The 2025 Lincoln Navigator is Modern Luxury, Defined. We Took a Test Drive to Find Out
The luxury is as much in the tech as it is in the modern design and massaging leather seats.
You’ve never seen an SUV like this—let me just start there. The 2025 Lincoln Navigator is future-forward, the tech is astounding and it continues the brand’s love language with architectural elements that create the feeling of an exclusive boutique.
But then, this 3-row SUV, priced from $99K to $120K, is powerful, which a luxury SUV should be; the twin turbo V6 engine generates 440 HP. It’s roomy, with 3 rows of seating and standard or extended wheel base options. And it’s intuitive, with thoughtful touches and smart tech.
This story is 100% human-researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience, and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks. Additionally, I was Lincoln’s guest for this test drive, but all opinions are my own.
The Lincoln Navigator’s Tech Is Very Future-Forward. Too Much?
I’d say not. In fact, the wide panoramic screen that spans the entire front dash of the Lincoln Navigator is something we’re starting to see in a lot of new cars, from Cadillac to BMW. And it’s really good: Since the screen sits low it’s not distracting; it’s not a touchscreen so it’s not tempting to touch, and you can customize the right side of the screen to view what matters most to you.
And then, there’s this: when you swipe your finger on the touch pads on the steering wheel you’ll see menus light up; you can do things like adjust your mirrors and set the radio station. This is also where you’ll find Blue Cruise hands-free driving and adaptive cruise control when Blue Cruise isn’t available.
The panoramic screen and other functions are managed through a lower control screen where vehicle settings, functions and apps are found. And if all that is too much, just use the “hey Google” voice activated assistance and ask for what you need. It’s that easy.
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All The Screens Keep Your Eyes on the Road, Believe it Or Not
The panoramic screen display, the flat topped steering wheel and the voice assistance is designed to work together to keep your eyes on the road and create a wide field of vision.
Driving the Lincoln Navigator you might not notice just how wide that view is… until you get behind the wheel of another car. You’ll notice that the driver display pops up into your view and the steering wheel looks huge; they actually block part of your view.
And when you’re not driving, you can tap the Rejuvenate button on the control screen and let the system help you relax or rejuvenate; your seat will recline and the massage will activate; calming water scenes or meditative vistas will fill the screens; music and a diffused fragrance will fill the cabin and you can easily tune out the rest of the world. It only lasts for 5 for 10 minutes (you can pick the length) but either is a lovely interlude.
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The Lincoln Navigator’s Interior Design Feels Especially Luxe
Lincoln’s approach to tech isn’t the only thing that sets this brand apart; the architectural design of the seats, which have a crafted, sculpted feel, are what give this 3-row SUV an exclusive air. On the Black Label trim the interior choices are themed, with an assembly of colors and materials that feel as if they were assembled on a vision board—which I’m sure they were. The Reserve model offers basically the same colors but with fewer details like piping and layered materials; it’s still luxe, just not as opulent.
You’ll also find leather covered door panels and wood-grained surfaces on the center console; the Black Label themes add textured details or copper inflected woodgrain. Either is really beautiful.
Smart Seating for 7 or 8, Even the Little Ones
The Lincoln Navigator is built on the same platform and has many of the same dimensions and features as the Ford Expedition: That means wide rear seats that move forward and back with lots of flexibility, an extended cargo space option and a center row bench or captains chairs, though only in the Reserve model; Black Label offers only captains chairs with a center console, limousine style.
I measured for kids car seats and found ample space fore both forward and rear facing car seats, and there are four full sets of LATCHes, two in the center row and two in the rear. The center row seats slide and tilt for 3rd row access and they can do so with a child car seat installed, which adds even more convenience.
Last, second row seats are heated and in the Black Label the 3rd row seats are heated. Pretty nice way to spoil your passengers, right?
This New Split Gate Is Worth Every Penny
I can’t say enough about the new split rear gate on the Lincoln Navigator. Every SUV should have this: the lower portion opens down, the upper portion opens up. It’s a lunch table, a work space, a stadium seat for watching your kid’s soccer game; it’s a front seat at a parade, a baby changing table or a place to organize all the other things in the cargo area. A shelf (a $370 option) that stows under the cargo floor converts into a table or functions as a back rest for tailgating.
