Next Generation eDrive at CES 2024

Again, it is unlikely that Ford needs such a unit from Magna.  Manufacturers will only go out to Magna for this stuff when it is lower volume so they don't have to develop it themselves.

The already fast Porsche Taycan has received some significant updates for 2025. Already one of the fastest-charging electric vehicles on the road today, the 2025 Taycan improves charging times significantly. At 800v charging stations, the Taycan is capable of 320 kW charging, 50 kW more than the first generation.  Inside the high-speed charging range of 10% to 80% capacity, the Taycan can pull through that range in 18 minutes rather than the previous 37 minutes. (at 59 F ambient). Also, now standard is a 150 kW DC/DC converter to improve charge speeds even at 400v stations. We first saw this new converter in the 2024 Porsche Macan that splits the batteries into two packs for faster charging. All Porsche Taycan buyers get three years of complimentary 30-minute DC Fast Charging at Electrify America.

Porsche has increased the range, depending on the body style and powertrain selected, by up to 35% in the WLTP test. Now, reaching up to 364 miles in the European test, the Taycan lets you go further between charging stops.  For Taycan buyers who opt for the Performance Battery Plus, capacity has increased from 93 kW to 105 kW.  Additional efficiency changes to improve range include a new next-gen HVAC heat pump system, a new rear axle motor with 80 kW (107 horsepower) more than its predecessor, revised thermal management, and a stronger energy recuperation system. The maximum recuperation capacity during deceleration from high speeds has increased from 290 kW to 400 kW.  All versions of the Taycan come with new aerodynamically optimized wheels.

Porsche has increased performance across the entire range as well.  The rear-wheel drive Taycan sedan gets to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, 0.6 seconds quicker than last year.  At the other end of the spectrum, the Taycan Turbo S sedan can make it to 60 mph in just 2.3 seconds, down from 2.6 seconds before.  This top-line Taycan's output is 938 horsepower, the most powerful production Porsche ever.

Additions to the standard equipment list for this year include Lane Change Assist, a heated steering wheel, ambient lighting, electrically folding exterior mirrors, Porsche intelligent range manager, a new cabin cooling system, and a smartphone tray for wireless charging. Apple Carplay is now more deeply ingrained into the Taycan's functions, and Porsche is now supporting Apple Maps EV routing, which features estimated charging times and energy usage information.

Exterior styling has received subtle updates with new flatter headlights, new taillights, and new front fenders that emphasize the Taycan's width.

2025 Taycans are available for order now with delivery in the U.S. expected to start in the summer of 2024.

Pricing is below and does not include the $1,995 destination charge.

2025 Taycan: $99,400

2025 Taycan 4S: $118,500

2025 Taycan Turbo: $173,600

2025 Taycan Turbo S: $209,000

2025 Taycan 4 Cross Turismo: $111,100

2025 Taycan 4S Cross Turismo: $125,200

2025 Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo: $176,300

2025 Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo: $211,700

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1 minute ago, daves87rs said:

Some sort of heavy SUV……

Heavy. Luxury. SUV. Built by a domestic. And GM already has this tech.

Doesn't leave a lot of options.

56 minutes ago, smk4565 said:

But most AWD "SUVs" are operating 90-95% FWD and sending maybe 10% of torque to the rear wheels, a lot can't even send more than 50% power to the rear.  That AWD Kia Seltos is probably not any better in snow than a FWD Malibu with snow tires.   Different story if the AWD system can send 100% power front or rear and has diff lockers and things of that nature.  .

That stopped being true for most front-wheel drive based AWD vehicles 10 years ago. Most AWD systems now are dual-clutch or some variation on haldex.  Even my Encore could send 50% of the torque to the back and did so at every launch, it didn't wait for slip.  The 200C and the Envision are two more that I know of that have this.

1 hour ago, smk4565 said:

The problem with that is the Ioniq 6 is $15,000 more expensive than a Sonata.  Much like the EV6 is $15-20,000 more than the Sportage of the same size.   If their plan is to replace all the ICE cars with $40,000+ EV's, good luck with that.  

And I wouldn't even be surprised if the Bronco Sport gets stale and Ford kills it like Jeep killed the Renegade and Cherokee.  They are probably scheming In Dearborn on how to make the Ranger the entry level Ford at a $39,995 starting price.  

