Comparing the 2026 Lincoln Aviator and 2026 BMW X5? Both luxury SUVs offer refined performance, advanced technology, and premium comfort, but there are important differences in seating, cargo space, and standard features. At Caruso Lincoln in Long Beach, we've put together this side-by-side comparison to help you explore which SUV best fits your lifestyle.
2026 Lincoln Aviator vs 2026 BMW X5
Key Takeaways
- The Lincoln Aviator seats more passengers than the 2026 BMW X5, with a third row for larger families and carpools.
- The 2026 Lincoln Aviator offers more cargo space than the 2026 BMW X5, both behind the second row (39.9 vs. 33.9 cu ft) and at maximum capacity (75.9 vs. 72.3 cu ft).
- Hands-free highway driving comes standard on the Lincoln Aviator, while it is an available package on the 2026 BMW X5.
- The 2026 BMW X5 tows more than the Lincoln Aviator.
At a Glance
|
2026 Lincoln Aviator |
2026 BMW X5 |
| Starting MSRP | $56,910 - $85,910 | $67,600 - $92,600 |
|---|
| Seating capacity | 7 seats | 5 seats |
|---|
| Maximum towing capacity | 5,000 lb | 7,200 lb |
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| Cargo volume behind the third row | 16.5 cu ft | Not applicable |
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| Cargo volume behind the second row | 39.9 cu ft | 33.9 cu ft |
|---|
| Maximum cargo volume | 75.9 cu ft | 72.3 cu ft |
|---|
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive standard; Intelligent All-Wheel Drive available | Rear-wheel drive (sDrive40i) and xDrive all-wheel drive (xDrive40i, M60i) |
|---|
| All-wheel drive | Available (optional Intelligent All-Wheel Drive on Premiere) | Standard on xDrive40i (xDrive all-wheel drive); sDrive40i is rear-wheel drive |
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| Hybrid powertrain | Not offered (plug-in hybrid Grand Touring powertrain not offered for 2026) | Plug-in hybrid available (BMW X5 xDrive50e) |
|---|
| EPA combined fuel economy | 20 mpg | 25 mpg |
|---|
| Wireless Apple CarPlay | Standard (wireless Apple CarPlay compatibility with Lincoln Digital Experience) | Standard |
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| Wireless Android Auto | Standard (wireless Android Auto compatibility with Lincoln Digital Experience) | Standard |
|---|
| Hands-free highway driving | Standard (Lincoln BlueCruise 1.5, 4 years included) | Available (Highway Assistant with Active Lane Change, hands-free up to 85 mph, via Driving Assistant Professional Package) |
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| Head-up display | Available | Available (Premium Package) |
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| Basic warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
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Three rows of seating in the Lincoln Aviator
The 2026 Lincoln Aviator seats seven, giving it a third row that the 2026 BMW X5, with its five seats, does not offer. The table lists cargo volume behind the third row for the Lincoln Aviator only, so families who want to carry extra passengers and still have luggage space have a clear option here.
Cargo space in the Lincoln Aviator
The Lincoln Aviator provides more cargo volume behind the second row and a larger maximum cargo volume than the 2026 BMW X5. For road trips, shopping runs and sports gear, the Lincoln Aviator offers a more accommodating load area.
Driver-assist technology
Hands-free highway driving is standard on the Lincoln Aviator through Lincoln BlueCruise, with a multi-year term included. On the 2026 BMW X5, a comparable hands-free highway system is available through an optional package. Both vehicles offer wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto as standard, and a head-up display is available on each.
Drivetrain choices
The Lincoln Aviator comes with rear-wheel drive as standard, with Intelligent All-Wheel Drive available. The 2026 BMW X5 pairs rear-wheel drive on one version with xDrive all-wheel drive on others, so shoppers can find all-wheel drive on either vehicle.
Where the 2026 BMW X5 leads
In fairness, the 2026 BMW X5 has a higher maximum towing capacity than the Lincoln Aviator and a better EPA-estimated combined fuel economy. The 2026 BMW X5 also offers a plug-in hybrid version, while a hybrid powertrain is not offered on the 2026 Lincoln Aviator. Shoppers who prioritize heavy towing or fuel economy should weigh those points.
Warranty coverage
The Lincoln Aviator and the 2026 BMW X5 carry the same basic warranty, so coverage length is not a point of separation between the two.
Why the 2026 Lincoln Aviator
- The Lincoln Aviator seats more passengers than the 2026 BMW X5, with a third row for larger families and carpools.
- The 2026 Lincoln Aviator offers more cargo space than the 2026 BMW X5, both behind the second row (39.9 vs. 33.9 cu ft) and at maximum capacity (75.9 vs. 72.3 cu ft).
- Hands-free highway driving comes standard on the Lincoln Aviator, while it is an available package on the 2026 BMW X5.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Lincoln Aviator or the 2026 BMW X5 seat more people?
The Lincoln Aviator seats more passengers than the 2026 BMW X5, thanks to its seven-seat, three-row layout.
Which has more cargo space, the Lincoln Aviator or the 2026 BMW X5?
The Lincoln Aviator offers more cargo volume behind the second row and more maximum cargo volume than the 2026 BMW X5.
Is hands-free highway driving standard on the Lincoln Aviator?
Yes. Hands-free highway driving comes standard on the Lincoln Aviator through Lincoln BlueCruise. On the 2026 BMW X5 it is available through an optional package.
Which tows more, the Lincoln Aviator or the 2026 BMW X5?
The 2026 BMW X5 has the higher maximum towing capacity compared with the Lincoln Aviator.
How does EPA-estimated fuel economy compare between the Lincoln Aviator and the 2026 BMW X5?
The 2026 BMW X5 has the better EPA-estimated combined fuel economy of the two in the compared all-wheel-drive configuration.
Is there a hybrid version of the Lincoln Aviator for 2026?
No. A hybrid powertrain is not offered on the 2026 Lincoln Aviator, whereas the 2026 BMW X5 offers a plug-in hybrid version.
Do the Lincoln Aviator and the 2026 BMW X5 support wireless smartphone connection?
Yes. Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto are standard on both the Lincoln Aviator and the 2026 BMW X5.
Find Your 2026 Lincoln Aviator at Caruso Lincoln
The 2026 Lincoln Aviator stands out with three rows of seating, generous cargo space, and standard Lincoln BlueCruise technology. If you're comparing luxury SUVs in Long Beach or the surrounding South Bay area, visit Caruso Lincoln to explore the Aviator in person, experience its premium features, and find the right model for your needs.
Ready to take the next step? Visit us at
carusolincoln.com
or stop by our Long Beach showroom at 3500 Cherry Avenue to confirm details and current availability.
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