2025 Lincoln Navigator review

The Lincoln Navigator has come a long way since it was introduced as the luxury brand’s first SUV in the late 1990s. Now in its fifth generation, the Navigator moves further upscale with elegant styling highlighted by a bold new grille featuring an illuminated light bar and Lincoln logo, as well as the available 24-inch wheels. The new design also features a split rear hatch for easier loading and improved tailgate party options. The high-tech cabin features a configurable panoramic display with a Google-based infotainment system and an available 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system. Seats are trimmed in premium leather, and all three rows offer spacious accommodations.

Lincoln has moved away from the traditional V8 powertrain, instead using a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 that carries over from the previous generation. With 440 horsepower on tap, the big SUV can tow up to 8,700 pounds when properly equipped.

When the fourth-generation Navigator arrived in 2018, the big SUV dropped considerable weight, thanks to a shared platform with the new F-150, which had adopted a lighter aluminum body construction. Styling was updated to match the rest of the Lincoln lineup, albeit on a much larger scale. Inside, the cabin was elegantly appointed with high-quality materials throughout, and front-seat passengers could enjoy the 30-way power adjustments as well as heating, ventilation, and massage. Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay® were standard, and the Navigator was equipped with a full suite of advanced driver-assist systems. Lincoln added ActiveGlide (later renamed BlueCruise) hands-free semi-autonomous driving as an option in 2022. 

Lincoln continued to use the 3.5-liter EcoBoost® V6 in the Navigator. However, the new model got a significant power boost over the previous generation, boasting 450 horsepower. A new 10-speed automatic transmission further improved performance with better fuel efficiency. Horsepower dropped to 440 hp in 2023, although overall performance remained unchanged.

Lincoln added some flash to the third-generation Navigator when it arrived in 2007, giving the luxury SUV a large chrome grille as well as stylish headlights and taillights. For the first time, the Navigator was offered in two sizes, with the Navigator L adding about a foot in length, making it more competitive with the Cadillac Escalade ESV and GMC Yukon XL. Updates inside gave the Lincoln a more upscale cabin with luxe materials like soft leather and wood trim. While second-row bucket seats were standard, a bench seat provided space for up to eight passengers. A power-folding third row was also available.

When the new Navigator came to market, it carried over its 5.4-liter V8 from the previous generation. However, in 2015, Lincoln discontinued the V8, replacing it with a more powerful and efficient 3.5-liter EcoBoost® V6 that put out 70 more horsepower than the V8, giving the Navigator a 9,000-pound towing capacity when properly equipped.