2025 Lincoln Navigator First Drive Review: A $100,000 Traveling Spa Experience

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      The 2025 Lincoln Navigator comes with a price tag of $101,990—and that’s before any additional features or upgrades. This was likely expected. Nowadays, even the Lexus LX starts at around $100,000, while Infiniti has its redesigned QX80 also in the six-figure range.

      Increased technology, luxury, safety features, and inflation contribute to these rising prices. It isn't merely a case of upcharging; rather, automakers are shifting towards the premium segment. However, “luxury” doesn’t exclude “mass market.” These six-figure vehicles are not niche supercars; they are SUVs tailored for families and chauffeur-related tasks, both of which are quite similar. Even during trips to soccer or lacrosse practice, the desire to keep up with the neighbors remains.

      Beverly Braga

      The entirely new Navigator, though, aims to stand apart from the crowd. While the neighbors may join in, they won't take center stage. Marketed as a sensory retreat on wheels (more details on that later), the revamped Lincoln full-size SUV also prioritizes capability and performance. While it may not be overly aggressive, the new Lincoln Navigator certainly isn't modest.

      The Essentials

      Available now, the 2025 Lincoln Navigator boasts a comprehensive redesign—well, mostly new. About 88% of it is fresh. The powertrain and chassis have been retained, but most of Lincoln’s flagship comes with new elements. The grille is notably taller and wider, making the previous version look rather slim. This grand grille is further emphasized by full-width signature lighting, with a similar light bar at the rear for design continuity.

      Beverly Braga

      An interesting detail borrowed from the mid-size Nautilus is the horizontal lines etched into the third-row window. This design choice not only breaks up the visual mass of the large glass panel but also connects with the light pattern, reinforcing a sense of symmetry.

      Inside, the new Navigator showcases salon-like seats dedicated to personal comfort, including full-body massage features even in the second row. Unique in its segment is the 40/20/40-split third row, which can be added to the second row as an option. While the last row does not offer massage or ventilation, it can still be heated.

      Beverly Braga

      If you appreciate screens, the Navigator is equipped with a 48-inch panoramic display atop the dashboard, while the individual data nodes can be customized via an 11.1-inch touchscreen below. There’s a 5.8-inch digital control panel for the second row as well. The infotainment system, based on Google, can sync with Google accounts or mirror Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as per your preference. Regardless, it boasts quick processing speeds and sharp graphics, yet, as with many advanced connectivity systems, the multitude of menus and submenus can be overwhelming.

      Driving Impressions

      Under the hood, the new Navigator is powered by a familiar 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive. This engine performs quite well, boasting 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, more than adequate for steering this sizable vehicle. It feels more stable than the Nautilus, though few would choose a Navigator for its driving dynamics.

      Beverly Braga

      That said, I found the steering remarkably precise during my test drive. The route included numerous elevation changes and sweeping curves, along with some blind turns in the Cuyamaca Mountains, yet this luxury vehicle navigated through wine and pie country with ease and composed refinement. The drive modes—Conserve, Deep Conditions, Excite, Normal, Slippery, and Slow Climb—seemed a bit gimmicky.

      However, my primary focus was not on speed or fuel efficiency during the test. On highways, I let the latest BlueCruise 1.4 take over and maintain the speed limit. Although the Navigator is poised and powerful, its base weight stands at 5,929 pounds. The EPA rates it at 15 mpg in the city, 22 on the highway, and 17 combined. During a mostly downhill 86-mile journey, I managed a respectable 21 mpg, but uphill driving dropped the combined average into the teens.

      Beverly Braga

      The updated BlueCruise system worked impressively well. Activating it requires just a single button, allowing for hands-off, eyes-up driving. New features like Lane Change Assist and In-Lane Repositioning made auto lane changes as simple as signaling. The repositioning function, which I refer to as “semi-truck avoider,” shifts slightly away from larger vehicles, a barely noticeable maneuver due to the Navigator’s size taking up most of the lane.

      The system maintained speed and distance confidently and adjusted smoothly to changing road conditions. Some Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) can be overly cautious or deactivate unexpectedly. The only time I needed to ret