2023 Lincoln Navigator

Is the 2023 Lincoln Navigator a Good SUV?

Yes, the 2023 Navigator is a great luxury large SUV. With a long list of standard features and good fuel economy estimates for the class, this Lincoln has a lot to like, plus it’s a joy to drive. An impressively spacious cabin provides the cherry on top of the cake. 

Should I Buy the 2023 Lincoln Navigator?

You should absolutely consider the Navigator if you’re looking for a large luxury SUV. The Navigator has one of the most elegant interiors in the class, and its all-around performance is impressive. However, the competition is tough. Rivals worth checking out are the Jeep Grand Wagoneer, which has a top-notch cabin and can even handle light off-road escapades, and the Cadillac Escalade, which has plenty of features and a lower starting price than the Lincoln.

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2022 vs. 2023 Lincoln Navigator: What's the Difference?

There are no major differences between the 2023 and 2022 Navigator models.

Compare the 2022 and 2023 Navigator »

Here are the key changes for the Lincoln Navigator over the last few years:

• 2023: no major changes
• 2022: refreshed exterior; more standard and available features; upgraded infotainment system
• 2021: no major changes
• 2020: more standard features and a simplified trim lineup
• 2019: no major changes
• 2018: fully redesigned with a nicer interior, a more powerful engine and more available driver-assistance features

If you're considering an older model, be sure to read our 2020 Navigator, 2021 Navigator and 2022 Navigator reviews to help make your decision. Also, check out our Best New Car Deals and Best New Car Lease Deals pages to learn about savings and discounts you can find on new vehicles.

Pricing

How Much is a 2023 Lincoln Navigator?

The Navigator's base Standard trim has a starting MSRP of $77,635, which is an average starting price for the class. This trim includes leather upholstery in the first two rows and navigation. The Navigator Reserve, which costs $91,935 ($94,965) for the extended-length L model), has features such as Lincoln's ActiveGlide partially automated driving system and a surround-view camera system. The top-of-the-line Black Label starts at $109,255 ($112,300) for the longer model). It features 30-way power-adjustable and massaging front seats as well as a 28-speaker audio system, among other features.

Which Is the Best Lincoln Navigator Model to Buy?

We recommend the base Standard model. It has a significantly lower price tag than the higher trims and a slew of standard features, from front and rear parking sensors to a Wi-Fi hot spot to blind-spot monitoring. It also offers the choice between second-row captain’s chairs and a three-seat bench for no additional charge. Furthermore, the Navigator uses the same twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 across all trims, so the Standard is a great value.

Check out our U.S. News Best Price Program for great savings at your local Lincoln dealer. You can also find excellent manufacturer incentives on our Lincoln deals page.

2023 Lincoln Navigator Versus the Competition

Lincoln Navigator vs. Cadillac Escalade

The Cadillac Escalade is another great option in the luxury large SUV class and is one of the Navigator's biggest rivals. The Escalade offers more cargo space than the Navigator, but the Lincoln tops the Cadillac in performance. Both of these SUVs are the epitome of luxury and come with a long list of features and plenty of passenger space. You can’t go wrong with either SUV.

Compare the Navigator and Escalade »

Lincoln Navigator vs. Jeep Grand Wagoneer

The Jeep Grand Wagoneer provides tough competition for the Lincoln. With a stronger engine and more responsive handling than the Navigator, as well as offering a posh and spacious interior and a user-friendly infotainment system, this Jeep has a lot of impressive qualities. However, the Lincoln gets better gas mileage than the Jeep. Both SUVs sit near the top of the class and are worth consideration.

Compare the Navigator and Grand Wagoneer »

Compare the Navigator, Escalade and Grand Wagoneer »

Navigator Interior: Guiding the Way in Style

2023 Navigator Interior Quality

The 2023 Navigator has an interior worthy of its luxury classification. The cabin is built to last, with high-end materials such as genuine leather and wood trim. Every corner of the Navigator evokes upscale comfort. 

2023 Navigator Infotainment, Bluetooth and Navigation

This Lincoln boasts the SYNC 4 infotainment system, and it features cloud-based connectivity for over-the-air (OTA) software updates. The large touch screen has clear graphics and responds quickly to user inputs. A multitude of physical controls might seem daunting at first, but after a bit of practice, they’re a breeze to use.

• Standard infotainment features: a 13.2-inch touch screen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation, a Wi-Fi hot spot, satellite radio, five USB ports, a 14-speaker audio system and wireless device charging
• Available infotainment features: a 28-speaker audio system and a dual-screen rear entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV compatibility
• Additional standard features: tri-zone automatic climate control and remote start
• Other available features: a panoramic sunroof

For more information, read What Is Apple CarPlay? and What Is Android Auto?

2023 Navigator Cargo Space

Cargo space in the Navigator depends on configuration. The standard-wheelbase model has between 19.3 and 20.9 cubic feet of room behind the rear row and 57.5 to 63.6 cubic feet behind the second row. With both rows folded down, the space opens up to 103.3 cubic feet, which is a great figure for the luxury large SUV class.

The extended-wheelbase Navigator L has between 34.3 and 36 cubic feet of space behind the rear row and 73.3 to 79.6 cubic feet behind the second row. The max cargo space is 120.2 cubic feet with the back two rows folded down.

A hands-free power liftgate and power-folding seats make loading items much easier. Notably, in models with captain’s chairs, the second-row center console doesn’t move, so you won’t be able to lay a large item flat, even with the seats folded down.

How Many People Does the 2023 Navigator Seat?

The three-row Navigator seats seven people with the standard second-row captain’s chairs, or it can seat eight if you opt for the second-row bench seat. Regardless of the setup, every seat provides comfortable and supportive seating.

