Lincoln Aviator vs. Acura MDX: Three Rows for St. Charles County Families

Compare  |  St. Peters, MO Two luxury SUVs that look close on paper and live very differently once the third row comes into play. Put a Lincoln Aviator and a Genesis GV80 side by side in a parking lot and they look like they belong in the same conversation. Both are midsize luxury SUVs with turbocharged engines, rich cabins and big screens. Both get cross shopped by the same families in O'Fallon, Cottleville and St. Peters. Where they split is the back of the vehicle, and that's where most of this decision lives. We sell the Lincoln Aviator, so we have a point of view. We also think the Genesis GV80 is a well built SUV that suits some families better, and we'd rather you buy the right one. This comparison sticks to what each one is designed to do, how that plays out on a normal St. Charles County week, and the questions to ask on a test drive of each. Quick answer: If the third row gets used every week for kids, carpools or grandparents, the Lincoln Aviator is the more natural fit, since three rows are standard. If you mostly need two rows and want an occasional jump seat, the Genesis GV80 is worth a test drive, because its third row is only on certain trims and is tight for adults. Lincoln Aviator Three rows on every trim Genesis GV80 Third row on certain trims Deciding factor How often row three gets used In this post The third row question On the road Inside the cabin Technology and driver assist Owning one How Do the Lincoln Aviator and Genesis GV80 Differ on Seating? This is the big one. Every Lincoln Aviator has three rows, with seating for six or seven depending on whether you choose second row captain's chairs or a bench. The third row was part of the plan from the start, so the second row slides and folds to let people climb back, and there's still room for groceries behind it on most trips. The Genesis GV80 starts as a two row SUV. A third row is available on certain trims, and reviewers describe it as tight for adults, with very little cargo room left when it's in use. Genesis also builds the Genesis GV80 Coupe, which is a two row model with a sloped roofline. So with the Genesis GV80, you have to pick the trim with your seating needs in mind. Neither approach is wrong. A family that hauls a soccer team to Quail Ridge Park twice a week needs a third row that works every day. A couple whose kids have moved out, and who need extra seats twice a year at Thanksgiving, may never miss it. How Do the Lincoln Aviator and Genesis GV80 Feel to Drive? The Lincoln Aviator comes with one powertrain for the current model year, a twin turbo V6 with a 10 speed automatic. Rear wheel drive is standard on most trims, and all wheel drive is available. It has strong passing power for merging onto I-70, and the tuning leans toward a quiet, settled highway ride. The Genesis GV80 offers a turbocharged four cylinder or a twin turbo V6, and reviewers tend to praise how composed it feels, with a smooth ride and steering that's on the sporty side of comfortable. If you like a slightly tighter feel in the curves on Highway 94, you'll probably notice it on a test drive. We won't quote power or towing numbers here, because they vary by trim and equipment. Ask for the exact figures for the vehicle you're looking at, or check the window sticker. For a broader look at how the Lincoln Aviator lines up against other three row rivals, see our Lincoln Aviator comparison page. St. Peters driver tip Drive both on the same route on the same day. Take Highway 364 over the Page Avenue bridge, then come back on I-70 at rush hour. You'll feel how each one handles a long merge, a crowded lane change and the bumps on the bridge approaches, and that tells you more than a quiet side street ever will. Shop the Lincoln Aviator See Current Specials Which Cabin Works Better for a Growing Family? Both cabins feel expensive, and both are going to impress your passengers. The Genesis GV80 gets a lot of credit from reviewers for its materials and a wide display that's easy to use. The Lincoln Aviator leans into comfort, with seats designed for long drives and a quiet cabin that works well on a weekend run to Lake of the Ozarks. For a family, the questions are more practical than pretty. How easy is it for a ten year old to get into the third row on their own? Where do the car seats go, and can you still reach the third row with one installed? Is there a place for every phone, water bottle and charging cable? Bring your actual car seats to both test drives. It takes ten minutes and saves a lot of regret. Car seat fit Check where the anchors are and whether a forward facing seat still lets someone reach row three. Cargo with every seat up Load a stroller or a cooler with all rows in use. That's the real test for a weekly carpool. Third row comfort Sit back there yourself. If you hate it after five minutes, the kids will after twenty. Bring your actual car seats to both test drives. How