The Ioniq 6 is also larger inside than a Sonata despite being smaller outside. They could probably make a smaller version of it (if they hadn't already screwed up the naming scheme... maybe Ioniq 5 sedan) and sell it closer to the Sonata's price point.  But Hyundai doesn't want to keep making those $249 a month lease deal models anymore anyway.

Jeep killed the Renegade and Cherokee because they are trying to force Jeep up market and because Jeep has failed in China.  Part of the economies of scale for Jeep included China sales, and for the first few years of the Renegade it was selling well there.... until it wasn't.  The other problem is that the platforms the Renegade and Cherokee are on are being phased out without Fiat support. Compass is next.

1 hour ago, smk4565 said:

AWD is over rated, what you or other people need are snow tires.  But we hardly get snow here anyway.  Agree though on the Trax is just a slightly lifted hatchback, it may become the new Cruze that gets the reputation for just being cheap junk.  Probably a Civic or Mazda 3 hatchback is a better play at that price point.

Both my Avalanche and my 300C have snow tires.  My driveway is steep and my neighborhood is in a microclimate. I'll have snow/ice when the Waterfront, just 5 miles away, has rain.  I'm also a skier, so if/when we ever do get snow, I'm out in the mountains.

I think they did a really nice job on this.  Look at the etching in the wood.  Apparently, each trim level gets a different pattern so you can be extra snobby about it.  One nice dial for volume control, and the rest can be controlled by voice.  And I know that most designs try to blend away the HVAC vents, but look at those! They look purposeful and somewhat deco/retro. Triple thumbs up on something simple that adds loads of character to the design.

Shame the PHEV is gone. It was positively the best driving comfort vehicle this side of a '77 Mark V. Absolutely effortless power and it erased road imperfections, though that may have mostly been the Air Glide suspension that this still has available.

12 minutes ago, trinacriabob said:

Thankfully so.

However, the only one I find interesting is the VW Jetta.

Same. I find the Trax kind of pointless since I can't buy it in AWD, and for my area I really need it.  If I'm going to buy a hatchback, I'll buy a hatchback, not a wannabe crossover. The saving grace for the Trax on this list is that is one of only two that doesn't have a CVT.

The Jetta will be the comfort king here. They're the most spacious of the bunch, ride really well, have a pleasant powertrain, and I wouldn't even mind rowing my own gears for once.

27 minutes ago, David said:

Yes the MX30 concept is a dual but then Mazda talks about the future being a single rotor generator is how I took it, but then I could totally be off base due to the way they talk about it.

There are some smoothness concerns with a single rotor setup.  I could only see that being something they did for low cost hybrids. Not the luxury push they are going for.

10 minutes ago, David said:

Totally can see this as a Lincoln Navigator EV. I wonder what they will do to make it an AWD unit.

Good chance that a full-size SUV could have the room underneath for two of these bad boys, so you have a near 2,000 hp and 11,000 plus lb.-ft of torque. That would be a crazy awesome SUV EV.

This unit is specifically for the rear axle location. Here's my further speculation as to why Lincoln would go this way.

Ford already has a front unit ready for the Lightning. They don't need a second design, and the unit from the F-150 Lightning would be fine as the lower power front unit for cruising speed in a Navigator, this is done for efficiency.  Also, keep in mind that a Navigator is not a Hummer. While 2,000 horsepower would be neat, it's not really the target demographic that would be more concerned with range. A Navigator owner would sniff and say "Anything over 900 hp is sufficient. I need the range to get me to the Country Club and back."

The total horsepower of the current F-150 Lightning's combined units is lower than this single unit.  The Lightning's rear unit is set up for independent rear suspension and the drive unit there looks a heck of a lot like this one above.

Even though the drive unit might be capable of 972 horsepower, I think it is likely that Lincoln would govern that to a lower top end for range preservation purposes. The Escalade IQ is rated for 750 horsepower and 785 pound-feet of torque in Velocity Max mode.  Expect the Lincoln crew to tune it in such a way as to beat Cadillac either on range or max power, if not both.  Range is largely dictated by battery size, and Cadillac is already going to need people to send in their old iPhones just to keep up with the battery needs of that beast.