But what I like most is that you can do all those things without taking all the things out of the cargo area, and if you decide to sit on the tail gate, your legs dangle without brushing against a dirty bumper. Big YAY.
Driving the Lincoln Navigator
This is a big SUV and while it might be an intimidating thought to get behind the wheel, it’s easy once you’re there. The massing seats help, but some does the adaptive suspension and the powerful twin turbo 440 HP engine; it offers plenty of power wherever you are. I found it comfortable on mountain roads, even the curvy ones, and while we didn’t go off road, it was capable on grass and gravel, as you’d expect.
I also had the chance to try out Blue Cruise, Lincoln’s hands-free highway driving system. The system has been improved (we drove the 1.4 version) and it’s much improved, keeping you better centered in the lane and not moving back and forth as it finds gaps in the lanes on each side of the road. It now can follow curves better, can slow down before a curve and Lincoln has added more mapped roads to the system, so it works in more places now.
Lincoln Makes Luxury an Easy Choice
The Navigator trim lineup is simplified so it’s really easy to pick the version that fits your life without confusing choices or disappointments. The Reserve trim basically has it all, but if you want to go a little over the top, Black Label gets you there. We drove the Black Label model in Sunrise Copper, and another in Pristine White with the Black Label design package which adds a black roof and design accents. HEre’s how pricing breaks down:
- Navigator Reserve, staring at $99,995, features a standard Twin turbo V6 engine generating 440 HP, up to 8,700 lbs towing, black exterior paint, the panoramic screen, Google built-in with “Hey Google” voice assistance, Revel 3D audio, phone as key, Blue Cruise hands free driving, Rejuvenate mode, digital scent, multiple drive modes, heated and vented front seats, wireless phone charging, adaptive suspension, dark aluminum wheels, power running boards, panoramic sun roof, 24 way driver’s seat, a household outlet, choice of captains chairs or a center row bench seat, wood trim, illuminated door sill scuff plates, power adjustable driver’s pedals, 2nd row heated seats, leather upholstery, soft touch power 3rd row seats, ambient lighting, Lincoln “embrace” welcome lighting and chimes, power split rear gate, trailer tow package, pro trailer backup assist, trailer brake controller and 4WD
- Navigator Black Label, starting at $116,495, adds the option of premium paint colors ($2,000), 30 way front seats, power 2nd row captains chairs with a center console, heated 3rd row seats, rear seat entertainment, unique satin and mesh grille, trailer reverse guidance, heavy duty trailer tow package, and Invitation or Enlighten design themes
- Black Label styling package with black roof, Black Label badge and unique front facia adds $8500
- 24” wheels: $2,995
- Long wheel base adds $2,990
- Reserve Jet Appearance package adds $3,000
What We Loved
Here are the details we really appreciate the most in the Lincoln Navigator:
- The panoramic screen and control screen
- The split tail gate
- Adjustable driver’s pedals
- The flat top and bottom on the steering wheel
- Touch pads on the steering wheel
- The modern architecture of the cabin
- 30-way drive’s seats are win
- Massaging front seats
- Improvements to Blue Cruise
- Automatic running boards
- The simplified pricing structure
- The powerful V6 twin turbo engine
- The new exterior design and front grille with a lighted badge and front and rear light bars
What You Need to Know
These are points to consider carefully if the Lincoln Navigator is on your wish list:
- Almost all controls are on a screen including the side mirrors, steering wheel adjustment and adjustable driver’s pedals
- Air vents are only controllable via the control screen—this took some getting used to
- The Black Label model seats 7 and only comes with center row captains chairs and a rear center console, which is fixed, so there’s no passthrough to the rear seat
- The drive mode selector button has icons (snow flake, leaf, checkered flag) instead of text, so it took a minute to find it
- Premium fuel is recommended
- The Lincoln Navigator averages 17PMG
I will confess, I was skeptical that Lincoln would find much to improve in the 2025 Navigator. And, as ever, I was surprised by how clever Lincoln’s designers and engineers are. The ride is quiet and comfortable and the cabin is a delight. The technology is a winning combination of an expansive screen, voice activation, improved visibility and hands-free driving.
But probably the thing I like the most is that this SUV’s look and feel is an evolution over the last model, with no radical changes. And that’s what gives it its modern luxury appeal.
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