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 every segment of the market – but Navigator lately has lost ground to the Cadillac Escalade. Now, Lincoln is determined to prove it won’t take a back seat to its crosstown rival. Does it deliver? Headlight.News has this review of the 2025 Lincoln Navigator.
The fifth-generation Lincoln Navigator.
Leather, wood, chrome. Along with big engines, those are the traditional attributes of a luxury vehicle. But the world has changed in recent years, 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.
Getting its first major makeover since 2017, the new model is a much-needed replacement for an SUV that was growing tired and fading against its most formidable competitor, the Cadillac Escalade — as well as wannabe alternatives like the new Infiniti QX80 and Lexus LX.
The fifth-generation SUV won’t shock those familiar with the big Lincoln. The exterior has some nice touches, but its far from groundbreaking. The interior is another story, introducing some striking new details, such as the near pillar-to-pillar digital display. Indeed, the 2025 Lincoln Navigator is a technical tour de force that, when you desire, can transform itself into a soothing mobile spa. But it doesn’t skimp on traditional luxury details, either.
To get a feel for the 2025 Lincoln Navigator I headed out to San Diego for a first drive.
New design
Lincoln designers used lighting to give the 2025 Navigator a more distinctive apperance.
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 mammoth 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.
Interior upgrades
Navigator adopts a digital display layout first seen on the brand’s Nautilus SUV.
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.
There plenty of storage space throughout the cabin, as well as multiple places to store – and wirelessly charge – a smartphone.
What first catches the eye, however, is the pillar-to-pillar digital display.
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New display technology
To make it easier to see the display Lincoln adopted a smaller, flattened steering wheel.
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.)
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 and more tech
An 11-inch display on the center console controls the bulk of Navigator functions.
Everywhere you look inside the new Navigator there’s intriguing technology, starting with more than two dozen USB connectors.
Black Label models come standard with a 28-speaker 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
Among the few things carried over for 2025: Navigator’s twin-turbo 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, as is an adaptive suspension with continually controlled damping.
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.
Driving impressions
A copper-themed Navigator Black Label package.
Most of my time in San Diego was spent driving the 2025 Lincoln Navigator L. At nearly 19 feet in length, and weighing in at 6,044 pounds, this is one massive beast. But unlike earlier incarnations, the SUV proved far nimbler on both highway and back roads than one might otherwise expect.
It maneuvered easily as my copilot and I raced along the twisty back roads leading up to the old mining town of Julian. There was far less body roll than some competitors, and the steering was precise, with just the right amount of boost and good road feedback. The active damping system sorted out most of the big bumps without seeming floaty, a problem with early generations of Navigator.
There are likely still those who would prefer a V-8 under the hood, but I found the current V-6 to be up to the task. That said, I wouldn’t complain if Lincoln were to bring in a viable alternative to Cadillac’s extreme machine, the 750-hp Escalade-V. In keeping with Lincoln’s “quiet flight” philosophy, the engine on the Navi barely hums in the background unless you put your foot to the floor. Even then, it’s surprisingly mute unless you’ve opted for “Excite,” Lincoln’s equivalent of Sport Mode. That makes throttle, steering and transmission, as well as the dynamic suspension, come alive.
On the whole, I came to like most of what Lincoln has done with the 2025 Navigator, including the new gauge cluster. That said, the automaker needs to seriously rethink its strategy when it comes to controls. I found those on the steering wheel less functional than in the old Navi, and I was particularly frustrated to see that you had to turn to the 11-inch touchscreen on the center console to adjust both the steering wheel and mirror positions. Even to adjust the climate control vents. Such functions simply aren’t intuitive, nor logical. And they will never be as easy to use as conventional mirror, wheel and vent controls. I hope Lincoln won’t wait too long to change back.
Rejuvenation mode
The 2025 Lincoln Navigator offers plenty of passenger and cargo space.
While driving, I alternated between Excite and several other driver-controllable settings. But it wasn’t until I got back to my home base that I checked out Rejuvenate mode which, according to Lincoln, can transform the cabin into a “spa on wheels.”
I’ll let the automaker explain: “While in park, a tap of the touchscreen activates a five- or 10-minute Rejuvenate experience. The driver’s seat slides rearward, reclines, warms slightly and begins massaging. The steering wheel moves up and away. And calming visuals fill the center stack and panoramic display, complemented by ambient lighting and soothing sounds as a subtle fragrance fills the cabin. The standard Lincoln Digital Scent feature is class-exclusive in the all-new Navigator SUV.
I checked out the Waterfall Meditation, as well as the Aurora Borealis and Elements themes and I imagine there’ll be more than a few owners who will blissfully, if briefly slip off into another state of mind once they return home at the end of a long day.
Final Thoughts
Unique Black Label wheels, here with copper accents.
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. Buyers will have the choice of either the better-equipped Reserve or top-line Black Line packages. They’ll also have a choice of the standard wheelbase model and the longer Navigator L.
Pricing for the “base” Navigator Reserve starts at $101,990, the Reserve L jumping to $104,980. At the upper end, the 2025 Lincoln Navigator Black Label will set you back $118,490, the Black Label L coming in at $121,485. Those figures include $1,995 in delivery fees.
You’ll already find the new Lincoln Navigator available in U.S. showrooms.
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