Large size for the win. The Navigator makes no apology for its size. The standard model is long enough for some, but the extended wheelbase version simply extends its handsome and imposing looks over more sheet metal, benefiting the passengers with more space and larger cargo room.
The Navigator shares its bones with the Ford Expedition and thus has a similar layout with a square-jawed stance that at once evokes power and beauty. It’s a modern interpretation of the traditional SUV on the outside while a retro-themed expression dominates the interior.
The expansive grille, strong shoulders, lovely profile sculpting and trim pieces, and wide liftgate are among the style points spread across its body. The Navigator is a welcome option to the large crossover utility vehicles available today. Both have a similar mission, but the seating and storage capabilities of the Navigator are matchless.
Perfect 10 for comfort. The Lincoln Navigator excels in several areas, but it leads in comfort. We give the Navigator an edge over the Cadillac Escalade, itself all-new for 2021. The Navigator seats 8 in comfort and supplies up to 120.2 cubic feet of cargo space with the long-wheelbase version.
The standard leather-upholstered front seats are comfortable for big adults. Move up the trim range and the seats offer 30-way adjustment and are heated, cooled, and supply massaging. The middle row has a bench seat, but if you can do without one seating position, a pair of captain’s chairs are the better choice.
Even tall people will enjoy these seats with ample room to sit behind other tall people. The captain’s chairs also help the third-row passengers access their seats, especially with the fantastic sliding forward capability of the second row. Choice materials throughout the cabin with excellent fit and finish help the Navigator to match the quality of Europe’s finest SUV. Daresay us that Bentley is one of the brands it matches in beauty?
Ample performance on demand. The V8 engine has long-powered the full-size SUV, but Lincoln shows us that a twin-turbocharged V6 engine is more than up to the task. Displacing 3.5 liters, this engine develops 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque.
Even when fully loaded, the Navigator goes from 0-60 mph in under 7 seconds. Power travels to the rear wheels or to all four wheels utilizing a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission. In four-wheel-drive guise, the Navigator offers improved control on sleek roads with adaptive dampers and an independent suspension supplying excellent handling and a comfortable ride.
The Navigator isn’t ideal for punishing off-road excursions, but it’ll pull you out of mud slough with ease. Towing is also one of its strong suits, with a maximum 8,700-pound tow rating waiting to be tested.
Safety beyond its size. Large SUVs are safer than small cars both for their size and high profile. That said, the safety testing is incomplete as the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has yet to crash one.
On the other hand, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has put the Navigator through the paces and gives this burly SUV a 5-star rating. All Navigator trims come with a strong roster of safety equipment, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, active lane control, and automatic emergency braking.
Some models offer a head-up display, a surround-view camera system, automatic high beams, and active parking assist. You’ll need these features as outward vision is restricted, especially directly behind the Navigator.
Final thoughts. The available Black Label interior choices are among the best we’ve ever seen in this industry. Not only do you get a choice of three interior choices, but Lincoln includes standard four-wheel drive, 22-inch machined aluminum wheels, and a Revel Ultima Audio System. At this price point, your cost tops $100,000, which isn’t a surprise for all that this model offers.
