2023 Lincoln Navigator Review, Pricing, and Specs

We’ll let you decide whether the standard short-wheelbase model or the extended L-body style is right for you, but we’d recommend the Reserve trim either way. The Reserve adds desirable luxury features such as heated and ventilated front seats, a head-up display, power-adjustable steering and a host of driver assistance features. All-wheel drive is available for those who need it, and we also recommend the Heavy Duty Trailer Towing package for buyers who plan to take full advantage of the Navigator’s 8700-pound towing capacity.

Engine, Transmission and Performance

The 2023 Navigator has only one engine-and-transmission combination, but with 440 horsepower, only one is needed. We found the Navigator to be responsive and genuinely quick, and the 10-speed automatic shuffles through gears efficiently enough to avoid disturbing sleepy passengers. On our test track, the Navigator managed to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds. However, straight line performance is where the Navi’s performance potential begins and ends. Numb steering feel and bulky, soft suspension keep it from being a vehicle that encourages spirited driving. The Navigator’s ride is pleasant enough for a large luxury SUV, but rivals like the X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS class offering a more refined and sporting attitude on the road. When wearing the optional 22-inch wheels, the Navigator is sometimes jittery, and sharp hits are followed by bounce bounce—the worst of both worlds.

Real World Fuel Economy and MPG

Unlike its V-8 rivals, the Navigator uses a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 engine and a 10-speed automatic transmission in an effort to improve fuel economy. Despite its smaller engine, it’s far from fuel-efficient and earns a rating of 17 mpg city and 23 mpg highway in rear-wheel drive guise. For more information on Navigator fuel economy, visit EPA website.

Interior, Comfort and Cargo

The interior of the Navigator is very spacious and truly luxurious. Materials like open-pore wood trim and massaging front seats are only available on top trim levels, but the entry-level Navigator has plenty to offer. The Navigator’s third row is one of the best examples of that seating arrangement. There’s 1.1 inches more legroom in the Navigator’s third row than the class-leading GLS, and other competitors are lagging behind. The Navigator offers optional 30-way adjustable massaging front seats, an important feature for Lincoln’s flagship SUV. The seat is almost sculptural and so adjustable that you can even adjust the individual left and right thigh supports to different heights. The Navigator’s large size can be a drawback when navigating traffic or trying to park, but it’s a huge boon when it’s time to pack for vacation. Short wheelbase models have limited cargo space with all three rows in use; cargo space is plentiful with the third row folded. The long-wheelbase L model has plenty of cargo space even with the third row in use.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The Navigator comes standard with an eye-catching 13.2-inch touchscreen and USB ports in every row. The infotainment system’s graphics are smooth and easy to read—important for Lincoln’s presbyopic customers—and its large screen is like a glittering jewel atop the Navigator’s bow. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard and the system is capable of software updates over the air thanks to the onboard 5G Wi-Fi hotspot. A 14-speaker Revel stereo system is standard but a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D stereo is part of the optional Luxury package.

Safety Features and Driver Assistance

Lincoln also makes its Co-Pilot360 suite driver assistance technology standard on the Navigator and that includes blind spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection among other items. For more information about Navigator crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) website. Key safety features include:

• Standard blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert
• Standard automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Adaptive cruise control is available with a semi-autonomous driving mode

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Lincoln’s warranty coverage roughly matches its competitors, but there are a few perks that help the company’s customer service practices stand out from the crowd. Owners who choose the Black Label trim enjoy four years of free scheduled maintenance instead of just one.

• The limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers six years or 70,000 miles
• Free scheduled maintenance is covered for up to four years or 50,000

More Features and Specifications