Used 2021 Lincoln Navigator

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator full-size luxury SUV is the Ford Motor Company’s biggest and brightest star. Although based on the Ford Expedition, the Navigator most definitely carves its own high-class niche with bold styling and what is arguably the finest luxury interior in any SUV, American or European. The Navigator’s twin-turbocharged V6 produces 450 horsepower, more than some rivals’ V8s.

Practical as well as imposing, the 3-row Navigator and its extended Navigator L counterpart can accommodate seven or eight passengers easily, with plenty of room for baggage. The long-wheelbase Navigator L is matched only by the aging Cadillac Escalade ESV, but even the regular Navigator is roomier than a Volvo XC90, BMW X7, or Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class.

The regular 2021 Navigator is huge. It can be tricky in parking lots and on tight city roads. But that’s all part of the territory with a full-size SUV. It’s just that the Navigator is also big by full-size SUV standards. And the Navigator L is even larger.

Out on open roads, the Lincoln Navigator comes into its own. Its twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine generates a considerable 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. That’s sufficient muscle to move this big luxury SUV with some eagerness. The 10-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and quickly enough to leave it in Drive and skip using the paddles beneath the steering wheel.

The adaptive suspension supplies a mostly cushioned ride, but the larger wheel/tire combination will have a detrimental effect. With the exception of a constant growl from the exhaust, the cabin is quiet, and the blocky overall shape creates surprisingly little wind noise.

This is perhaps the most intriguing and attractive aspect of the 2021 Navigator. The top trim has multi-adjustable leather-covered seats with a floating-cushion design unlike anything else. And the door panels are adorned with leather, wood, and the Revel audio system’s distinct silver-embossed speaker grilles.

The dash is clean and arguably appealing, with a prominent center-mounted 10-inch touchscreen. The wide center console can house many items, including a wireless charging pad.

Lincoln has several colors and themes for the Navigator’s interior. We’re particularly fond of the tranquil light blue/grey color called Blue Bay offered exclusively in the Black Label trim.

Amid all this style, the Navigator supplies generous room for up to eight occupants (seven with the 2nd-row captain’s chairs). Behind the regular Navigator’s 3rd-row seat is 19.3 cubic feet of luggage space; the elongated Navigator L provides a cavernous 34 cubic feet.

The 2021 Navigator makes a big impression from the first glance with an enormous grille. Power-deployable running boards are standard, making entry and exit from this high-riding luxury SUV as elegant as possible. Around the back, Lincoln’s signature LED taillights span the tailgate, and the Lincoln name is spelled out in giant upper-case letters.

The silhouette is the same as a Ford Expedition, but the Navigator has enough detail to make it distinctive. Cool touches include the optional LED Lincoln badge in the middle of the grille and the way the dual-LED accents under the headlights scroll on and off.

There’s a choice of monochromatic packages in Ceramic Pearl, Pristine White, and Infinite Black. New colors for 2021 are Asher Gray, Flight Blue, Green Gem, and Signature Navy.

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

REVEL ULTIMA AUDIO SYSTEM
Developed by Harman Kardon, the Revel Ultima audio option is a must-have for music lovers. Available in Reserve and Black Label models, it builds on the standard Revel setup with 20 specially located 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 2021 Navigator comes in base, Reserve, and Black Label trim levels. Even the entry-level model has plenty of premium features.

Highlights include heated/ventilated front seats, power-adjustable steering column and pedals, heated/leather-covered steering wheel, 12-inch configurable driver information display, tri-zone automatic climate control, power-folding 2nd-row and 3rd-row seats, ambient cabin lighting, hands-free tailgate operation, adaptive suspension, rain-sensing wipers, power-retractable running boards, 110-volt outlet, and wireless smartphone charging.

The infotainment system bundles a 10-inch touchscreen with navigation, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration, six USB ports, wi-fi, and a high-end 16-speaker Revel audio system.

Safety features include Lincoln Co-Pilot360 that brings forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and trailer coverage, lane-keeping assistance, automatic high beams, front/rear parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, and a washer for the rearview camera.

Since indulgence is a big part of buying a luxury vehicle, then Reserve trim could be a good starting point, adding a 360-degree camera system, adaptive cruise control, 24-way power-adjustable front seats, memory settings for the front passenger seat, panoramic roof, and an illuminated Lincoln logo set into the grille.

Black Label adds 4-wheel drive, a head-up display, massaging/30-way power-adjustable front seats, parallel/perpendicular parking assistance, the 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system, and a choice of interior themes such as Yacht Club or Chalet.

Black Label trim is now eligible for a Special Edition trim that includes 22-inch alloy wheels, roof, and roof rails all finished in black, plus a body-colored mesh grille and side mirror housings. Owners of this trim also enjoy extensive customer service features.

A twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 provides the motivation for every 2021 Navigator. It generates 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, which drives the rear wheels (RWD) in standard form, although there is an optional 4-wheel drive (4WD) system, which is standard in the Black Label trim.

The transmission is a 10-speed automatic, and the maximum tow rating is 8,700 pounds with Trailer Tow package (optional in Reserve, standard in Black Label).

Despite the 2021 Navigator’s heft, it returns pretty solid highway fuel consumption figures in the highway, 21 mpg. The estimates below from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) apply to both drive configurations and both body styles.

Premium fuel isn’t required, although it is recommended for maximum performance.

Twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6
450 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
510 lb-ft of torque @ 3,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/21 mpg