Lincoln's Electric SUV Lineup and What Each Model Offers

Lincoln, Ford's luxury brand, builds two main electric SUVs: the Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring (a plug-in hybrid) and the Lincoln Nautilus Grand Touring (also plug-in hybrid). Neither is a fully electric vehicle yet. Both use a combination of a gasoline engine and an electric motor, meaning you plug them in to charge but also fill the gas tank.

The Aviator Grand Touring is the larger model, seating up to five adults with a third-row option in some configurations. It has an EPA-estimated all-electric range of around 20 to 30 miles per charge, depending on the model year and trim. The Nautilus Grand Touring is smaller and more affordable, with similar electric range. Both can run on battery power alone for short trips—typically errands within a city—then switch to the gas engine for longer drives.

Lincoln has announced plans for a fully electric SUV called the Lincoln Aviator EV, expected to arrive in the coming years, but as of now it is not yet on sale. If you are looking for a fully battery-powered Lincoln SUV today, that option does not exist.

Key Takeaways

  • Lincoln's current electric SUVs are plug-in hybrids, not fully electric—they use both a gas engine and a battery, so you must plug them in and also refuel.
  • The Aviator Grand Touring and Nautilus Grand Touring can run on electric power alone for 20 to 30 miles, enough for most daily commutes without using gas.
  • Plug-in hybrids cost less upfront than fully electric vehicles and do not require you to plan long trips around charging stations.
  • Federal tax credits for plug-in hybrids are smaller than those for fully electric vehicles, and may be able to access depends on the vehicle's final assembly location and price.
  • Charging at home with a Level 2 charger (240-volt) takes four to six hours for a full battery; public charging is also available but slower.

How Plug-in Hybrid Power Works in Lincoln SUVs

A plug-in hybrid SUV has three power sources: the gas engine, the electric motor, and the battery. When you start the vehicle, it typically runs on battery power first. Once the battery is depleted or you need more power for highway driving, the gas engine kicks in automatically. You do not have to do anything—the vehicle switches between them on its own.

This design means you can use the vehicle like a regular car if you never plug it in, but you get better fuel economy and lower emissions if you charge it regularly. For someone who drives 30 miles or less per day, a plug-in hybrid can run almost entirely on electricity, with the gas engine as a backup for longer trips or emergencies.

The battery in a plug-in hybrid is much smaller than in a fully electric vehicle, which is why the range is limited. It is also why the vehicle costs less and why you do not have to worry about finding a charger on a road trip—you have a gas tank for that.

Pricing and What You Actually Pay

The Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring starts around $65,000 to $70,000 before any discounts or incentives, depending on the model year and trim level. The Nautilus Grand Touring is less expensive, typically starting in the $50,000 to $55,000 range. These are manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP), and actual prices vary by dealer, location, and current inventory.

A federal tax credit of up to $7,500 may be available for plug-in hybrids, but it is smaller than the credit for fully electric vehicles, and may be able to access depends on where the vehicle was assembled and its final price. As of 2024, both Lincoln plug-in hybrids are assembled in the United States, which helps them may have access to, but you should verify the current rules with a dealer or the IRS website before buying, because these rules change.

State and local incentives vary widely. Some states offer additional rebates or tax credits for plug-in hybrids; others do not. Some cities allow plug-in hybrid owners to use HOV lanes or offer discounted parking. Check your state's energy office or your city's transportation department to see what is available where you live.

Charging at Home and on the Road

Most owners charge their Lincoln plug-in hybrid at home overnight using a Level 2 charger, which is a 240-volt outlet similar to what powers an electric dryer or water heater. A full charge takes four to six hours. If you only have a standard 120-volt outlet (like a regular wall outlet), charging takes 12 to 24 hours, which is why most owners install a dedicated charger.

Installing a Level 2 charger at home costs between $500 and $2,000 for the equipment and installation, depending on your electrical panel and how far the charger is from your main service. Some utilities offer rebates for charger installation, and some employers provide charging at work, which can reduce or eliminate the need for a home charger.

Public charging networks like Electrify America, EVgo, and ChargePoint have stations across the country, though they are less common than gas stations. Since your Lincoln has a gas engine, you do not have to rely on public chargers for daily driving, but they are useful if you want to top up the battery during a shopping trip or while at work.