Do Their Driver Assist Features Compare? Both come with a long list of driver assist features, and both brands offer a hands free highway driving system on qualifying equipment. On the Lincoln Aviator, that's Lincoln BlueCruise, which works on prequalified sections of divided highway. Reviews list it as standard on the current Lincoln Aviator with a subscription period included, but confirm the details for the specific vehicle on the window sticker. Feature names and packages change from year to year on both SUVs, so don't shop off a list you found online. Try the adaptive cruise and lane centering on I-70 during your drive, and see which system feels more natural to you. Some people like a system that steers firmly and some like one that stays out of the way. What About Warranty and Ownership Costs? Genesis makes a strong case here. It advertises complimentary scheduled maintenance for the first few years and a long powertrain warranty for the original owner. Those are real benefits and worth weighing. Read the terms, because the long powertrain coverage applies to the first owner and later owners get a shorter term. The Lincoln Aviator comes with Lincoln's factory warranty coverage, and qualifying vehicles bought from our store can also include Warranty Forever, our powertrain coverage for as long as you own the vehicle. It has its own rules, covered in the band below and on its page. Ask both stores to put their coverage in writing so you can compare them side by side. The Lincoln Aviator fits you if You use the third row every week You want three rows on every trim, with a choice of six or seven seats You want a twin turbo V6 as standard You drive a lot of highway miles and value a quiet, settled ride You'd like Warranty Forever on a qualifying vehicle The Genesis GV80 fits you if You mostly need two rows and want a third only now and then You want the option of a turbo four or a two row Genesis GV80 Coupe You like a slightly sportier feel on curvy roads Complimentary scheduled maintenance from the factory matters to you Warranty Forever on qualifying vehicles Buy a qualifying new or pre owned vehicle from us and Warranty Forever can cover listed engine, transmission and drive axle parts for as long as you own it, with no deductible on covered repairs. It stays with the original buyer and isn't transferable, and the agreement spells out the maintenance to keep on record. Read About Warranty Forever Questions Owners Ask About Space and Seating How do adults fit in the third row of each SUV? + For shorter trips, most adults can. Sit back there yourself on the test drive, since comfort depends on your height and how far forward the second row is set. Does every Genesis GV80 have a third row? + No. The third row is available only on certain Genesis GV80 trims, and the Genesis GV80 Coupe is a two row model. Confirm the seating on the exact vehicle. Should I get captain's chairs or a bench in a Lincoln Aviator? + Captain's chairs make it easier to walk back to row three. A bench adds a seat. Families with younger kids in car seats often like the bench, and families with teens often like the chairs. Questions Owners Ask About Powertrains Is all wheel drive standard on the Lincoln Aviator? + Rear wheel drive is standard on some trims and all wheel drive is available. Ask about the drivetrain on the specific vehicle you're looking at. Does the Lincoln Aviator still offer a plug in hybrid? + Not for the current model year. The Lincoln Aviator uses a twin turbo V6 with a 10 speed automatic. Which one tows more? + Towing ratings depend on engine, drivetrain and equipment on both SUVs. Ask for the rating on the exact vehicle and check the owner's guide before hooking up a boat for Lake of the Ozarks. Questions Owners Ask About Test Drives Can I test drive a Lincoln Aviator on the highway? + Yes. Ask for a route that includes I-70 or Highway 364 so you can try the merge power and the driver assist features. What should I bring to compare these two SUVs? + Your car seats, a stroller or a big cooler, and the people who ride in the back most often. Let them vote too. How long should a comparison test drive take? + Plan on thirty minutes for each one. That's enough for highway, city streets and a parking lot, plus time to try the seats and the tech. Questions Owners Ask About Buying and Coverage Is Warranty Forever included on every Lincoln Aviator? + It applies to qualifying vehicles. Ask the sales team whether a specific Lincoln Aviator qualifies, and read the agreement for the maintenance requirements. Can I value my current SUV before I decide? + Yes. Get a trade value early so you know your real budget for either one. Are there current offers on the Lincoln Aviator? + Offers change through the year. Check the specials page or call the sales team at 636-441-4400 for what's available now. Questions Owners Ask About Shopping in St. Peters Where can I see a Lincoln Aviator near St. Charles? + Dave Sinclair Lincoln St. Peters is at 4760 North Service Road, along I-70 in St. Peters. When is the sales department open? + Weekdays 9 AM to 7 PM, and Saturday 9 AM to 5:30 PM. Call ahead if you'd like a Lincoln Aviator pulled up and ready. Can I start the paperwork online before a test drive? + Yes. Our online pre approval form lets you start from home, and the Finance Department can walk you through the next steps. Get Pre Approved Before You Visit Start your financing from home and shop with a clear budget. Get Pre Approved See What Your SUV Is Worth A trade value now makes comparing two SUVs simpler. Value Your Trade

