2022 Lincoln Navigator Review: The New Face Of American Luxury

Now at the mid-point of its current-generation life cycle, the full-size Lincoln Navigator has received a facelift along with some important feature updates. Still based on the mechanical bones of the Ford Explorer, the more-than-capable 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 develops 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, channeling power to all corners via a ten-speed automatic gearbox. This gives the full-size SUV the kind of effortless acceleration and cruising potential that defines the premium segment and towing capacity of up to 8,700 lbs. Competitors to the Lincoln Navigator include the Cadillac Escalade, GMC Yukon, and Jeep Grand Wagoneer, while European rivals like the BMW X7 and Mercedes GLS are a little smaller but more luxurious. That doesn't mean the Navigator lacks luxury, and its soft leather and genuine wood interior - which seats up to eight - is a plush place to be and one that's vastly more opulent than it once was when the Navigator was a rapper's best friend. Will adding modern features like ActiveGlide semi-autonomous functionality be enough to turn the tide in favor of the 2022 Navigator?

What's the Price of the 2022 Lincoln Navigator?

The starting price of the new 2022 Lincoln Navigator is $77,635, making it cheaper than most rivals with similar specifications. The Reserve is a moderate price increase to $89,825, putting it on par with the best models in the segment. Adding 4WD to the Standard will cost you $3,000, while the same upgrade on the Reserve costs $2,700. The top-tier Black Label comes standard with 4WD and a whopping $106,635 price tag. These prices are MSRP and do not include taxes, registration, or the $1,695 destination charge. L variants are only available in Reserve and Black Label spec, adding a further $3,030 and $3,045, respectively.

2022 Navigator Exterior

Dimensions

2022 Navigator Performance

2022 Lincoln Navigator Handling and Driving Impressions

The Lincoln Navigator is a giant brute of a car, albeit a very premium one. Despite all of its refinement, it doesn't drive like anything less than a luxury tank. It never wants for power, but you don't necessarily want to be hurtling around in 6,000 lbs of metal. Put your foot down, and the SUV launches forward quicker than you'd expect, but the brakes may struggle to bring it to an abrupt halt, so never disrespect the sheer weight of the vehicle.

The engine is an accomplished one and it comes paired to a smooth and slick-shifting ten-speed automatic transmission. On the plus side, there are seven different drive modes to help you customize your driving experience. These include Normal and the fuel-efficient Conserve, as well as would-be sporty Excite. This tightens up throttle responses and delays shifts to optimize acceleration. For dealing with treacherous road conditions, there are Deep Conditions, Slow Climb, Slippery, and Deep Sand modes.

When it comes to ride comfort, the Navigator benefits from the new road preview camera paired to an adaptive suspension setup. It reads the road ahead and reconfigures the suspension settings to deal with small or large bumps without too much hassle. It doesn't completely smooth out the experience, but it does make for a more premium feel. On the plus side, road and wind noise are easily dampened by the SUV's sturdy cabin. Most takes on the brand's ActiveGlide tech aren't overly positive, however, so sticking with the basics and driving yourself is the way to go - and, luckily, isn't unpleasant in the least.

2022 Navigator Interior

2022 Navigator Trunk and Cargo Space

Warranty

US NHTSA Crash Test Result

Verdict: Is The 2022 Lincoln Navigator A Good SUV?

There is no denying that the Lincoln Navigator is a genuinely good SUV. It may not lead the pack when viewed alongside Germans like the BMW X7, but it has a lot of appealing qualities. The cabin is ultra-spacious, accommodating up to eight passengers in comfort, while still presenting enough cargo capacity for most daily needs. Other strong points include the generous helping of standard safety systems and a roomy third row. The addition of ActiveGlide means the Lincoln now matches the tech of leading competitors, although this may take some tweaking going forward. The adaptive suspension helps to underscore the premium feel on-road, too.

With the most recent refresh, the Navigator is better than ever, and while some rivals are more well-rounded, offering more in the way of fun and refinement, the Lincoln Navigator is a high-value package, since it asks for less money upfront and is literally jam-packed with standard features like heated and ventilated seats, a 13.2-inch infotainment screen, and generous helpings of safety assists. With such generosity from the brand, the Navigator is in a better position than it's ever been to challenge rivals, although those focused on an enjoyable drive will still be looking elsewhere.

What 2022 Lincoln Navigator Model Should I Buy?

There is no such thing as a cheap Navigator, so picking the right model all comes down to getting the most bang for your buck. The difference between the Standard and Reserve is larger than it was last year, but this is because the latter gets more features as standard now. This includes the adaptive cruise control, panoramic roof, and surround-view camera that were part of packages before. Sure, you miss out on the snazzy interior themes that you'll find in the Black Label, but you're also saving around $17k. If you're going to spend that kind of money, the Cadillac Escalade or a top-tier BMW X7 would be smarter buys. The Reserve is the well-rounded middle ground of the Navigator line, balancing comfort, safety, and price. You only need to venture into Navigator L territory if you require extra cargo volume.