Fuel Economy and Operating Costs

Lincoln rates the Aviator Grand Touring at around 25 to 30 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) when running on electricity, and roughly 20 to 24 miles per gallon (MPG) when running on gas. The Nautilus Grand Touring has similar ratings. These numbers assume you charge regularly; if you never plug it in, you get only the gas mileage, which is lower than a non-hybrid SUV of the same size.

Electricity costs less per mile than gasoline in most parts of the country. If you charge at home at an average U.S. electricity rate, a full charge costs roughly $3 to $5, depending on your local rate. That covers 20 to 30 miles, which works out to about 10 to 25 cents per mile. Gasoline at $3 per gallon costs roughly 12 to 15 cents per mile in a plug-in hybrid running on gas.

Maintenance costs are lower than in a traditional gas SUV because the electric motor and battery do much of the work, reducing wear on the engine and brakes. However, if the battery needs replacement outside the warranty period, that is expensive—typically $5,000 to $15,000 depending on the vehicle and the damage. Most manufacturers warranty the battery for eight years or 100,000 miles.

Comparing Lincoln Plug-in Hybrids to Fully Electric SUVs

A plug-in hybrid is not the same as a fully electric vehicle. Fully electric SUVs like the Tesla Model Y, Ford Mustang Mach-E, or Chevrolet Blazer EV have no gas engine and run entirely on battery power. They have longer range (typically 200 to 300 miles per charge), lower operating costs, and higher federal tax credits (up to $7,500 for most models, sometimes more). They also require more planning for long trips because you must find charging stations.

A plug-in hybrid is a middle ground. It costs less upfront, requires less charging infrastructure, and works well for people who drive short distances most days but occasionally need to drive long distances. It is worse for the environment than a fully electric vehicle but better than a traditional gas SUV if you charge regularly.

If you drive fewer than 30 miles per day and have a place to charge at home, a plug-in hybrid makes sense. If you drive 50+ miles per day or take frequent long road trips, a fully electric vehicle or a traditional gas SUV might be a better fit.

Warranty, Reliability, and Resale Value

Lincoln plug-in hybrids come with a standard three-year or 36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, plus an eight-year or 100,000-mile warranty on the battery and electric drivetrain. The battery warranty covers defects and degradation, though normal wear is not covered. After eight years or 100,000 miles, you are responsible for any battery repairs.

Real-world reliability data for Lincoln plug-in hybrids is limited because they are relatively new. Early owners report few major issues, but long-term data is not yet available. The gas engine and transmission are proven Ford components, so those parts are generally reliable. The electric motor and battery are newer technology, and problems are less predictable.

Resale value for plug-in hybrids is uncertain because the used market is still developing. Fully electric vehicles have held value better than expected, but plug-in hybrids have not been on the market long enough to establish a clear pattern. If you plan to keep the vehicle for seven years or longer, resale value matters less. If you plan to sell or trade it in within three to five years, research current used prices for the model you are considering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to plug in a Lincoln plug-in hybrid, or can I just use gas?

You can drive on gas alone if you never plug it in, but you will not get the fuel economy or emissions benefits. The vehicle is designed to run on electricity for short trips and gas for longer ones. If you do not have access to charging, a traditional gas SUV or a fully electric vehicle might be a better choice.

How long does it take to charge a Lincoln Aviator or Nautilus at home?

With a Level 2 charger (240-volt), a full charge takes four to six hours. With a standard 120-volt outlet, it takes 12 to 24 hours. Most owners charge overnight and start the day with a full battery.

Can I use a Lincoln plug-in hybrid on a long road trip?

Yes. Once the battery is empty, the gas engine takes over, and you can drive as far as your fuel tank allows—typically 300 to 400 miles. You do not have to plan around charging stations the way you would with a fully electric vehicle.

What federal tax credit can I get for a Lincoln plug-in hybrid?

Plug-in hybrids may may have access to for up to $7,500 in federal tax credits, but may be able to access depends on the vehicle's assembly location, final price, and your income. Check the current IRS rules or ask a dealer, because these rules change year to year.

Is a plug-in hybrid better for the environment than a gas SUV?

Yes, if you charge regularly. A plug-in hybrid running on electricity produces zero tailpipe emissions. Even when running on gas, it is more efficient than a traditional SUV because the electric motor assists the engine. If you never charge it, the environmental benefit is minimal.