2023 Navigator and Child Car Seats

There are two or three complete sets of LATCH connectors for the Navigator’s second-row seats, depending on whether you opt for the captain’s chairs or bench seat. The third-row outboard seats also get a complete set of connectors.

Read more about interior »

Navigator Performance: (Almost) the Full Package

2023 Navigator Engine

Every 2023 Navigator trim features the same spunky twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, and it puts out 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. It has peppy acceleration and plenty of power for merging or passing on the highway. The 10-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly.

2023 Navigator Gas Mileage

The Navigator gets above-average fuel economy estimates for the class thanks in part to its V6 engine (many of this Lincoln’s competitors come with a V8). Rear-wheel-drive models return 17 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway, while four-wheel-drive models dip to 16/22 mpg city/highway. 

2023 Navigator Ride and Handling

Despite its massive size, the Navigator has composed handling, minimal body roll and a fairly comfortable ride quality. However, some critics note that the steering lacks feedback and that some competitors have smoother rides. 

2023 Navigator Towing Capacity

When properly equipped, this Lincoln can tow up to 8,700 pounds, which is equivalent to the weight of a small-to-medium-sized trailer.

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Navigator Reliability

Is the 2023 Lincoln Navigator Reliable?

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator does not have a predicted reliability score at the time of writing.

2023 Lincoln Navigator Warranty

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator is backed by a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Read more about reliability »

2023 Lincoln Navigator Safety

2023 Navigator Crash Test Results

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has not fully crash tested the 2023 Navigator, but it did give the Lincoln five out of five stars in the side crash test. Rear-wheel-drive models received three stars in the rollover test, while four-wheel-drive models earned four stars.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has not crash tested the 2023 Navigator.

2023 Navigator Safety Features

Standard driver-assistance features:

• Rearview camera
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Forward collision warning
• Forward automatic emergency braking
• Pedestrian detection
• Automatic high-beam headlights
• Lane-keep assist
• MyKey (allows you to do things like set speed and audio volume limits for secondary drivers)

Available driver-assistance features:

• ActiveGlide (allows for partially automated driving on some roadways)
• Adaptive cruise control
• Head-up display (shows pertinent driving and navigation information directly on the windshield)
• Surround-view parking camera system
• Automatic park assist

2023 Navigator Dimensions and Weight

The Navigator is 17.5 to 18.5 feet long. Its curb weight ranges from 5,633 to 5,854 pounds.

Where Is the 2023 Lincoln Navigator Built?

Lincoln builds the 2023 Navigator in Kentucky.

2023 Lincoln Navigator Models and Trims

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator comes in three trims: Standard, Reserve and Black Label. The extended-wheelbase L body style is available in Reserve and Black Label trims. Every model features the same 440-horsepower twin-turbocharged V6 engine mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard in the lower trims, and four-wheel drive is available, though it’s standard in the top-tier Black Label trim.

Lincoln Navigator Standard

The Standard Navigator has a starting MSRP of $77,635. Standard features include leather upholstery in the first two rows, heated and ventilated front- and second-row seats, a 13.2-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hot spot, navigation, satellite radio, a 14-speaker premium audio system, five USB ports and wireless device charging. Standard safety features include a rearview camera, front and rear parking sensors, automatic high-beam headlights, forward collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and Ford’s MyKey. 

The second-row captain’s chairs can be swapped for a three-seat bench for no additional charge.

Lincoln Navigator Reserve

The Navigator Reserve starts at $91,935, and the extended-wheelbase L body style costs $94,965. In addition to the base trim’s features, the Reserve comes with 24-way power-adjustable front seats, adaptive cruise control, the ActiveGlide partially automated driving system, a surround-view parking camera system, automatic parking assist and a panoramic sunroof. 

Options include 30-way power-adjustable front seats, first- and second-row massage functionality, a dual-display rear-seat entertainment system, a head-up display and multiple towing and off-road aids.

Lincoln Navigator Black Label

The top-of-the-line Black Label model begins at $109,255, and the extended-wheelbase L model goes for $112,300. On top of the Reserve’s features, the Black Label gains standard 4WD, 30-way power-adjustable front seats with massage functions, a 28-speaker audio system and four unique Black Label interior trim themes. A dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system is available.

Check out our U.S. News Best Price Program for great savings at your local Lincoln dealer. You can also find excellent manufacturer incentives on our Lincoln deals page.

See 2023 Lincoln Navigator specs and trims »

Why You Can Trust Our Reviews

U.S. News & World Report has been ranking the best cars, trucks and SUVs since 2007, and our staff has more than 75 years of combined experience in the auto industry. 

This 2023 Navigator review combines 30 professional reviews with concrete data like performance specs, fuel economy estimates and safety ratings and incorporates applicable research for all models in this generation, which launched for 2018. 

Check out excerpts from some of the reviews that drive our rankings and analysis.

• "And when compared to others in the segment, the Navigator stands out as a smart choice overall. Considering what you get for the money, the Navigator undercuts the competition." -- Edmunds
• "Style is forever subjective, but we say the Navigator cabin still has an advantage, especially when comparing Black Label to its rivals’ top trim levels. Everything about it still looks special. … Therefore, if the interior remains the Navigator’s trademark while the rest of the package remains class-leading or at least competitive, it’s easy to conclude that it’s once again the segment’s best. The renaissance continues." -- Autoblog (2022)
• "A comparison test ultimately will determine how the new Navigator fares against its also-fresh peers, including its archrival, the Escalade. We could argue that Lincoln fumbled the finishing touch by not commandeering the blown V-8 from the GT500 Mustang as a riposte to the Escalade V. But as a mainstay of the segment that it pioneered back in 1998, the Gator's latest revisions help keep it in step with the times." -- Car and Driver (2022)