Model  |  St. Peters, MO What it's like to charge, commute and road trip in a pre owned Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring around St. Charles County, and what to check before you buy one. The Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring never got as much attention as it deserved. It took the three row Lincoln Aviator, kept the twin turbocharged V6, and slipped an electric motor and a plug in battery in between. Lincoln built it through the 2023 model year and then dropped it, and the current Lincoln Aviator is gas only. That makes the Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring a pre owned story now. Shoppers who find one on a used lot often ask the same things. How far does it go on electricity? Where do you plug it in? What changes about service? This post sticks to what owners deal with day to day in St. Peters, O'Fallon and the rest of the county. Quick answer: The Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring is a plug in hybrid version of the three row Lincoln Aviator, sold new through the 2023 model year. It can run short trips on electric power alone, then switches to the twin turbo V6 when the battery runs low, so there's no range worry on long drives. Today you shop it pre owned, and a battery and charging check belongs on the list before you buy. Sold new Through the 2023 model year Powertrain Twin turbo V6 plus plug in battery Seating Three rows In this post What the Grand Touring is Everyday driving Charging at home Road trips and weekends Buying one pre owned What Is the Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring? Grand Touring was the plug in hybrid trim of the Lincoln Aviator. It used the same 3.0 liter twin turbocharged V6 as the gas model, added an electric motor inside the 10 speed automatic, and stored power in a battery pack that charges from the wall. All wheel drive was standard on it. From the driver's seat it looks like any other Lincoln Aviator. Same three rows, same dashboard, same general size in the garage. The battery sits under the floor, so Lincoln was able to keep the cabin layout of the gas model. The differences show up in a charge port on the front fender, a couple of extra drive modes, and a quieter pull away from a stop. Lincoln stopped building the Grand Touring after the 2023 model year. If you want a plug in three row Lincoln today, a pre owned Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring is the route. If you want a new one, the current Lincoln Aviator uses the twin turbo V6 without the plug in hardware. How Does It Drive Around St. Peters Day to Day? Short local runs are where the Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring earns its keep. Drop off at school in Cottleville, a stop at Mid Rivers Mall, groceries on Salt River Road, and back home. With a charged battery, a lot of that kind of driving can happen on electricity alone, quietly, and without the engine ever warming up. The drive modes do most of the work. Pure EV keeps it on electric power as long as the battery allows. Preserve EV holds the charge for later, which is handy if you want to save electric driving for the slow part of a trip. Leave it in the normal mode and the system blends the two on its own. Real electric range depends on temperature, speed, cabin heat and how the vehicle has aged. Cold mornings in January will take a bite out of it. For the rated figure on a specific vehicle, check the original window sticker or ask our team to look it up by VIN. Short local runs are where the Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring earns its keep. Where Do You Charge a Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring? Most owners charge at home overnight. A regular household outlet works with the right cord and plenty of time. A 240 volt Level 2 charger in the garage cuts that down a lot, and it's the setup that makes daily electric driving easy. If you're thinking about installing one, have a licensed electrician look at your panel first. Because it's a plug in hybrid, public charging is a bonus, not a requirement. You'll find chargers at shopping centers and some workplaces around St. Charles County, and topping up while you run errands can stretch your electric miles. If the battery is empty, the V6 simply takes over. 1 Find the cord Ask whether the original charging cord comes with the