Lincoln finally built a three-row that earns its luxury badge on merit, not just badge engineering. The 400hp twin-turbo V6 delivers effortless thrust, the cabin stays library-quiet over rough pavement, and those 30-way adjustable seats in higher trims genuinely justify the upgrade. The catch: early 2020-2021 models suffered door misalignments, trim rattles, and minor electrical quirks that required multiple dealer visits. One 2025 owner reported a fuel-tank-float stalling issue when parked on steep inclines with low fuel, odd but seemingly isolated. If you're cross-shopping German rivals, the Aviator delivers comparable refinement at a friendlier price, though it lacks the curbside prestige. Stick with 2023+ model years if possible; those who own them genuinely love the thing.
This crossover drives like a hot hatch with a premium interior that punches above its $26k-$30k price tag, but that 12.7-gallon fuel tank means you'll be filling up every 300 miles even with decent highway mileage. The rear seats are legitimately cramped, fine for errands or small kids, miserable for adults on road trips. Owners rave about the handling, the upscale cabin, and crash safety that's proven itself in real-world wrecks at highway speeds. The turbo is quick and fun but drinks premium fuel; the base engine is the smarter daily driver. If you're a single or couple who values driving enjoyment over cargo space, this is the most engaging small crossover you can buy. If you need family room or haul gear regularly, step up to the CX-5.