13 hours ago, smk4565 said:

I  think the Soul dies after this generation and the K5 is dead too, that one didn't last long.   And the Nissan Versa and Altima die after 2025 model year as do the Ford Escape and Edge.    Because all buyers want $50,000,  3 row crossovers according to car manufacturer market research.

Ford killing the Escape is a dumb move, but they're doing it because they think they can move those drivers to the Bronco sport, which is less car for more money because it's "cute".  The Edge is just the last vestige of that platform.  I do think it will come back as the Nautilus clone. It's the same platform as the current Escape and the R&D is already done.

K5 was just a rename of Optima. That said, I am 190% sure that it will have a direct EV replacement based on the Ioniq 6. Hyundai will try to move Sonata buyers to Ioniq 6 also.

In a vague press release today, automobile supplier Magna announced they have signed a contract with a North American based vehicle manufacturer to produce a high-power, electrified, rear-drive unit for a high-end vehicle at an unnamed brand, with production commencing "in the next couple of years".  While details of the vehicle are cagey, there are some clues as to where the drive unit might end up.

Based on Magna's eDS Duo, the unit will utilize 800v architecture and be capable of roughly 974 horsepower and a mind-blowing 5,900 lb-ft of torque. Comprised of 2 motors, 2 gearboxes, and 2 inverters, the drive unit is built to be placed at the rear axle, but unlike Magna's eBeam unit, is set up for an independent rear suspension.  This tells us that the Magna contract is for a luxury, full-size product with rear-drive and a need for high and low range.

From here, we can speculate:

It's unlikely that General Motors needs such a unit as they already have the Hummer products in production, and the Escalade IQ has already been announced, so there would be no need for Manga to be circumspect about the announcement. Ditto Tesla, the CyberTruck is already in production and wouldn't need this announcement.

The Stellantis STLA-Large platform is 800-volt capable, and Ram has recently been talking about adding hybrid options to the Ram 1500 series line-up over and above the RAM 1500 REV. However, we don't think a Ram 1500 would get an independent rear suspension.   Could it be for an EV Grand Wagoneer? We think if Stellantis is the customer in this case, a Grand Wagoneer EV is the most likely recipient.

We think Lincoln is the most likely recipient at this point. Ford's EV platform is not yet 800-volt capable. However, they are hard at work on the next generation of their EV platforms.  With the rest of the industry coalescing around 800-volt architecture, we think it is unlikely that they won't go there also.  Additionally, the crosstown rival Cadillac, with their new Escalade IQ, could be making Lincoln green with envy.  Additionally, while building components in-house might make sense for a higher-volume model like the Ford F-150 Lightning, a lower-volume vehicle such as a Lincoln Navigator EV would make sense to outsource components to Magna for.  Magna and Ford have a long-standing partnership, with Magna even setting up shop at some of Ford's facilities in Michigan. Magna already provides a significant amount of components to the F-150 Lightning. The timing sounds right for Lincoln.  In May of 2021, Lincoln announced they would be working on a Navigator EV, but no date was set for release. It would also match with the product cadence at Ford for the 2026-2027 time frame.

What do you think? Which U.S. manufacturer needs a low-volume, high-power, rear-drive EV unit for a luxury product?

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1 hour ago, David said:

Do you mean dual rotor rotary motor which was in the RX-8 compared to this single rotor rotary generator?

This is a dual rotor.

1 hour ago, smk4565 said:

I sort of forgot the Kicks was still around.  I think the Soul, Versa and Mirage are due to be discontinued in 2024.

I don't think the Soul is canceled yet, though its sales are way down and they've been cutting options. The other two are done at the end of this model year.

1 hour ago, smk4565 said:

Also if Tesla really does deliver on a sub $30,000 car that has a point of sale $7500 credit, I think a $22,500 Tesla will sell in ridiculous volume when you look at some of these cars are about that price.

I doubt Tesla will ever be able to deliver on a sub-$30k car in any volume and I can't imagine what kinda hot garbage the interior will be.  It's moot anyway because it's still years away.

