2024 Lincoln Navigator Expert Review
Reviewed by Duncan Brady
Watch out, Floridians, there's a bigger 'Gator in town. The Navigator is the largest, most luxurious vehicle in Lincoln's portfolio and a three-row showcase of what the brand can do. As is the case with the Cadillac Escalade, the Navigator's toughest competition, the big Lincoln is available in standard and extended-wheelbase variants, both of which are packed with tech and plush materials. In addition to the aforementioned Caddy, the 2024 Lincoln Navigator competes with the Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, and BMW X7.
What's New
- 4WD is standard; RWD is no longer available
- Entry-level trim is now Premiere
- Flight Blue (last available for '22) replaces Ocean Blue
- BlueCruise 1.0 now available for Premiere
- BlueCruise 1.0 now gets a four-year subscription (up from two years) or three months on the Navigator Premiere
What We Think
Since prices can crest $100,000 on this big SUV, we're not surprised the Navigator is the best vehicle in Lincoln's lineup. What has surprised us is that the Navigator is among the most compelling luxury SUVs on sale since the current generation's launch for the 2018 model year. We named it an SUV of the Year finalist upon debut for its distinct, luxurious interior and excellent powertrain.
We've appreciated the Navigator's responsive, torque-rich twin-turbo V-6 that enables effortless highway passing, and Lincoln's flagship handles surprisingly well for such a huge vehicle. Ride quality isn't quite up to the standards of the segment, though, especially when the Navi is equipped with 22-inch wheels. Exceedingly customizable and supportive available 30-way adjustable seats help offset this shortcoming.
Driving a more recent variant, we encountered overly sensitive driver attention monitoring as part of Lincoln's BlueCruise hands-free driving system. We also pointed out the lousy fuel economy, and unfortunately Lincoln has said it has no plans to implement a hybrid setup any time soon. Although it's no longer our favorite full-size three-row luxury machine, the Navigator is still a great pick.
Performance and Efficiency
All Navigators come fitted with a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6, a 10-speed automatic, and 4WD. The engine develops a stout 450 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque which, based on our testing, is good for 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds. Fuel economy is decent for the segment but generally unimpressive at 16/22 mpg city/highway.
Safety Ratings and Features
Lincoln is generous with its safety features on the 2024 Navigator. Automatic emergency braking, automatic high-beams, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane keep assist, and an autonomous parking assist are all standard. Lincoln's BlueCruise hands-free driving system is included with a four-year trial on all but the base trim. Entry-levels models are available with the same tech but only get a three-month free trial.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
The standard-wheelbase Navigator has tons of room inside for up to eight people, although the Cadillac Escalade and Jeep Grand Wagoneer both provide more space for cargo behind the third- and second-row seats.
Technology
Every Navigator is packed with tech, including a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment setup (with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) and a 12.0-inch digital instrument cluster. Buyers can add a pair of 10.1-inch rear entertainment displays and a 5.8-inch touch display for rear passengers to operate the climate controls. The base SUV comes with 14-speaker Revel audio, but 20- and 28-speaker systems can also be had if you tick the right option boxes.
Is the Navigator L Much Bigger?
Lincoln offers a long-wheelbase Navigator L trim on the midlevel Reserve and range-topping Black Label trims; that additional length costs the buyer around $3,000. For that extra cash, you get a 9.1-inch-longer wheelbase, and total length jumps 11.9 inches. That translates to a bonus 16.9 cubic feet of cargo space, most of which you'll find behind the third row. Interior legroom doesn't change, but opting for the L ensures you'll have space for not only passengers but also all their cargo.
Recommended Trim
We've swooned over the ultra-plush Navigator Black Label, and the Reserve serves as a good middle ground, but we'd stick with the standard Navigator Premiere. The big Lincoln is exceptionally well equipped even at the base level with ample driver assists, the powerful engine, and seating for up to eight, plus you'll experience better ride quality by sticking with the smaller 20-inch wheels. The Reserve and Black Label are worth their higher asking prices and are necessary if you want a long-wheelbase Navi, but you can't go wrong here.
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