vehicle. Used plug in hybrids sometimes lose it along the way. 2 Check your outlet Use a dedicated outlet in good shape. Skip extension cords unless the owner's guide allows them. 3 Plan for Level 2 If you drive locally most days, a Level 2 charger at home is what makes electric driving routine. Shop Used Lincoln Aviator See Lincoln CPO Is It a Good Road Trip Vehicle? Yes, and this is the part that surprises people who haven't owned a plug in hybrid. Once the battery is spent, the Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring drives like a hybrid, and the V6 carries you as far as the fuel tank allows. There's no hunting for chargers on a run down I-70 or out to Lake of the Ozarks. Three rows still matter on those trips. Kids in the back, bags behind them, and the power of the combined system when you merge or pass on a two lane road. If you plan to tow, check the rating in the owner's guide for that specific vehicle, because the plug in version and the gas Lincoln Aviator weren't rated the same. St. Peters driver tip Heading out Highway 94 toward Defiance for a winery afternoon, try Preserve EV on I-64 and Highway 364, then switch to Pure EV once you're on the winding two lane through wine country. You save the battery for the slow miles where electric driving is quietest, and the engine handles the highway part where it's most at home. What Should You Check Before Buying a Pre Owned Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring? Start with the basics you'd check on any used three row SUV: service records, tires, brakes, and how the cabin has held up. Then add a few things that only apply to a plug in hybrid. Charging doesn't start or stops early Plug it in during the test drive or ask us to. A charge port that won't take a charge is something to sort out before you sign. Hybrid or charging warning messages Any message about the hybrid system, the high voltage battery or charging deserves a diagnostic scan. Open recalls or field service actions Ask for a VIN check. Plug in hybrids can have software updates and recalls specific to the hybrid system. Missing charging cord Confirm the cord is with the vehicle. Replacing it later is an extra cost and an extra errand. A Lincoln Certified Pre Owned Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring goes through Lincoln's certification inspection, and some original warranty coverage on the hybrid components may still apply depending on age and miles. Ask the team to check exactly what remains on any vehicle you're considering. Service is mostly normal Lincoln Aviator service. The engine still needs oil changes, the brakes and tires wear like any SUV, and the hybrid system adds its own checks. Our service team works on these regularly, and the 12 month or 12,000 mile warranty on genuine Lincoln parts listed on our service department page applies to parts we install. Warranty Forever on qualifying vehicles Buy a qualifying new or pre owned vehicle here and Warranty Forever covers the engine, transmission and drive axle parts named in the agreement for as long as you own it, with no deductible on covered repairs. Ask the team whether the vehicle you're looking at qualifies, and keep up the maintenance the agreement lists. Learn About Warranty Forever Questions Owners Ask About the Plug In System Do I have to plug in a Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring? + No. It runs as a hybrid on the V6 even with an empty battery. Plugging in is how you get the electric miles, so most owners charge whenever they can. What does Preserve EV mode do? + It holds the battery charge for later in the trip, so you can save electric driving for slower roads or your neighborhood. Does cold weather affect electric range? + Yes. Cold batteries hold and deliver less energy, and cabin heat draws power too. Expect fewer electric miles on a January morning than in May. Questions Owners Ask About Range and Figures How far can it go on electricity alone? + It varies with the model year, weather, speed and battery age. Check the original window sticker for the rated figure, or ask our team to look it up by VIN. How long does it take to charge? + Charge time depends on your outlet or charger and how empty the battery is. A Level 2 charger at home is much faster than a standard outlet. Ask us for the figure on a specific vehicle. What fuel does the Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring use? + Check the fuel door label and owner's guide for the recommended grade on the vehicle you're looking at. Questions Owners Ask About Buying One Today Can I still buy a new Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring? + No. Lincoln built the plug in Grand Touring through the 2023 model year. The current Lincoln Aviator uses the twin turbo V6 without the plug in system. Is a Certified Pre Owned Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring a good idea? + Certification adds an inspection and Lincoln CPO coverage, which helps on a