2020 Lincoln Navigator Review: Big On Luxury

Reinvigorated in 2018, the Lincoln Navigator is the brand's most opulent SUV, with irresistible curb appeal and more standard features than the average person would know what to do with. However, this isn't a car for the average person. With a starting MSRP of $76,185, the Navigator is aimed at those who appreciate the finer things in life, and it certainly delivers on that promise. Powered by a twin-turbocharged V6 engine putting out 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, the Navigator has more than enough vim to excite even the most complacent drivers, and it has all the latest gadgets to keep the biggest tech-heads happy over otherwise boring commutes. Configurable as either a seven or 8 passenger SUV and with enough cargo space for everyday use, the Lincoln Navigator has more than reclaimed its title as the USA's most luxurious large SUV.

What's the Price of the 2020 Lincoln Navigator?

You'd be hard-pressed to find a giant luxury SUV with a modest price tag, and the Lincoln Navigator doesn't stand out in this regard. The Standard trim with rear-wheel-drive will set you back a hefty $76,185, while adding four-wheel-drive increases the price by $2,670. The Reserve trim is a moderate step up in pricing, with a starting MSRP of $81,725, which increases by $2,675 if you want the all-wheel drivetrain. The top-tier Black Label comes standard with four-wheel-drive and asks for a whopping $97,135 to get your hands on all the high-end luxuries that come standard. These prices exclude US taxes, registration, licensing, incentives, or the $1,295 destination charge.

2020 Navigator Exterior

Dimensions

2020 Navigator Performance

Handling and Driving Impressions

Despite its enormous size and immense bulk, the Navigator handles remarkably well. This can, in part, be attributed to its independent adaptive suspension. Very few bumps can actually unsettle the hefty SUV, and it will ignore even those if you opt for the available air suspension. Multiple drive modes are offered to tweak your experience to the conditions, with modes like Slippery, Excite, Conserve, Deep Conditions, and Normal.

Steering is as light as you'd expect from a luxury SUV, making the Navigator feel smaller and nimbler than it actually is. However, don't expect much feedback. Still, the Lincoln can handle some spirited driving, so long as you keep your wits about you. Even when moving at higher speeds, the large SUV doesn't experience much body roll - just don't treat it like a sports car.

Comfort is where the Navigator excels. With a plushly appointed interior, an adaptive suspension, and a well-insulated cabin, you wouldn't be blamed for thinking that you weren't even moving when hurtling down the highway at maximum speed. However, constant undulations in the road can cause some motion sickness.

2020 Navigator Interior

2020 Navigator Trunk and Cargo Space

Warranty

US NHTSA Crash Test Result

Verdict: Is the Lincoln Navigator A Good SUV?

It's hard to imagine that any vehicle with an $80k price tag could ever be considered "bad," so it's no surprise that we think the Lincoln Navigator, despite its cost, is a pretty impressive SUV.

Despite its size, it has more than enough power to get around thanks to its twin-turbocharged V6, where rivals like the Cadillac Escalade are still relying on throatier V8s. But all that size also means the Navigator can easily cart the whole family, the grandparents, and the dog around without breaking a sweat. And if you're only planning to pack a family of five into the first two rows of seats, the SUV supplies an abundance of cargo capacity with the third-row seats folded down.

Add to this the impressive list of standard features, including a host of driver-assistance features under the umbrella of the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 suite, and Lincoln definitely has a recipe for success on its hands. The Cadillac Escalade has long held the throne as America's most ostentatious large luxury SUV, but since its redesign in 2018, the Lincoln Navigator has managed to reclaim the title. But while it may be king, for now, we'll have to wait and see if the Navigator can stand up to the Caddy Escalade's redesign for 2021.

What New Lincoln Navigator Model Should I Buy?

There is no such thing as a cheap Navigator, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't be looking to get your money's worth. The Black Label is certainly the most prestigious trim, for those that can afford it. However, the standard four-wheel drivetrain is an unnecessary expense if you don't plan on leaving the city, and the upgraded sound system can be specced onto the mid-tier Reserve at significantly less cost than upgrading trims. You will miss out on the Venetian leather upholstery and front-seat massagers by sticking with the more affordable Reserve, but you still get the full Co-Pilot360 safety suite, heated and ventilated front seats, and extra adjustments for the front seats, including thigh extenders, and the 30-way power front seats will be included if you choose to upgrade the sound system.

2020 Lincoln Navigator Comparisons

2020 Lincoln Navigator vs Lincoln Aviator

Only slightly smaller than the Navigator, the Lincoln Aviator can seat six as standard with its second-row captain's chairs. However, while the Aviator nameplate may have been retired in the past, the 2020 Aviator is an all-new SUV, so it's slightly more up-to-date than the Navigator. It also gets access to an impressive 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D sound system, along with all the other standard features you'll find in the Navigator, including the full Lincoln Co-Pilot360 safety offering. While the Aviator may not have as much space inside the cabin, it is just as lavishly appointed. And, by keeping occupancy down to six, it actually supplies just as much comfort for its passengers. The only area where it really comes up short is cargo capacity, with a standard 18.3 cubic feet of trunk space that maxes out at 77.7 cubic feet, almost 30 cubes less than the Navigator. Still, with a starting price of $51,100, better fuel economy, and nearly as much luxury as the larger Navigator, the Lincoln Aviator may be the smarter buy if you don't really need the 8 seats or cargo space. It's also available with an eminently capable hybrid powertrain with 494 hp and 630 lb-ft.

2020 Lincoln Navigator vs Cadillac Escalade

The Cadillac Escalade has been cock of the roost for quite some time, having surpassed the Navigator as the go-to when it comes to American large luxury SUVs. However, since its redesign in 2018, the Lincoln Navigator has reclaimed some of its lost prestige. The Escalade can't quite match the Lincoln's performance, relying on a naturally aspirated V8 that develops only 420 hp and 460 lb-ft. It also gets worse fuel economy and relies on premium gasoline. Add to this the fact that the Navigator has even more space inside than the Caddy, and you might be seeing a pattern arise. Still, the Escalade will appeal to those who want to make a bolder statement, thanks to its over-the-top styling. But, for buyers who actually want the best value for the hard-earned cash, the Navigator is the slightly better, absurdly expensive SUV. However, with a full redesign planned for 2021, it may be worthwhile to wait and see what the new Cadillac Escalade will be bringing to the table.