2019 Lincoln Navigator L Review: The Top Dog
The 2019 long-wheelbase Lincoln Navigator L is the brand's topmost SUV offering, taking place in the ranks above the already accomplished full-size Navigator SUV for those who need a little more size in their three-row life. With starting prices from $80,755 for the base Select L and topping out at $99,595 for the exclusive Black Label trim, powering all Navigator Ls is a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. The 2019 LWB Navigator offers class-leading passenger space, brilliant total cargo space, and effectively combines that practicality with impressive levels of comfort, build quality, and a comprehensive list of standard features, including cross-traffic alert, a power liftgate, and a Revel 14-speaker sound system. Its sheer size means it can get tricky to navigate around tight spots, and its off-road capability is limited despite the optional two-speed transfer case and other off-road-focused options. The Lincoln Navigator goes up against the likes of Ford's more humble Expedition Max with which it shares underpinnings, and the Cadillac Escalade ESV.
Navigator L Exterior
The boldly-styled Navigator L shares a set of heated power-folding mirrors, an electronic hands-free liftgate, and LED daytime running lights across the range. The Select L benefits from a windshield wiper de-icer, power-deployable illuminated running boards, and a surround-view camera system, while Reserve models get a panoramic sunroof and even an illuminated Lincoln star, mounted on the grille. 22-inch alloy wheels are standard on all, but the Black Label is set apart by 22-inch ultra-bright machined aluminum wheels with Dark Tarnish-painted pockets in a six-spoke design.
Dimensions
The letter L denotes the fact that these are long-wheelbase versions of the standard Navigator. What that means is that this large SUV now measures 221.9 inches in length as opposed to the 210-inch standard wheelbase variant. It measures 93.8 inches in width and the 4WD variant sits 76.1 inches off the ground - fractionally lower to the ground than the standard-wheelbase models. The Navigator L rolls on a 131.6-inch wheelbase and has 9.7 inches of ground clearance in rear-wheel-drive spec (9.6 for the four-wheel-drive). Curb weight comes in at 5,926 lbs for the RWD SUV and 6,056 lbs for the AWD version.
| Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 221.9 in | 131.6 in | 76.2 in | 79.9 in | 67.0 in | 67.2 in |
Navigator L Performance
Engine and Transmission
All 2019 Lincoln Navigator L models are powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. Power is channeled through a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and it has a 3.73:1-ratio rear axle. The twin-turbocharged V6 does an excellent job of hauling the LWB Lincoln about town: the 10-speed auto transmission is responsive and reacts quickly to throttle inputs, which translates into an SUV that shouldn't be as nimble as it is, especially considering its size. On the open road, the engine and gearbox combination settle down nicely, but can easily be woken up by a quick jab of the throttle or a tug at the downshift paddle. Four-wheel-drive can be optioned on, along with a dual-range transfer case, but don't be fooled, this is no off-roader and the two-speed transfer case will only come in handy when towing up to 8,700 lbs in 4x2 guise and 8,400 lbs in 4x4 form.
Handling and Driving Impressions
The short-wheelbase Navigator does a good job of keeping things in check on the road, too, but the added length and weight of the LWB model makes itself apparent as soon as you attempt anything more than a light tug at the steering wheel. That is not to say that it's sloppy - far from it; its light steering and adaptive suspension on Select models and upward makes it feel like you're driving a smaller car, and around town it offers great on-road comfort and composure, but with 510 lb-ft of torque under your right foot, driver confidence can quickly turn into a phone call to the insurance company. Standard hill-descent assist as well as snow/ice/sand and bad weather traction settings help out in slippery situations, but stick to city roads and highways; that's where it's at its best.
Navigator L Gas Mileage
A twin-turbocharged V6 powered 6,000-pound LWB luxury SUV was never going to win any economy awards, but surprisingly enough, the Lincoln Navigator L doesn't do too badly: a selectable economy mode and start-stop technology manages to reign in the Navigator's thirst and EPA-estimated figures of 16/22/18 mpg city/highway/combined are the end result in standard guise, while the optional AWD loses one point on highway driving cycles. The Ford Expedition Max, powered by a similar engine, manages numbers of 17/23/19 mpg, and the Cadillac Escalade ESV brings up the rear with 14/23/17 mpg. With a 28.3-gallon fuel tank, the Navigator L has an estimated total range of 510 miles. Take that, Tesla… and the environment.
