Quickies: 2025 Lincoln Navigator
If their largest SUV wants to be the one to covet and own, they have to deliver on its statement of excellence.
It is no secret that Lincoln wants its mojo back.
As an American luxury brand, they are determined to make their own mark in the market again. They are doing so with new and refreshed vehicles that will sustain them for the here and now.
Which is why Serena Williams’ “mic drop” is a significant part of the 2025 Lincoln Navigator’s marketing strategy. If their largest SUV wants to be the one to covet and own, they have to deliver on its statement of excellence.
This is now the most desirable segment in the luxury car field. To deliver on design, luxury, technology and amenities matter the most. Performance, too.
A recent event in the Twin Cities brought me to meet the Kentucky-assembled 2025 Navigator and to get a closer look at how far Lincoln has taken their flagship SUV onto the next level. To fulfill the “mic drop.”
Design-wise, it is similar to the outgoing model. It has a few twists, though. One is a more integrated grille that follows the brand’s design language. That includes illuminated light bar and star logo. That is flanked by new LED headlamp units. In all, the idea of bold has been achieved.
The lines along the side and the roof silhouette are much cleaner and more modern. At the rear, a full length LED taillight unit juts out slightly to follow current brand design tenets. New for the Navigator is a Split Gate with the lower part making loading easier, while holding its weight. This long-wheelbase L model I drove at this event certainly makes its presence known.
Our 2025 Navigator L Reserve tester added black trim elements all around, known as the Jet Appearance Package. That included the grille and the large 22-inch wheels. I know it’s trendy to do blacked out trim, but it is expected that Lincoln does this. I would much prefer a more chromed/satin finished look. The cleanliness of the overall design is what makes the 2025 Navigator attractive to look at. Its presence is unmistakable.
Then you step inside the cabin. The first thing you will notice is the dashboard and the 48-inch Panoramic Display. This screen takes up almost the entire width of the bulkhead, while offering an array of digital displays. The left 24-inch screen is for instrumentation and critical vehicle information. It also houses two smaller screens that are enabled when you turn on the turn signal – something I have seen on two other manufacturers. The right screen is more for entertainment purposes for the front passenger.
While it is informative, the Panoramic Display does take some getting used to when you are driving. Part of it is the flat top and bottom steering wheel and the lack of a perfect sightline to the left display. If you adjust the steering wheel for your driving position, you could have a clear sight of the most important information. It is also further away than I would prefer. Personally, I would much rather have a head-up display on the windshield than trying to focus on the information on the screen ahead.
Speaking of adjustments, everything you need to make it better is on the Lincoln Digital Experience display. This is a hub for not only key controls; it is also the infotainment touchscreen. Again, this takes a learning curve to understand what I need to adjust myself and to find the right controls for certain functions. I found it to be a bit low for my driving position.
The Lincoln Digital Experience is powered by Google Built-in, however smartphone mirroring is also available.
Regarding key controls, Lincoln went all in on a pair of semi-haptic controls for the steering wheel. There is an extra step to know which controls you have to utilize on the “buttons.” Again, another learning curve to deal with on the 2025 Navigator.
On the plus side, the seats are sumptuous, comfortable and very roomy. Seating is available for up to seven with power folding seats in the second and third rows. The second row Captain Chairs are power adjustable for rake and recline. If you must ask, there is up to 121.6 cubic feet of cargo space in the long wheelbase model. There is 36.1 cubic feet behind the third row, which looks quite massive when you see it in person.
The 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged High Output EcoBoost V6 is the only engine available on the Navigator. There is 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque carrying this 6,051-pound SUV around town and beyond. A 10-speed automatic transmission is actuated from the steering column, with power going to all four wheels. You can also tow up to 8.700 pounds, as well.
Let’s get this out of the way: It’s a massive vehicle. It is also lithe and soft. Driving it around posed no problems in my short time with it. The ride felt controlled overall. When driven with care, your passengers will feel at home inside the Navigator.
For 2025, Lincoln offers three Navigator trims on both the regular and long wheelbase models. Pricing starts from $99,995. The L Reserve tester I drove came to a sticker price of $112,170.
A Navigator might not be your cup of tea. If it is, then you have to make some choices. Not just in terms of wheelbase or trim, but whether you should commit to the Navigator or go elsewhere. That should be determined by checking all of its competitors to see if you like the fit and finish, performance, practicality, technology and the level of luxury.
That caveat will point you in various directions. However, if it points to an SUV that coddles you with the latest technology and spoils you with exceptional luxury that is well executed – the Lincoln just might be your choice.
DISCLAIMER: Vehicle and event logistics provided by West End Lincoln, St. Louis Park, MN – our opinions are of our own
All photos by Randy Stern