# Chinese Hybrid Crossover Revivals Lincoln Builds the ‘Aviator EX8’ With Changan for Chinese Buyers By Adam Harrie | Written with AI assistance | Published 2026-11-06 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chinese-hybrid-crossover-revivals References: [insideevs](https://insideevs.com/news/814449/lincoln-aviator-phev-china-new)  Lincoln is bringing back the ‘Aviator’ name for Chinese buyers with the ‘Aviator EX8,’ a plug-in hybrid crossover built through its Changan joint venture. It is not a return of the earlier ‘Aviator PHEV,’ which ended in 2024. Instead, this is a separate China-market vehicle aimed at the country’s new-energy segment. The move gives Lincoln a local plug-in entry where it currently has none. The crossover is similar in size to the previous ‘Aviator,’ but its powertrain takes a different path. It uses a Changan-built 1.5-liter turbo engine rated at 148 horsepower. A roof-mounted lidar unit points to added driver-assist capabilities when it reaches the market. China-only availability positions the ‘Aviator’ badge as Lincoln’s route back into the country’s plug-in field. The Changan-based setup also moves the brand nearer to local buyer expectations than a carryover U.S. design. Image Credit: MIIT ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 7.5/10 - Popularity: 100% | Activity: 25% | Freshness: 100% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Localized Hybrid Revivals:** Legacy nameplates gain renewed relevance when adapted as market-specific plug-in models rather than reused global designs. - **Joint-venture Electrification:** Automaker partnerships with domestic manufacturers create faster paths into regulated new-energy segments with locally aligned engineering. - **Lidar-enabled Crossovers:** Roof-mounted sensing hardware in mainstream premium SUVs signals growing differentiation around advanced driver-assist capabilities. ### Where This Applies - **Automotive Manufacturing:** China-focused hybrid platforms reveal how regional production ecosystems can reshape product planning for global vehicle brands. - **Electric Mobility:** Plug-in hybrid crossovers occupy a transitional space where buyers seek electrified driving without full battery-electric dependence. - **Driver-assistance Technology:** Integrated lidar systems expand opportunities for suppliers developing perception, safety, and semi-autonomous mobility features. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Coupe-Style Electric SUVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/xpeng-l03.md) - [Conceptual Electric Off-Road SUVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/freelander-concept.md) - [Accessible Electric SUV Features](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/Geely-Launched.md) - [Flagship Electric SUV Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/BYD-Sealion.md) - [Compact Electric SUVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-volvo-ex90.md) - [Chinese EV Expansion Strategies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/li-auto.md) - [Phased European EV Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/phased-european-ev-models.md) - [Long-Range Hybrid Family Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/long-range-hybrid-family-vehicles.md)