2019 Lincoln Navigator

Overview

The 2019 Lincoln Navigator could be called the Taj Mahal, with its massive size and spectacular style. Lincoln has been working hard for years to overcome its image as an automaker for the aged and this comprehensive redesign of its flagship SUV, complete with a midcentury-modern exterior and a plush interior treatment, may have finally done the job. The Navigator's 450-hp twin-turbo V-6 provides effortless power despite the massive SUV's just-over-three-ton curb weight, and features such as massaging seats and a panoramic sunroof are convincingly luxurious. Lincoln has work to do before the Navigator can match the most prestigious of its luxury-SUV rivals, but it should no longer be an afterthought for buyers who seek full-size—make that mega-size—luxury.

What's New for 2019?

In addition to a new optional wheel design, mid-range Reserve models receive the Technology package as standard equipment. This includes a self-parking feature, adaptive cruise control, a head-up display, automatic high-beam headlamps, lane-keeping assist, and automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection. Black Label models now come standard with 30-way adjustable front seats and now can be equipped with a second-row bench seat. Three new colors join the palette: Infinite Black, Ceramic Pearl, and Silver Jade.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

There's no point in buying a huge luxury-brand SUV and then skimping on features. But we also wouldn't shell out for the Navigator in the expensive Black Label trim. The Reserve trim strikes a good balance, and the long-wheelbase L model means there is plenty of space for cargo even with all three rows of seats in use. The Reserve L comes standard with a 360-degree exterior camera system, a panoramic sunroof, and all-wheel drive. The 20-speaker Revel audio system is a relative bargain and we'd splurge for the 30-way massaging front seats.

Engine, Transmission, Performance, and Towing

Likes: Powerful twin-turbo V-6 engine, smooth-shifting transmission, burly towing capacity.
Dislikes: Clumsy handling, unrefined ride on optional 22-inch wheels, none of the available drive modes make it fun.

The 2019 Navigator has only one engine-and-transmission combination, but with 450 horsepower, one is all it needs. We found the Navigator to be responsive and genuinely speedy, and the 10-speed automatic shuffles through gears adeptly enough to avoid perturbing dozing passengers. Every Navigator comes with six preprogrammed drive modes. Each mode adjusts steering effort, throttle-pedal response, suspension settings, and the all-wheel-drive system (if equipped). The Navigator's maximum towing capacity is a stout 8700 pounds.

At our test track, the standard-wheelbase Navigator snapped off a quick 5.4-second zero-to-60-mph run and the long-wheelbase model almost matched it at 5.5 seconds. Straight-line performance is where the Navi's performance potential begins and ends. Steering feel is numb and the Navigator's sheer bulk prevents it from being a vehicle that encourages enthusiastic driving. But the most serious problem with our test vehicles was their ride quality. Wearing optional 22-inch wheels, the Navigator was sometimes jittery, and sharp impacts were followed up by bouncing rebounds, the worst of both worlds.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Unlike its V-8 competition, the Navigator employs a downsized, twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 and a 10-speed automatic transmission in the quest for better fuel economy. Despite its smaller engine, it's far from fuel efficient and proved unexpectedly thirsty during our real-world highway testing. Despite a highway-fuel-economy rating from the EPA of 21 mpg, our test vehicle delivered 18 mpg over 200 miles.

Interior, Infotainment, and Cargo

Likes: Most spacious three-row SUV, standard- and long-wheelbase models available, upper trims are downright palatial.
Dislikes: Lower trims are too-obviously lower trims, some infotainment buttons are too small, short-wheelbase model has little cargo room behind third row.

The Navigator's interior is lavishly spacious and genuinely luxurious. Materials such as open-pore wood trim and massaging front seats are only available in the upper trim levels, but even entry-level Navigators have much to offer. The Navigator's third row is one of the best examples of that seating arrangement. There are 1.1 inches more legroom in the Navigator's third row than that of the Mercedes-Benz GLS-class, and other competitors fall even further behind. The Navigator offers optional 30-way-adjustable massaging front seats, a keystone feature for Lincoln's flagship SUV. The seats are almost sculptural and are so customizable that you can even adjust the individual left and right thigh supports to different heights. The whole interior is carefully crafted, although lower trims feature more faux leather and plastic than did our Reserve test vehicle and dull the feeling of sybaritic luxury.

The Navigator comes standard with an eye-catching 10.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system and has USB ports in every row. We generally like using Lincoln's Sync 3 infotainment system (borrowed from parent company Ford). The graphics are slick but easy to read—important for Lincoln's presbyopic clientele—and the huge screen is like a glittering jewel atop the Navigator's prow. Every Navigator comes with a five-year subscription to Lincoln's smartphone app and related services, and the standard navigation system includes a six-year subscription to SiriusXM's Traffic and Travel Link.

The Navigator's immense size can be a drawback when weaving through traffic or attempting to park, but it's a huge boon when it comes time to pack for vacation. Short-wheelbase models have limited cargo space with all three rows in use; cargo space is abundant with the third row folded. Long-wheelbase L models have cargo room aplenty even with the third row in use.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)

View Crash Test Results

The Navigator has not been crash-tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, but it received five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Lots of driver-assistance technology is available, but very little of it is standard. Key safety features include:

• Standard blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
• Available automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Available adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Lincoln's warranty coverage roughly matches that of its competitors, but there are a few perks that help the company's customer-service practices stand out from the herd. Lincoln will pick up vehicles for service from an owner's home, for instance, and return them when they're done. Owners who choose the Black Label trim enjoy four years of complimentary scheduled maintenance instead of one year, an unfortunate reminder to some Navi buyers that there is always someone richer than you. For comparison, the Cadillac Escalade—the Navigator's crosstown rival—offers just one free service visit within the first year of ownership.

• Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers 6 years or 70,000 miles
• Complimentary scheduled maintenance covered for up to 4 years or 50,000 miles