Navigator L Interior
Seating and Interior Space
The seven-seater Navigator L offers impressive levels of interior space and features a 60/40 split third-row bench with power recline and remote folding head restraints. Front-seat passengers get to enjoy 43.9 inches of legroom and 39.5 inches of headroom, while second-row occupants get an impressive 41.1 inches of legroom and 37.9 inches of headroom. Back in the third row, the Navigator L offers 36.1 inches of legroom and 37.4 inches of headroom, which is fine for children to be comfortably seated but isn't any more than the standard Navigator. While not much bonus is given to passenger space by optioning for the long-wheelbase variant of the Navigator, the benefit lies in added cargo volume. Still, the interior is beautifully appointed with premium leather in one of three elegant shades on the Select L, and four on the Reserve.
Navigator L Trunk and Cargo Space
Trunk and cargo space is the biggest plus point in the 2019 Navigator L. Behind the third row, you get an expansive 34.3 cubic feet of space, compared to 19.3 cubic feet in the SWB version. Behind the second row, you get 73.3 cubic feet, and with the power-folding second row folded down, you are awarded 120.2 cubes to load with stuff, nearly 20 more than the normal Navigator. That's enough room to fit a Mars rover or an entire team of eight-year-old soccer players. The Ford Expedition Max offers more space at 36/79.6/121.5 ft³ (third row/second row/first row). The Escalade ESV offers 39.3/76.7/120.9 ft³ of cargo space.
Features
Lincoln has gone out of its way to pamper its customers, with even the base model getting features such as a hands-free liftgate, leather-trimmed seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and even branded and illuminated welcome mats. Select models get wireless phone charging, optional 30-way power-adjustable massage seats, a heated steering wheel, and tri-zone automatic climate control, while Reserve models spoil with standard four-wheel drive and a power panoramic glass roof. Black Label models feature adaptive cruise control, a head-up display, and a heavy-duty trailer tow package, which - as the name suggests - adds a heavy-duty radiator, transmission oil cooler, and a two-speed transfer case. The Navigator L outclasses its premium luxury competitor, the Cadillac Escalade, in terms of standard features.
Infotainment
The 10-inch touch screen display showcases the SYNC 3 infotainment system, which features voice recognition, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto integration as well as a six-month trial subscription to SiriusXM satellite radio, traffic, and Travel Link services. You also get navigation with a pinch to zoom function, two USB charging ports, and 4G LTE Wi-Fi connectivity, which can host up to ten devices at once. The Revel sound system features 14 speakers and manages to fill the cavernous interior of the Navigator L with rich high notes and solid bass, but the optional 20-speaker Revel Ultima system is the one to get if you want to blow the doors off. The SYNC 3 infotainment system is simply a pleasure to operate. Lincoln hasn't held anything back; the 2019 Navigator is as techy as it gets.
Navigator L Problems and Reliability
The Lincoln Navigator has been recalled twice as a 2019 model for problems ranging in severity. The least worrisome was a recall for an instrument cluster that may go blank on start-up, while a more worrying recall pertained to rear toe link fasteners potentially being loose and impeding on stability and control of the Navigator L. Lincoln offers a four-year/50,000-mile warranty which includes Corrosion cover for five years, and an impressive lifetime roadside assistance package.
Warranty
| Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 6 Years / 70,000 Miles | 5 Years / Unlimited Miles | Unlimited Years / Unlimited Miles |
Navigator L Safety
The 2019 Lincoln Navigator managed to score a full five stars on the NHTSA rating scale and only missed out on a perfect score by losing two stars for rollover protection. The IIHS is yet to test the Navigator, but judging by the Top Safety Pick Plus awarded to the Lincoln Continental, it would be safe to assume that the Navigator L should be one of the safest SUVs on the road. Standard safety features include blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert as well as rain-sensing window wipers, a reverse camera, AdvanceTrac roll stability control, and six airbags.
