Leather, wood, chrome. Along with big engines, those are the traditional attributes of a luxury vehicles But the world has changed and it now takes lots of the latest technology to differentiate upscale models from the mainstream. It turns out the completely redesigned 2025 Lincoln Navigator has plenty to offer in both categories. Here’s a first look at the massive, 3-row SUV.
The 2025 Lincoln Navigator Black Label shown in its new Copper package.
When it made its debut in 1998, the Lincoln Navigator changed the world. Well, at least the luxury automotive world. It was big, it was bold and it offered an alternative to the traditional full-size luxury sedan.
Since then, SUVs have come to dominate very every segment of the market – but Lincoln has had to settle for second, the Cadillac Escalade today the kind of the full-size luxury SUV market. Can Ford’s upscale brand change the equation? It’s certainly ready to try, Lincoln rolling out an all-new version of the Navigator for 2025.
The fifth-generation SUV won’t come as a shock, especially from an exterior design perspective. But it still delivers some surprises, starting with a near pillar-to-pillar digital display. Indeed, the 2025 Lincoln Navigator is a technical tour de force. But it doesn’t skimp on traditional luxury details, starting with its well-appointed cabin.
And don’t think of the new Navigator as just transportation. Activate its “Rejuvenate” mode and it’s transformed into a “spa on wheels” which “represents our ultimate expression of sanctuary,” said brand boss Dianne Craig.
The 2025 Lincoln Navigator rolls into showrooms early next year.
New design
The 2025 Lincoln Navigator adopts a more upright front end and larger grille bisected by a new light bar.
This isn’t quite an entirely ground-up makeover, the 2025 Navigator borrowing the outgoing model’s platform. And it retains the old models dimensions. The stretch L model is a mamoth 221.9 inches, nose-to-tail, with a 131.5-inch wheelbase. It stands 78 inches in height and is 80 inches wide. The standard Navigator package, meanwhile, is a still impressive 210 inches long and has a 122.5-inch wheelbase.
The basic design cues carry over, though there are enough updates to give it a fresh appearance. The front end stands more upright and gets a larger, bolder appearance. It’s bisected by a new light bar that links the latest LED headlamps.
Standard 22-inch wheels give the SUV a more solid and planted feel, with 24-inch alternatives available. The new “turbine” shape gives Navigator a sense of being in perpetual motion. And the copper option available with one of two new Black Label packages is even more of a standout.
Around back, the 2025 Navigator’s biggest change comes in the form of a split powered tailgate. The upper two-thirds lift out of the way and make it easy to get at the cargo compartment. The bottom third folds flat and has been carpeted so it can serve as a seat when, say, tailgating. There’s even a parcel shelf that can double as a table.
The 2025 Lincoln Navigator gets new power seats, an updated steering wheel, a large center console and more.
Interior upgrades
As you’d expect, the cabin is lavishly appointed, especially with one of the three Black Label packages that will be available for 2025. They offer distinctive new leather and metal finishes and unique, laser-etched wood veneers.
The Navigator’s seating has been upgraded and can be configured for seven passengers with either the standard captain’s chairs or new Power Tailored Chairs in the second row. A mid-row bench can be substituted for those who need seating for eight. The good news is that the back row is roomier and more comfortable than before and even can be fitted with a heated bench and multiple USB ports.
The fold-down third-row bench is split 40/20/40, making it easier to expand cargo capacity while still allowing a passenger or two in the back. Cargo capacity starts at 22.9 cubic-foot capacity with all seats up in the standard wheel-base model, jumping to 37.4 cf with the Navigator L. Fold down the back two rows and capacity jumps as high as 172.1 cf.
The new Navigator gets a split/power tailgate that can be used for tailgating. It offers access to massive cargo space with the seats folded down.
There plenty of storage space throughout the cabin, as well as multiple places to store – and wirelessly charge – a smartphone.
What will catch the eye first, however, is the pillar-to-pillar digital display.
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New display technology
Stretching 48-inches, the display first appeared in the latest Lincoln Nautilus update. In the wider Navigator, it doesn’t actually cover the entire – lowered – instrument panel. It’s framed by two of the 28 speakers used for the new Revel Ultima 3D audio system. (Both the digital display and the Revel package are standard on all Navigator trims.)
2025 Lincoln Navigator boasts a near pillar-to-pillar display screen and a new steering wheel, among other interior updates.