vehicle with a hybrid system. Ask what coverage remains on the specific vehicle. Can I trade in my current vehicle toward one? + Yes. Start with our Value Your Trade estimate online, then confirm the number with a quick in person appraisal. Questions Owners Ask About Service Does a plug in hybrid need different maintenance? + The engine still gets oil changes and the usual checks. The hybrid system adds its own inspections. Your service advisor can tell you what's due by mileage. Can you service the hybrid system at the St. Peters store? + Yes. Book through the scheduler or call 636-441-4400 and mention the Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring so the right technician time is set aside. Do brakes last longer on a plug in hybrid? + The electric motor helps slow the vehicle, which can take some load off the brakes. They still wear, so have them measured at each visit. Questions Owners Ask About Visiting Dave Sinclair Lincoln St. Peters Where is the store? + We're at 4760 North Service Road in St. Peters, along I-70. The number for sales and service is 636-441-4400. When is the sales team open? + Sales is open Monday through Friday 9 AM to 7 PM and Saturday 9 AM to 5:30 PM. Can I test drive a Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring? + If one is in our used inventory, yes. Call ahead to make sure it's charged and ready so you can try both electric and hybrid driving. See the Current Lincoln Aviator Three rows and the twin turbo V6, new from our lot. View the Lincoln Aviator Get Pre Approved Online Know your budget before you start shopping. Get Pre Approved

Have you ever wondered how the historic Lincoln Motor Company came to be? What was the story behind one of the most iconic American brands? The Lincoln Motor Company was first established by Henry Leland in 1917. From its humble beginnings as a car manufacturer, it has grown into one of America's oldest and most trusted car brands. It has survived recessions and changed ownership a couple of times over its long history. Today we celebrate the evolution of original American fashion powerhouse, The Lincoln Motor Company. With an extensive and intricate history, journey with us as we unravel the stories that brought this iconic brand to life. From the time Henry Leland founded the Lincoln Motor Company, it has become an iconic American car brand. As Lincoln celebrates its 100th anniversary, we can look back and appreciate the evolution of a brand that carried us through more than a century of histories and milestones. Henry Leland, who also co-founded Cadillac, started Lincoln in 1917in Detroit Michigan with the intention of producing engines and aircraft parts during World War I. Business was slow at first but picked up shortly after when they began to produced luxury cars. In 1922 Leland sold his stake in the company to Ford and it evolved into the brand’s first real production phase. During this time models such as the Model K and L were released providing an elegant solution for automobile travel. Lincoln underwent significant development from 1945 onward with Franklin D Roosevelt Jr leading several changes to bring out a memorable range of cars unmatched by any other car maker - including power windows, automatic headlight dimmers, electric wipers and air conditioning systems - all considered luxuries at the time. Among these model’s included some of today’s most iconic American cars – The Continental Convertible, Town Car and Mark VIII Coupe/Sedan known for their impressive design quality that still extends to modern day vehicles. The nineties saw vast changes for Lincoln as Ford aimed to create even greater luxury vehicles with undeniable individuality which resulted in some popularly remembered models like Navigator, LS sedan and Aviator SUV’s being unveiled alongside the Blackwood: an experimental pickup truck created from another classic – The Continental sedan. Stepping into 2023 presents a whole new era for Lincoln as they use cutting-edge technology with advanced suspension systems amongst other features available on their product portfolio including the new 2023 Lincoln Aviator and new 2023 Lincoln Corsair.  Lincoln steps into the future with electric vehicles, new technology and the Lincoln dealer effortless experience.  One thing will remain ever true – maintaining their timeless emphasis on strength in craftsmanship backed by innovation across Lincoln Motor Company; making them uniquely capable machines precisely tailored towards individual needs. Dave Sinclair Lincoln St. Peters just completed our brand new Lincoln facility making it one of the most cutting edge luxury automotive facilities in the Midwest.  Our customer service and attention to detail remain with a new showroom built to make your experience more effortless.  Come by to see what Lincoln truly has to offer as a leading luxury brand or shop our new product portfolio online. Happy Presidents Day Lincoln! We hope you have a wonderful next centennial!