For 2025, the new Navigator has a bolder look and huge shiny grille with an integrated lightbar that illuminates from the centre outward to welcome the driver.TYLER GOURLEY/Courtesy of manufacturer
Lincoln’s flagship SUV, the Navigator, hit the streets nearly three decades ago. Back then, there were slim pickings in the luxury three-row SUV segment. Now, the market has exploded with rivals like the Lexus LX, Infiniti QX80 and Cadillac Escalade. In an attempt to stay relevant and reinvigorate the brand, Lincoln has revamped the Navigator, giving it a bolder look, a posher cabin and new connected, technology for 2025. But it’s still sticking with a gas-powered engine.
Unveiled in Carmel, Calif. during Monterey Car Week, the new Navigator is impossible to miss, owing to its massive and imposing boxy body. A huge shiny grille with an integrated lightbar draws more attention when the lights come to life, illuminating sequentially from the centre and moving outward to welcome the driver when approaching the vehicle. The lightshow repeats at the rear, running along the taillamps and across the liftgate. Gone is the traditional chrome found in previous generations – it’s replaced with satin aluminum accents for a more modern touch. While 22-inch wheels are standard, you can go even bigger with 24-inch nickel aluminum wheels, available for the first time.
Inside, it’s a feast for the senses. Visually, the cabin is filled with high-quality luxury materials including premium leather seats, real wood and a crystal-inspired volume knob for added bling. A 48-inch panoramic screen steals the spotlight, spanning the length of the instrument panel – similar, but not as big as the Cadillac Escalade’s 55-inch pillar-to-pillar LED screen. But where Lincoln raises the bar is in a new sensory experience called Lincoln Rejuvenate, which combines scent, sound and lights to create a more relaxing atmosphere in the cabin. While in park, tap the touchscreen to activate the re-energizing five- or 10-minute sequence and the driver’s seat slides rearward, reclines and activates the massage function. In addition, a video will play (such as cascading water), the ambient lights will change colour, soothing sounds will play and a subtle fragrance emitted.
The interior has 48-inch screen and a lower, centre touchscreen.Courtesy of manufacturer
The Navigator seats up to eight people and all three rows offer serious space - excellent head, shoulder and leg room. The driver’s seat is infinitely adjustable – well, its 24-way power adjustable to be exact. The first-row passenger also gets a 22-way power adjustable seat. The front-row seats are heated, ventilated and massaging and are as comfortable as sitting on a living room sofa. While a second-row bench is available, the new second-row captain’s chairs are the way to go – mirroring many of the functions in the first row complete with heated, ventilated and massage features. The third-row bench seat is a 40/20/40 split, which is handy when you need to drop a section to accommodate long awkward items, such as skis. Power folding and sliding second-row seats also make it easier to access the third row, simply by pressing a button. There are audio and climate controls for second-row passengers and up to 14 USB-C ports, including four in the second row and four in the third row. While the Navigator has Google Built-in complete with voice-activated Google Assistant and Google maps, it still retains wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
Other tech features include Lincoln’s latest version of BlueCruise hands-free highway driving, which assists with braking, accelerating and steering. The system has new features such as lane change assist, which allows a driver to switch lanes hands-free with a tap of the turn signal when the path is clear. Navigator also comes with Pro Trailer Backup Assist, which helps drivers manoeuvre their trailer into tight spots, and Trailer Hitch Assist, which makes connecting your trailer easier. A Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package is available, which increases towing capacity to 8,700 pounds.
The top three-quarters of the liftgate rises like a traditional liftgate, while the bottom quarter lowers down to make it easier to load and unload items.TYLER GOURLEY/Courtesy of manufacturer
A new handy feature is a split liftgate at the rear designed to make it easier to load and unload items into the cargo area. The top three-quarters of the liftgate rises like a traditional liftgate, while the bottom quarter lowers down. It opens automatically when you’re standing behind the vehicle for three seconds with the key fob.
While other competitors offer electric vehicles like the all-electric Cadillac Escalade IQ and hybrids like the Lexus LX, Lincoln is sticking with gas for its Navigator. All models will be powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine with 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque and standard all-wheel drive.
The redesigned 2025 Lincoln Navigator goes on sale next spring. Prices aren’t available, yet. The current model starts around $120,000.
The writer was a guest of the automaker. Content was not subject to approval.
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