Used 2023 Lincoln Navigator

It doesn’t get much grander than the Lincoln Navigator among luxury SUVs. Then again, this behemoth admittedly competes in a rather exclusive segment: Full-size 3-row luxury SUVs. Its most direct competitor is the Escalade from crosstown rival Cadillac, along with potentially the new Jeep Grand Wagoneer. Still, we’d be remiss not to mention other possible contenders like the Mercedes-Benz GLS and possibly the Lexus LX 600 and Infiniti QX80.

The Navigator further stands out — especially from those latter three models — in that it’s available in two sizes: Big and bigger. The standard Navigator will suit most well-to-do buyers’ needs for hauling people and towing their toys. For those who need even more cargo room, there’s the extended-length Navigator L.

It’s hard not to feel like the king of the road when piloting the Navigator. That’s the sensation that comes to mind every time we climb in and test one. Driving the Navigator is a special feeling, and with it come some opposite yet attractive sensations.

For example, for such a commanding sense of the road afforded by the Navigator, it’s also blissful. You sit high up and feel securely ensconced in its cabin, with your right foot having instant command of the 440 horses under the hood. The Navigator’s twin-turbo V6 enables plenty of get-up-and-go, yet even the Lincoln’s swift acceleration happens in a hushed manner.

There are few pretensions of sportiness. Smooth and calm is the modus operandi here as the Lincoln glides along. One of the Lincoln’s fanciest features, speaking of gliding, is its ability to drive itself. Well, kind of. The available ActiveGlide system allows hands-free driving on certain roads, similar to Cadillac’s Super Cruise system.

Standard is an adaptive cruise control system, which takes a hands-on approach (literally). We appreciate that as luxurious as the Navigator’s cabin is, it’s still easy to reach and control common functions such as climate, audio, and the like. You won’t have to fuss with haptic feedback or pinpoint a dot on a touchscreen just to turn on the seat heater.

The Navigator does, however, use buttons to get into drive, park, reverse, etc., and that can take some getting used to.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator can seat either eight passengers or seven passengers total, depending on whether you opt for a second-row bench seat or a pair of captain’s chairs.

Whatever setup, you’ll be in for a treat. Lincoln likes to describe its cabin as a “sanctuary,” and that isn’t just marketing speak. Lincoln’s interior design is among the best out there, and the Navigator is at the top of the brand’s lineup.

This description is truer still if you go all-in with the Black Label edition, which is offered in themes such as Central Park, Invitation, Yacht, and Chalet. But even the least expensive Navigator is awash in luxurious features meant to soothe. Think heated and ventilated front- and second-row seats, the ability to use your phone as the key, and a concierge service.

If you’re the type of driver or front passenger who fusses with having their seat in the absolute perfect position, you’ll like the Navigator’s optional 30-way seats with massage function.

As for space, it comes in spades. Even the third row boasts up to a copious 40.9 inches of legroom. The Navigator L cargo room behind the third row stretches from 20.9 cubic feet to 36, and max space with seats folded expands from 103.4 cubic feet to 120.3.

The Lincoln Navigator has a big, bolt, rectangular design, but it’s all dressed in an opulent fashion. Up front is a massive honeycomb grilled with the Lincoln logo embedded in the center. Chrome glistens in various trim pieces, and wheels come in 20 inches or 22 inches.

The Navigator L is nearly a foot longer than the standard model. The Navigator L measures 221.9 inches in length versus the standard model’s 210 inches.

1. Revel audio systems
Revel is a high-end audio brand that is part of the Harman conglomerate. Even the base Revel system used in the entry Navigator model sounds outstanding.

2. ActiveGlide
This innovative hands-free driving system is among the most advanced driver-assist systems available. It currently works on 130,000 miles of North American roads.

3. Two sizes available
The Navigator is a giant, for sure, but for buyers needing even more cargo room, the Navigator L extended-length model should do the trick.

4. SYNC 4 infotainment system
We’ve long liked the user interface of this infotainment system found in Lincoln and Ford vehicles, and it’s only gotten better. Last year the screen grew to 13.2 inches, easily keeping up with the times.

5. Power-retractable running boards
The Navigator sits high off the ground, and drivers and passengers who need some help climbing in — including some of our editors — will surely appreciate this extra step. It’s optional on base models and standard in Reserve and Black Label trims.

All Navigator models use a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine that makes 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque — robust figures that won’t make you miss a V8. That power goes through a 10-speed automatic transmission that we’ve found to be a smooth operator.

The only choice in the powertrain department is whether you want the standard rear-wheel-drive (RWD) setup or the optional 4-wheel drive (4WD). The Navigator’s towing capacity ranges from 8,100 to 8,700 pounds, depending on the model.

Note that the fuel economy figures below are from the 2022 model, but we don’t expect changes from the EPA for 2023.

3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6
440 horsepower @ 5,850 rpm
510 lb-ft of torque @ 3,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/23 mpg (RWD), 16/22 mpg (4WD)

4/50 Warranty

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator is covered by a 4-year/50,000-mile warranty. The powertrain is covered by a 6-year/70,000-mile warranty.