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REVIEW: The All-New 2025 Lincoln Navigator
A Comprehensive Review and History
Introduction to the Full-Size Luxury SUV Segment
Full-size SUVs are the pinnacle of family utility and luxury. They’re spacious, powerful, and packed with features that cater to the needs of drivers and passengers alike. These vehicles are perfect for large families, long road trips, and anyone who values the versatility of a spacious interior combined with the ability to tow heavy loads. In the full-size luxury segment, competitors like the Cadillac Escalade, GMC Yukon Denali, and BMW X7 have historically been top contenders, offering varying mixes of power, luxury, and technology. However, the Lincoln Navigator, with its storied history and continued innovation, remains a standout choice for drivers looking for something that seamlessly blends performance and luxury with cuttingedge technology and safety features.
With the introduction of the 2025 Lincoln Navigator, the brand continues to build on its legacy, elevating the standard for what a full-size luxury SUV can offer. Lincoln has incorporated a completely redesigned interior and exterior, enhanced technological offerings, and more advanced driver-assist systems, making it the most sophisticated and capable Navigator to date.
A Brief History of the Lincoln Navigator
The Lincoln Navigator was first introduced in 1997, marking Lincoln’s foray into the large luxury SUV segment. It quickly became an icon, known for its commanding presence and opulent features. Its launch established a new segment—one that combined the rugged utility of a full-size SUV with the luxury and comfort typically found in high-end sedans. The Navigator’s success spurred other manufacturers to create their own luxury SUVs, making it a trendsetter in the automotive industry.
Over the years, the Navigator has gone through several significant changes, evolving through four generations before the release of the all-new 2025 model.
First Generation (1998-2002): The debut Navigator set the stage for Lincoln’s SUV success, featuring a V8 engine and seating for up to eight passengers. It was heavily based on the Ford Expedition but distinguished itself with a more refined interior and upscale features like a premium audio system and leather seating.
Second Generation (2003-2006):
The second-gen Navigator saw a complete redesign, including an independent rear suspension that provided a smoother ride compared to its competitors. The exterior styling was more angular and modern, and the interior received upgrades like wood trim and advanced safety features. This generation introduced the concept of a luxury SUV that not only performed well but also focused on passenger comfort.
Third Generation (2007-2017): This era marked the Navigator’s transition into a more powerful and tech-focused SUV. A new 5.4L V8 engine provided better performance, while a redesigned interior featured high-end materials, powerdeployable running boards, and additional safety technologies. During this generation, Lincoln also introduced the Navigator L, a longer-wheelbase version with additional cargo space.
Fourth Generation (2018-2024): The fourth-generation Navigator was a gamechanger. It debuted with a bold new design language, a twin-turbocharged V6 engine that replaced the previous V8, and an aluminum body that significantly reduced weight. It introduced advanced technologies such as a 12-inch digital gauge cluster and a 20-speaker Revel audio system. This generation solidified the Navigator as a true competitor to the Cadillac Escalade and other top-tier luxury SUVs.
The 2025 Lincoln Navigator: New Features and Innovations
The all-new 2025 Lincoln Navigator takes the SUV’s legacy to the next level. From its dramatic new exterior styling to its state-of-the-art interior features, the Navigator aims to redefine what a luxury fullsize SUV should be.
Design and Exterior: The 2025 Navigator sports a more modern and dynamic look. It features a signature grille flanked by redesigned lightbars that integrate seamlessly into the front fascia, giving it a strong and confident presence on the road. The new model offers 22-inch wheels as standard, with 24-inch highgloss Ebony or Luster Nickel aluminum wheels available for the first time.
Power and Performance: The 2025 Navigator continues to use the powerful 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. This engine is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission, delivering a smooth and responsive driving experience. Standard four-wheel drive ensures the Navigator is capable on a variety of road surfaces and weather conditions. With the available Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package, the Navigator boasts a towing capacity of up to 8,700 pounds, making it ideal for hauling boats, campers, or other heavy loads.
Interior and Comfort: The new Navigator offers an expansive and beautifully designed cabin, loaded with premium materials like genuine wood trim and leather seating. New for 2025 is the Lincoln Digital Experience, a 48-inch panoramic display that spans the entire width of the instrument panel. The display is intuitive and easy to use, with key information placed close to the driver’s line of sight. Another standout feature is the Lincoln Rejuvenate system, a “spa on wheels” experience that uses sight, sound, touch, and scent to help drivers relax during long road trips or while parked.
Rear-seat passengers are treated to first-class accommodations, including power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated captain’s chairs with massage functionality. The third row features Lincoln’s SoftTouch bench seat, providing comfort for up to three passengers. An available Cargo Tailgate Manager transforms the tailgate into a multi-level storage system or a seatback for tailgate events.
Technology and Connectivity: The Lincoln Digital Experience incorporates the latest in connectivity features. It includes a 48-inch panoramic display, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an 11.1-inch touchscreen control panel. For the first time, Lincoln has introduced Pano Mode, allowing the panoramic display to be used for video and gaming apps when the vehicle is parked.
The Navigator is also equipped with Lincoln BlueCruise hands-free highway driving. This advanced system helps reduce the stress of driving by managing braking, accelerating, and steering, making it one of the most advanced driver-assistance features in the segment.
Safety and Driver Assistance: The Navigator is packed with safety features, including Lincoln’s Co-Pilot360 system, which includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane-Keeping Assist, and Automatic Emergency Braking. New driver-assist technologies include Turn Signal View and Intersection Assist, which help drivers navigate busy roads with ease.
Lincoln Black Label Editions: Lincoln has expanded its Black Label offerings for the Navigator with two new themes: Enlighten and Atmospheric. Each theme is meticulously crafted with unique materials and finishes, providing a level of personalization and luxury that sets the Navigator apart from its competitors.
Why the Lincoln Navigator Matters
The Lincoln Navigator has always been more than just a full-size SUV— it’s a symbol of American luxury and craftsmanship. Over the years, it has evolved to meet the changing needs of luxury SUV buyers while maintaining its core values of comfort, performance, and sophistication. The 2025 Navigator continues this tradition with new innovations that make it one of the most compelling options in its class.
Whether you’re using it for family road trips, towing a boat to the lake, or simply enjoying a relaxing drive, the Navigator offers an experience that few other vehicles can match. With its combination of powerful performance, advanced technology, and refined interior, the all-new 2025 Lincoln Navigator is set to raise the bar for luxury SUVs once again.
See the new 2025 Lincoln Navigator at Tasca Lincoln in Cranston Rhode Island or Tasca Lincoln in Seekonk Ma.
