2023 Lincoln Navigator Expert Review
Reviewed by Billy Rehbock
Fresh off an update for the 2022 model year, the Lincoln Navigator is the epitome of American luxury and opulence. This full-size flagship SUV is offered in standard and long-wheelbase variants and comes stuffed with high-tech convenience and safety appointments. The 2023 Lincoln Navigator competes with other flagship SUVs including the Cadillac Escalade, Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, and BMW X7.
What's New
- Electronic limited-slip differential added to Heavy Duty Trailer Tow package
- Manhattan Green exterior color availability expanded for Black Label trims
- Diamond Red Tri-Coat paint
What We Think
The Navigator isn't just one of the best vehicles Lincoln builds, it's one of the best luxury SUVs on sale right now. We were impressed with the Navigator from the moment it arrived, first naming it as a finalist at our 2019 SUV of the Year competition and declaring it the first-place winner of a comparison test against the BMW X7, Cadillac Escalade, and Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class. Since then, however, the Navigator has lost its lead in its rankings segment to the also-excellent Jeep Grand Wagoneer.
Motivated by a powerful twin-turbo V-6 engine as standard equipment, the Navigator can pass slow traffic on the freeway effortlessly. Handling impresses, especially for a vehicle of this size. One of the areas where we'd like to see some improvement is with ride quality, especially when it rides on the available 22-inch wheels. Fortunately, the available 30-way adjustable Perfect Position seats are very comfortable and come with massaging capability.
We love the looks of the Lincoln Navigator following its update for 2022, but in our First Drive review we found fault with the lack of sophistication in the ActiveGuide driver assistance tech. That high-end feature may need more refinement, but other genuine improvements from the 2022 refresh include a new responsive and intuitive display running Ford's Sync 4 infotainment system. We also liked the excellent rear-seat amenities.
The Navigator continues to be a compelling offering for those who desire a spacious, capable vehicle decked out in luxurious furnishings.
Performance and Fuel Economy
The 2023 Lincoln Navigator comes equipped with just one engine. The 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 develops 440 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels or available all-wheel drive via a 10-speed automatic transmission. In our testing, 0-60 mph happened in a brisk 5.9 seconds for a 2020 Lincoln Navigator Black Label equipped with 4WD. For 2022, RWD versions returned an EPA-rated 17/23 mpg city/highway, and 4WD versions were rated at 16/22 mpg.
Safety Ratings and Features
Lincoln equips the Navigator with an abundance of safety features. Standard equipment includes Lincoln's Intersection Assist, and Active Park Assist 2.0. Automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, and automatic headlights appear on every Navigator, as well. All models aside from the base Navigator receive ActiveGlide semi-autonomous driving system, Lincoln's version of Ford's BlueCruise technology.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
The Lincoln Navigator competes with the most spacious luxury vehicles on sale right now, and its interior specs are what we expect from its segment. In terms of maximum cargo space, the Navigator beats the Jeep Grand Wagoneer but falls short of the Cadillac Escalade. When you need even more space, don't miss the extended-wheelbase versions of all three luxury SUVs. On the 2023 Navigator, the extra-large versions have an "L" appended to the end of their name.
Lincoln Navigator vs Lincoln Navigator L
Lincoln offers an extended version of the Navigator called the Navigator L. On the outside, the Navigator is 210 inches long and 76.3 inches tall. The Navigator L measures 221.9 inches long and 76.1 inches tall. The Navigator L also gets a bigger gas tank. Whereas the regular Nav's tank's capacity is 23.6 gallons, the Navigator L can swallow 27.8 gallons. Legroom for the two vehicles is identical, but there's a big difference in cargo volume.
Cargo space (behind first/second/third rows):
- 2023 Lincoln Navigator: 103.3/57.5/19.3 cubic feet
- 2023 Lincoln Navigator L: 120.2/73.3/34.3 cubic feet
Legroom (first/second/third rows):
- 2023 Lincoln Navigator: 43.9/41.1/40.9 inches
- 2023 Lincoln Navigator L: 43.9/41.1/40.9 inches
Technology
The Lincoln Navigator boasts an impressive roster of standard technology. The list includes a 13.2-inch infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as Amazon Alexa voice command connectivity, a 12.0-inch fully digital instrument cluster, and wireless charging. A head-up display is optional on the Reserve trim and standard on Black Label models. A 14-speaker Revel audio system is standard while a 20-speaker premium setup from Revel is available on Reserve models and standard on the Black Label trim.
Rear-seat passengers are treated to unique amenities including a 5.8-inch digital display with controls for the climate and audio. Lincoln also offers 10.1-inch entertainment displays with wireless headphones, voice controls, and wireless streaming via Bluetooth and Amazon Fire TV. A 28-speaker Revel audio arrangement can also be optioned as the range-topping setup.
What Is Lincoln's Black Label Trim?
Black Label is the highest Lincoln trim level and includes the fullest extent of luxury amenities the brand offers. Customization is a focus; Lincoln offers seven exterior paint colors and four interior themes with distinct color combinations. Yacht Club, with its Coastal Blue leather surfacing and contrasting Alpine white stitching, is a standout. Black Label versions of the Navigator ride on 22-inch alloy wheels and bear an illuminated version of the Lincoln badge on the grille. Ventilated, heated, and massaging 30-way adjustable front seats with heated captain's chairs for the second row are also standard. For 2023, availability of the excellent Manhattan Green paint was expanded to be available with the Chalet and Invitation interior themes.
With a Black Label Lincoln, you also get four years or 50,000 miles of complimentary maintenance plus Lincoln Pickup and Delivery, where the automaker will retrieve your car from you when it's time for service, provide a loaner, and then return your car when it's done.