The new display replaces the traditional gauge and infotainment screens, as well as a head-up display. It’s broken up into various groupings, starting with gauges placed directly in front of the driver. The central region of the display handles navigation and the passenger side can handle up to three “widgets,” such as fuel economy or the weather forecast.
As has become the norm, there’s a minimum of traditional knobs and buttons – though Lincoln wisely retained a cut crystal volume knob. But there’s an 11.1-inch touchscreen on the center stack that can handle most basic functions, such as climate control and programming the 48-inch display.
The most controversial feature is likely to be found on the new steering wheel which is smaller than before – and flattened, top and bottom to make it easier to see the big display. It uses capacitive touch buttons that operate “contextually.” In other words, they can perform different functions at different times. Borrowing a page from Lucid and Rivian, two new entrants into the EV market, you have to use those buttons to operate the sideview mirrors. The most important settings on the 24-way driver’s side and 22-way front passenger seat have dedicated controls. But other functions also require using the steering wheel or touchscreen to set.
Tech, tech, more tech
New capacitive switches on the steering wheel are contextual and can operate a variety of different vehicle functions.
Everywhere you look inside the new Navigator there’s technology, starting with more than two dozen USB connectors.
The Revel audio system can access various built-in streaming services using a new 5G cellular connection. And it also can tap into various apps through wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also has Amazon Alexa. Like a number of other automaker’s Lincoln has migrated to the Google built-in operating system and its Digital voice assistant can operate a wide range of vehicle functions.
Personalize your vehicle settings and they’ll automatically be waiting for you when you start the Navigator using either your keyfob or a paired smartphone set up to work as a key.
For 2025, Navigator becomes the latest Lincoln model to add BlueCruise capability. That’s the Level 2+ system developed by the brand’s parent, Ford Motor Co. It allows hands-free operation on over 100,000 miles of U.S. and Canadian roadways and, in version 1.4, adds features such as the ability to execute a pass simply by tapping the turn signal stalk. Navigator comes with a 4-year subscription to the system.
Powertrain
All versions of the 2025 Lincoln Navigator draw power from a twin-turbo 3.6-liter V-6.
One of the few things the 2025 Lincoln Navigator carries over is its powertrain.
All versions rely on the same twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6. It makes 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. The engine is mated to a 10-speed automatic. All-wheel-drive is standard on all 2025 Navigators.
The big SUV can tow up to 8,700 pounds with the optional Heavy-Duty Tow Package installed. And Navigator now can be equipped with Ford’s Trailer Hitch Assist and Pro Trailer Backup Assist, both meant to make it easy to hitch up to and then maneuver a trailer.
Rejuvenate mode
The new Navigator picks up on Lincoln’s “Quiet Flight” approach to the luxury “experience.
“The all-new Navigator is more than just a vehicle; it can become a home away from home and a third space that rejuvenates clients in an entirely new way on and off the road,” boasts Craig.
The 2025 Lincoln Navigator can handles tailgate parties or turn into a spa on wheels.
Park and, with the touch of a button, you can activate Rejuvenate mode which might feel like you’ve walked into a high-end spa without ever leaving your vehicle. The interior is spritzed with one of three scents stored in a pocket in the center console. The massage seats activate. The ambient lighting switches to a more relaxing tone and soothing music gently starts to play, with customized videos suddenly taking over the big digital display.
Pricing, trims and availability
For 2025, Lincoln has dropped the old “base” Navigator Premier trim. It simply didn’t generate much demand, according to the SUV’s brand manager Randi Yassay. Buyers will have the choice of either the better-equipped Reserve or top-line Black Line packages.
As for pricing, “We’re expecting it to start under $100,000,” Yassay revealed during a conversation with Headlight.News. That’s a big jump from the old $83,000 entry price – but it delivers substantially more standard equipment, she stressed.
We’ll have to wait for the final numbers – as well as fuel economy rating. They should be released later in 2024 or early next year. The first of the 2025 Lincoln Navigators will reach U.S. showrooms by next spring. Expect to see the automaker open up an order bank before then, however.
Adjust your 24 way seat, somehow figure out how to adjust your radio (sorry, ‘Sound System”) and mirrors.
Go to Kroger for a gallon of milk and a loaf of bread.
Just doesn’t seem worth it.