Verdict: Is The 2019 Lincoln Navigator L A Good SUV?
The 2019 Lincoln Navigator L sits close to the top of the full-size luxury SUV class thanks to a combination of excellent features, a great engine, and tons of usable cargo and passenger space. For 2019, Lincoln has added more standard safety tech to the Reserve model, which makes this specific package more appealing than ever. The Bold exterior of the Navigator L hides a premium interior that feels more luxurious than its traditional nemesis, the Cadillac Escalade. The twin-turbocharged V6 engine and 10-speed auto transmission work well together and will shift the big Navigator around with convincing urgency. In standard form, the features list is already impressive, but Reserve models step things up to a level where Lincoln can proudly sit with some of the most luxurious SUVs in the market. Not only does it pamper its passengers, but it offers tons of cargo space without sacrificing legroom. The infotainment system is one of the best in class and seals the deal on a very impressive offering from Lincoln.
What's the Price of the 2019 Lincoln Navigator L?
The first Navigator to be offered in LWB format is the Select L, which starts off with an MSRP of $80,755. The next trim level in the LWB range is the Reserve L, which goes for $88,405, and finally, the exclusive Black Label will cost you $99,595, excluding a destination fee of $1,295. The Navigator L is closely priced to the Cadillac Escalade ESV, which starts at $78,195 and tops out at $100,295 for the 4WD ESV Platinum. On the other side of the coin lies the Ford Expedition Max doesn't have the same appeal, but offers better off-road capability, and has an MSRP of $54,815, reaching $79,200 in its most expensive guise.
What Lincoln Navigator L Model Should I Buy?
The LWB Navigator offers class-leading levels of luxury but offers even more practicality than the standard car does. For 2019, Lincoln offers three LWB models, namely the Select, Reserve and Black Label. Pricing for the LWB models starts at $80,755 for the Select and ends with a total of $99,595 for the Black Label model. We would suggest going for the mid-range Reserve, which includes Select model features such as a surround-view camera system, power deployable running boards, and adaptive suspension, but adds 4WD, a panoramic sunroof, and most importantly, the Lincoln technology package. The Technology package includes active park assist and cruise control, a head-up display system, auto headlights as well as lane-keep assist, forward collision warning, emergency forward braking, and much more. All of these extra features demand a price increase of only $7,650, which makes it a steal in our eyes.
2019 Lincoln Navigator L Comparisons
2019 Lincoln Navigator L vs Cadillac Escalade ESV
The Cadillac Escalade ESV is somewhat of a pop icon these days and can be seen driven around by A-list Hollywood actors and musicians alike. Unlike the Navigator, the Escalade sticks with a large displacement V8 engine that produces 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, noticeably less than what you get in the Navigator - yet the Escalade only manages to return 14/23/17 mpg city/highway/combined. From here, it goes downhill fast. The Escalade can't match the Navigator in the ride and handling department and feels downright agrarian, especially at lower speeds, whereas the Navigator floats over bumpy terrain. The interior isn't as well put together, and the infotainment feels wholly outdated compared to that of the Lincoln. The Escalade does, however, offer more space, but the Lincoln gets more standard equipment and more safety features. It's a no-brainer, really.
2019 Lincoln Navigator L vs Ford Expedition Max
The Ford Expedition Max doesn't pretend to be an all-out luxury SUV; instead, it tries to balance all the elements that make a good SUV. Power comes in the form of a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6, which produces 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, which is way less than you get in the Navigator, but the Ford uses that to its advantage by offering a superior gas mileage figures of 17/23/19 mpg. The Ford offers a premium interior that includes items such as Bose audio and standard surround-view cameras, and the Expedition Max offers more interior and cargo space and has slightly more ground clearance as well. The Expedition's party trick is the fact that it provides actual offroading ability, especially when equipped with the 3.73 electronic limited-slip differential and two-speed 4WD transmission. The Expedition Max strikes a good balance between luxury and everyday practicality but offers even more capability and practicality than the Navigator for a lot less money.