22 minutes ago, David said:

As long as your under 5'6" tall then people will fit in a Tesla. Worst design of an auto ever with piss poor interior space for a car or CUV.

Sorry bud, I hated plenty about the Model-3 interior, but the room was not one of those things. I'm 5'10" and I felt it was cavernous.

On 9/16/2023 at 12:58 AM, oldshurst442 said:

6. There is a reason why inline 6s went away m at the end of the 70s mostly in favour of transverse 4s and 6s.   Because in MANY aspects, it was NOT the superior drivetrain.   V8 with RWD for performance and transverse V6 for packaging.   

Sure inline 6s are smoother, but there are many negatives attached to the inlline config.  

VW had MAJOR success in combining V and Inline.  Quite a good engine.  Sporty cars too using that set-up WITH FWD and AWD.   BMW does inline 6s good.  THAT is their thing. Just like GM does pushrod V8s good. That is their thing.  But an inline 6 is NOT the end all be all.  

 

Inline-6es generally have better durability, they simply have more journal bearings than a V engine of the same cylinder count. The smoothness aspect, especially when paired with some turbos, can't be overstated.

It's a luxury good rather than an all-out performance good.

On 2/3/2024 at 6:13 PM, trinacriabob said:

I'm not up to speed with the different platforms and sizes and they almost confuse me because I'm not that analytical with this niche. I just know that, of all these 2 volume vehicles, the only 2 I have ever liked have been from GM - the Acadia and the Envision.  They seem to strike a good balance.

So, is this 2.5 4 cylinder the one that came standard on the last Impala, but now with a turbocharger plopped onto it? Is it the same in terms of its specs? I liked the Ecotec 2.5 when I've rented a car with one.

Also, the 2024 Acadia photos are almost certainly taken at Acadia National Park in Maine, probably the only state on the American Atlantic coastline where mountains meet the sea, which is the norm on the Pacific.

Flattering photos of this 2024 model!

No. This 2.5 is the 2.7 from the Cadillac CT4/5 and the Silverado/Sierra/Colorado/Canyon, but slightly detuned.  If you liked the Ecotec 2.5, you'll like this. Much much more power. 

18 minutes ago, surreal1272 said:

They have been trying to do something with the rotary engine for years now since the RX-8 and apparently they love beating that dead horse. A “stop gap” doesn’t normally involve a new ICE to go with the new EV powertrain. They have 4 banger options that they wouldn’t have to pour too much money into to create a true “stop gap” car. Thats my point here. Why the extra costs of a rotary engine development to go along with the extra costs of servicing said rotary engine, now the added bonus of an electric powertrain to deal with? Rotaries have never been known for long term durability 

The last Renesis was designed 20+ years ago for release in 2004.  The issue with the 4-cylinder options is size. The previous renesis was capable of over 230hp in a 1.3-liter engine that was physically smaller than any 1.3-liter out there.

20 minutes ago, surreal1272 said:

And “two mode” may be the wrong term here but they are trying the RAM playbook only RAM was smart enough to leave in an already existing powertrain as opposed to slapping in a totally new one. Again, the costs are going to be stratospheric here. 

Ah yea, you mean REV, range-extended vehicle.  That playbook goes back to the Bolt.

The way I am viewing this is that this will allow Mazda to range extend their smallest cars like the CX-30 and even the Miata.  I know there will be much wailing and gnashing of teeth when the Miata does go electric, but that is going to be an amazingly fun go-cart.

Personally, I'd go with a row-my-own Jetta S with the Trax a distant 2nd.  Both of them being turbos, despite their diminutive size, would still have okay low-end torque.

1 hour ago, David said:

COMPLEXITY, Right, not what the public wants, but some will say Hybrid is better than pure EV. 

I will acknowledge that for some a Hybrid will be better than a pure EV and this will probably be the last Hurrah for the Rotary till we get proper deep solid-state batteries into production.

It's a stop-gap.  It also lets Mazda produce low-medium range EVs with a range extender for those people who want mostly an EV but might have issues with the charging end of things and don't want the range anxiety.  Imagine a Leaf range but with a REV. There's a segment of the EV market that would go for it.

