Several full-size SUVs have gotten an overhaul, and the Lincoln Navigator is no exception.
In the modern context, at least, Lincoln stakes the claim of inventing the large luxury SUV all the way back in 1997. Here we are, 27 years and three generations later, and the 2025 Lincoln Navigator is bringing a host of new styling and technological changes to the table. Strictly speaking, this isn’t an entirely new generation — but this refresh does complete the brand’s transformation from the compact Corsair all the way through to its long-running flagship.
So, what is new with the 2025 Lincoln Navigator? Its exterior design, for one, as it takes on a new front end with a bolder, larger grille and double-stacked, full-width LED lighting. Flanking the illuminated badge, the DRLs move outward underneath and around the headlights to simulate a bird taking flight (part of Lincoln’s “Quiet Flight” ethos). Around back, the full-width running lights arcing downward — again, reflecting the movement of a bird’s wings. Below those lights, designers implemented a large black trim piece with “Lincoln” lettering placed just below the taillights.
Broadly speaking, the new Navigator looks fairly similar to the outgoing model (again, this is technically a refresh), though designers homed in on deleting “old school” chrome from the equation throughout most of the exterior, and especially through the Jet Black Appearance Package, which completely replaces the chrome with dark accents. 22-inch wheels come standard, while you can get massive 24-inch wheels in high-gloss Ebony or “Luster Nickel” aluminum.
The top-end Black Label takes things a step further with certain “themes”, including Invitation, Enlighten and Atmospheric. The latter, in particular, takes inspiration from a stormy day, and incorporates more of a mellow Salt Crystal Gray with special Radiant Copper accents in the wheels and the grille, which you can see more closely in the video below.
Like before, the updated Navigator comes in its normal wheelbase (122.5-inch) variant, as well as the long-wheelbase (131.5-inch) ‘L’ model. Where you’ll feel the difference between the two is on the inside, particularly with greater cargo volume on the L (22.9 cubic feet versus 37.4 cubic feet respectively, with all seats in place).
One new feature the revamped Navigator picks up is a split-folding tailgate, so the Range Rover is no longer the only large SUV with that bragging right. For its part, the automaker does claim the “Split Gate” as a class-exclusive feature among its particular class of massive luxury SUVs. Lincoln’s tailgate works in conjunction with Open on Approach, rather than relying on waving your foot under the bumper. Anytime you’re within close range of the vehicle for up to four seconds, the tailgate will open automatically. There is a small exclusion area immediately behind the car, so it won’t open if you’re shimmying behind the Navigator in a garage, for example.
The 2025 Lincoln Navigator gets a major interior update
Step inside, and you’ll be greeted by a large 48-inch panoramic display, similar to the setup that debuted in the smaller Nautilus. The upper display is split into two segments, featuring driver information and maps on one side, with media information on the other. There’s still a center-mounted 11.1-inch touchscreen to access various apps (including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), but the Navigator gets a few extra party tricks. 14 USB-C ports are scattered throughout the cabin, including four in the second row and four in the third-row. Second-row passengers can get a wireless charging pad as an option on Black Label models.
BlueCruise semi-autonomous driving capability comes standard across the whole 2025 Lincoln Navigator range.
When the vehicle’s in park, Lincoln says that you can use “Pano Mode” to play video apps like YouTube and even video games, though we were not able to test it on the pre-production models we just saw in Detroit. Another major feature is the “Rejuvenate” app, which is a 5 or 10-minute experience accessible to the driver, again when the vehicle is parked. The driver’s seat slides forward and reclines, heats up slightly, starts the massage feature and the steering wheel moves away, aiming to help provide a sense of relaxation.
Adding to it, calming visuals — Lincoln did actually partner with the Calm software company to develop its program — take up the center stack and upper screen, while certain scents fill the air by way of refillable cartridges stored in the center console, as part of Lincoln’s “Digital Scent” feature. Each cartridge is designed to last 120 hours (or 720 10-minute sessions). You can choose whether to continue playing your own audio like music, play the audio file associated with each Rejuvenate program, or switch off sound. Navigator owners get a one-year subscription to Calm as part of the purchase.
As ever, the 2025 Lincoln Navigator seats up to eight passengers, though the a more luxurious option is available with the captain’s chair configuration on the second row. Just like the driver and passenger seat, you’ll be able to option “Power Tailored” seats that add in power-adjustable, heated and ventilated and massaging seats on the second-row. Third-row heated seats are also available, while the rearmost row comes in a 40/20/40 configuration.
Standard 2025 Navigator models get a 24-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and 22-way adjustable passenger seat, with heating, ventilation and massaging functions on the front row across the range. Once you step up beyond the Reserve to the Black Label, though, you get Lincoln’s 30-way front seats.
What the new Navigator doesn’t have
On the whole, the 2025 Lincoln Navigator aims to step up its luxury game against new offerings like the Infiniti QX80 and forthcoming Yukon, as well as the new Escalade. However, one of the rumors swirling about the new Navigator didn’t come to pass: a new hybrid powertrain. Instead, this model carries the existing 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 over from earlier model years, putting out 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. Official EPA numbers aren’t available yet, naturally, though they shouldn’t differ too much from the existing model.
For the moment, at least, Lincoln made no mention of a hybridized version of the V6 mill, like you can get with the Ford F-150 PowerBoost.
Each Navigator includes Pro Trailer Backup Assist as standard equipment, while towing capacity ranges between 8,400 pounds and 8,700 pounds with the available Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package. That’s slightly better on the low end (previous models started off at 8,100 pounds, if properly equipped), and the same at the upper end on models without the 24-inch wheels.
Lincoln has not yet announced pricing for the 2025 Navigator lineup, though we fully expect it to cost more than the outgoing version. For 2024, the Navigator starts at $85,260 and extends all the way to $116,060 for the Black Label L, before you even get into options and accessories. However, we should know more by the time the updated model reaches dealers next spring.
Like before, Lincoln will continue to build the Navigator at the Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville, alongside the Ford Expedition and Super Duty trucks.
