Used 2020 Lincoln Navigator

The crowning jewel in the Ford Motor Company crown is the 2020 Lincoln Navigator. Once just a warmed-over Expedition, the newest Navigator has come into its own, with bold styling and what is arguably the finest luxury interior in any SUV, American or European. As functional as it is opulent, the 3-row Navigator, and its extended cousin, the Navigator L, can easily accommodate seven or eight passengers, with plenty of room for baggage.

In its long-wheelbase form the Navigator is matched in size only by the aging Cadillac Escalade ESV, but even the standard Navigator is more voluminous than a Volvo XC90, BMW X7 or Mercedes-Benz GLS. Power for the Navigator comes from a twin-turbocharged V6 generating 450 horsepower, more than some rivals’ V8s. Base and Reserve trims are powered by their rear wheels (2WD), while 4-wheel drive (4WD) is optional on both and standard on the Black Label models.

Even the standard Navigator is huge, so by nature it’s a lot to manage in parking lots and even tighter city roads. That just comes with the territory of a full-size SUV, and even among full-size SUVs, the Navigator stands out. The Navigator L is larger still.

Once on the open road, however, the new Navigator comes into its own. This big Lincoln SUV’s standard 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine puts out 450 horsepower and prodigious torque — 510 lb-ft. That’s plenty to move this big SUV, and the 10-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and quickly; we suggest leaving it in Drive and skipping the paddles.

The suspension offers active shocks for a smooth ride, and in our testing the large Lincoln had little issue with the kinds of beat-up roads in the Los Angeles region. Inside it’s quiet, with very little wind noise despite the blocky shape, an exception being the constant growl of the exhaust.

Without question the most intriguing aspect of Lincoln’s 2020 Navigator luxury SUV is its interior. Just open the door and you’re immediately greeted by multi-adjustable leather seats with a floating-cushion design unlike anything out there. The door panels are adorned with leather, wood and the Revel system’s unique silver-embossed speaker grilles.

The dash is clean and visually appealing, with a large, center-mounted 10-inch touch screen prominently featured. The wide center console has storage for all manner of items including a media bin with a wireless-charging pad. Lincoln offers a number of colors and themes for the Navigator’s interior; one our favorites, though, is a tranquil light blue/grey color called Blue Bay offered exclusively on the Black Label trim.

All this style hasn’t forgotten function, and the Navigator offers generous room for up to eight passengers (seven with the 2nd-row bucket seats). Behind the 3rd-row seat in the standard Navigator is 19.3 cubic feet of space, while the elongated Navigator L provides a whopping 34 cubic feet.

Lincoln’s new Navigator makes a big impression beginning at the front: The grille is enormous and inescapable. If you don’t like it, then this luxury SUV isn’t for you. Get past that and there are cool touches, like the aforementioned optional LED-lit Lincoln badge in the middle of the grille, or the cool way the dual LED accents under the headlights scroll on and off.

In back, there’s Lincoln’s signature LED taillights spanning the hatch, and “LINCOLN” spelled out in giant letters. The silhouette may be the same as a Ford Expedition, but the Navigator has enough detail work to make it distinctive. New this year is a series of monochromatic packages in Ceramic Pearl, Pristine White and Infinite Black. Power-deployable running boards are also standard, making entry and exit from the high-riding Navigator a bit less frightening.

DISTINCTIVE STYLE
The Navigator makes a bold statement, with its massive grille and headlight treatment, bright illuminated Lincoln logo and huge wheel-and-tire combination. But the real artistry resides inside, where Lincoln has created a world-class luxury environment steeped in modern design, technology and materials.

REVEL ULTIMA
Developed by Harman, the Revel Ultima audio option is a must-have for music lovers. Offered on Reserve and Black Label models, it builds on the standard Revel audio with 20 intentionally placed speakers as well as Stereo, Audience and Onstage listening modes. The system even includes a CD player, a nice thought for those reluctant to give up their collection.

The Navigator is offered in three trims: Base, Reserve and Black Label. Even in base form, the Navigator brings plenty of premium amenities. Highlights include leather upholstery for the first two rows, heated and ventilated front seats, power-folding 2nd- and 3rd-row seats, tri-zone climate control, hands-free power tailgate, adaptive suspension, rain-sensing wipers, power running boards, wireless-charging pad, universal garage remote and power-adjustable steering wheel and pedals.

The robust infotainment system bundles a 10-inch screen with navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a 16-speaker Revel high-end audio system.

The Navigator’s safety features include Lincoln Co-Pilot360 that brings parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, pre-collision assist with emergency braking, auto high beams, lane-keep alert and assist, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection and a rearview camera with washer.

If you’re going to spend as much as it takes to buy a Navigator, we’d suggest stepping up to at least the Reserve trim, which adds a 360-degree camera, a heated steering wheel, adaptive cruise control, memory passenger seat, panoramic vista roof and parallel-parking aid. The Reserve also includes the illuminated Lincoln logo in the grille and 24-way front seats. Black Label Navigator models add 4WD and boast the Revel Ultima audio system, head-up display, 30-way front seats, and the option for your Navigator to have a theme, such as “Yacht Club.”

Lincoln doesn’t mess around when it comes to performance, which is why regardless of trim, it will be powered by the same 450-horsepower twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6. Significantly more powerful than the same engine used in the Ford Expedition, the Navigator’s added horsepower and torque are put to good use via an amazingly responsive 10-speed automatic transmission.

The V6 moves the Navigator with vigor and permits a maximum tow rating of up to 8,700 pounds when properly equipped. The Navigator’s turbos don’t require premium fuel, although it is recommended for maximum performance. Despite the Navigator’s massive size, it returns pretty solid highway fuel-economy figures of up to 22 mpg, depending on the model and drivetrain.

3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6
450 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
510 lb-ft of torque @ 3,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/22 mpg (Navigator 2WD); 16/21 mpg (Navigator L 2WD); 16/21 mpg (Navigator & Navigator L 4WD)