34 minutes ago, surreal1272 said:

Sorry but given the nature of Rotary engines (and the high costs of getting those engines serviced), all I can come up with is "why bother?". A two mode set up is already overly complex and now Mazda thinks it's a good idea to make it even more complex? Um, no. Just no.

What two-mode are you referring to?  I think the point here is that technology has progressed significantly since Mazda last went all in on a rotary.  I'm sure materials and design can improve on the old issues.  Additionally, since acting as a REV, the Rotary would be at a far less variable RPM which brings some advantages for durability.

On 2/4/2024 at 12:03 PM, David said:

Interesting movement in Tesla Stock and not a good one.

Tesla Stock Just Made A Death Cross As Market Sentiments Shift (msn.com)

 

 

I don’t know much about stock market signals, but I do know that this is a fairly bad sign

Rotaries are the perfect ICE for EV regenerators.  They are comfortable at the higher rpm that the generators need without causing noise and vibration to the passengers. No one likes a 3-cylinder or 4-cylinder screaming at them at 2,750 rpm, but a rotary at that speed is like nothing.

Plus, they're quite compact so they can fit in smaller vehicles like the Icon SP above or MX-30, or they can fit in something larger like the CX-90.

Lincoln took the wraps off the re-imagined 2025 Lincoln Aviator today. The Aviator re-joined the Lincoln lineup in 2019 after a 14-year absence.

The exterior of the Aviator has received a mild, but handsome freshening, bringing the look, especially in the grille, in line with the upcoming 2025 Lincoln Nautilus.

New available lighting packages use light strips to welcome the owner via a light sequence called Lincoln Embrace as they approach, reversing the sequence as the vehicle is powered off.  The Illumination Package, now standard on the Reserve and Black Label trims includes an illuminated Lincoln Star, adaptive pixel LED headlamps, speed-dependent lighting, adaptive bending lighting, and dynamic signature lighting with LED daytime running lamps.

Two new wheel designs may be chosen. Standard are 20-inch bright machined aluminum wheels with Magnetic-painted pockets, while 2-inch Ebony Black bright machined aluminum wheels with gloss-black painted pockets and center caps are available. Additional wheel personalization is available with the Jet Package, available on each trim with unique designs.

Inside, a reinterpreted version of the popular Black Onyx design theme is now called Lincoln Black Label Invitation and intrigues occupants with handwritten calligraphy and the feel of a crafted black paper invitation. Continuing from last year is the also-popular Lincoln Black Label Flight theme, combining a Luggage Tan and Ebony with a dark engine turn appliqués to inspire memories of early flight instrument panels.

The available 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System will continue to envelop each occupant in multidimensional sound while they relax in the available 30-way Perfect Position Front Seats.

New standard features on all 2025 Aviators include:

• BlueCruise hands-free highway driving for four years
• All-New Lincoln Digital Experience
• Lincoln Connected Service for one year
• Lincoln Co-Pilot 360 2.1
• Auto Air Refresh
• Panoramic Vista Roof
• Power, heated steering wheel
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Wireless phone charging
• Phone as a Key
• Adaptive Suspension
• Class III Trailer Package

The new Lincoln Digital Experience infotainment system with Google Assistant and Alex built-in offers a voice-first experience for drivers and passengers alike.  The new system can adjust cabin climate, send texts, tune to a specific radio station, and more, just with voice commands.

The sole powertrain offered in the 2025 Lincoln Aviator is the 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6, delivering 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, the plug-in hybrid Grant Touring was dropped. Lincoln's Air Glide Suspension is available for an even smoother and more comfortable experience. Based on the same rear-wheel drive architecture as the 2025 Ford Explorer, the Aviator is also available with Intelligent Four-Wheel drive.

Pricing starts at $58,495, a $5,155 increase over last year's model.

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15 minutes ago, surreal1272 said:

I test drove a 2018 Edge back in 2021. Literally pulled up in the Flex (was checking it out for a friend). No bias here but the Flex is larger in every way, inside and out, and the longer wheelbase does make for a smoother ride. And yes @David, tons of rear seat legroom too. I like my box on wheels lol. 

Different strokes. My sister liked her Edge until she killed it.  She wouldn't have wanted to go larger and ended up downsizing to a current-generation Terrain. Now she thinks the Terrain is the perfect size.