2021 Lincoln Navigator Review

　　

2021 Lincoln Navigator Review

byKurt NiebuhrSenior Vehicle Test Editor

　　Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of zzdcar' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.

　　The Lincoln Navigator has been one of our favorite large luxury SUVs ever since its redesign in 2018. Offering a luxurious interior, excellent passenger comfort, many upmarket features and a monstrous 8,700-pound maximum towing capacity, the Navigator can do just about anything you ask of it, and do it in style.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Lincoln Navigator 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$203/mo  for Navigator Base

　　Navigator Base

　　4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $76,705 MSRP4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $79,375 MSRPL Fleet 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $79,905 MSRPL Fleet 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $82,575 MSRPReserve 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $82,490 MSRPReserve 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) (Most Popular) - $85,165 MSRPL Reserve 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $85,715 MSRPL Reserve 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $88,385 MSRPBlack Label 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $98,655 MSRPL Black Label 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $101,855 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　So impressive is the Navigator that we don't shy away from comparing it to more expensive SUVs from Mercedes-Benz and Land Rover. Then there's the Navigator's longtime rival, the Escalade. Redesigned for 2021, the Escalade boasts improved comfort and new technology features. With the revamp, these two domestic luxury utes are more closely matched than they've been in a while. What should you choose? Read our Expert Review to learn more about the Navigator and get our in-depth evaluation.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Great

　　8.4

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.0/10

　　How does the Navigator drive? Considering the size and weight of the Navigator, it's surprisingly good at providing strong performance and stress-free driving. The engine is quick and responsive, the steering is low-effort, and body roll is kept in check when you go around turns. The V6 is plenty strong and gets you up to speed in a hurry. Our test Navigator covered 0-60 mph in just 6.1 seconds. That's moving!

　　Large vehicles tend to nose-dive or squirm around when you jam on the brakes suddenly, and the Navigator is no exception. That said, braking performance is perfectly adequate for the class. The Navigator also feels composed around town and even on tight roads. We wouldn't go so far as to call it sporty. But for the amount of comfort it provides, it's not the clumsy behemoth you'd expect it to be.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the Navigator? Wind and road noise is pretty minimal, and only a small amount of ambient noise sneaks through. The suspension is great at softening sharp bumps or pavement changes. But on continuously undulating surfaces, there can be a lot of body movement, which borders on uncomfortable.

　　The front seats have a huge number of adjustments, more than really seem necessary. It takes a while to find a setting you like. But once you do, you'll be sublimely comfortable. The seat heaters and coolers are effective too.

　　

Interior

8.5/10

　　How’s the interior? The Navigator's interior is huge. The large doors, well-placed grab handles and retractable step rails make getting in and out a breeze, while the second row's ability to tilt and slide allows excellent access to the third row. Adjustable pedals and a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel extend the range of driver comfort.

　　A lot of controls require some time to become familiar with, but ultimately they're easy to use. Visibility is decent for a vehicle this size, but there are still blind spots, mainly at the front due to chunky windshield pillars. Cameras help you maneuver in tight spaces, with the 360-degree camera system particularly helpful.

　　

Technology

8.5/10

　　How’s the tech? The Navigator embraces the latest technology, with an excellent infotainment interface, superb sound-system quality, comprehensive driving aids and ample device-charging options. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot are icing on the cake.

　　We were impressed with the easily configurable, immersive experience offered by the 20-speaker Revel stereo in our test vehicle. A number of driving aids are included as standard equipment including blind-spot detection, lane keeping assist, and forward collision detection with automatic emergency braking. Adaptive cruise control is one of the optional aids. It's well tuned and worth getting if you spend a lot of time in traffic.

　　

Storage

8.5/10

　　How’s the storage? If it's space you want, it's what you'll get, even without the extended-wheelbase Navigator L model. There's 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.5 cubes behind the second row, and 103.3 cubes with the rear seats folded. All the rear seats fold flat electronically. The second-row center console sits higher than the seat bottoms, though, which prevents a fully flat load area.

　　There is also an abundance of in-cabin storage for everyone's personal effects, with tons of cubbies of varying sizes and a deep console bin. The anchors for car seats are slightly tucked away in the seat creases, which make them a little hard to access, but the top tethers are easy to get to and there's plenty of space to fit a rear-facing car seat.

　　Need to tow something? A properly equipped Navigator can manage up to 8,700 pounds (8,300 pounds if you get the 4WD). This is one of the highest capacities in the large luxury SUV class.

　　

Fuel Economy

7.0/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? Based on the EPA estimate of 18 mpg combined (16 city/21 highway), the Navigator should be one of the more efficient vehicles in the class. But we averaged 18.1 mpg over 1,700 miles of mostly highway driving on premium fuel (our high was 20.0 mpg). We saw low figures as well when doing mostly city driving, so we think the EPA figures are likely mildly optimistic for real-world driving.

　　

Value

7.5/10

　　Is the Navigator a good value? The Navigator looks and feels like it's worth the money, especially from the inside. Design has brought Lincoln a long way. The floating center console, touchscreen arrangement and wrapped dash elevate the Navigator's appeal to new heights. 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.

　　Lincoln offers a four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, comparable to other luxury brands, though its six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty is above average, just like Cadillac's. Owners who opt for the Black Label trim receive a pretty extensive list of benefits and features, including free car washes and vehicle pickup and drop-off for complimentary maintenance covered for four years/50,000 miles. Owners of non-Black Label cars get two years/20,000 miles of free maintenance and six years/70,000 miles of roadside assistance.

　　

Wildcard

9.5/10

　　The Navigator is the first vehicle in a long time that's made us excited about the Lincoln brand. It's awesome on many levels. It's comfy, quick and surprisingly stylish. It's not sporty, but no one is really expecting vehicles of this size to be. There's road presence without being overly garish.

　　

Which Navigator does zzdcar recommend?

The base Navigator is hard to pass up, but we think a handful of features on the Reserve make it worth the extra money. For example, the surround-view parking camera system and adaptive cruise control are very useful add-ons. There's also a giant panoramic sunroof standard on this trim level. You'll also need to opt for the Reserve if you want to unlock the Navigator's maximum towing capacity via the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow package.

　　

2021 Lincoln Navigator models

The Lincoln Navigator is available in three trims levels: Base, Reserve and Black Label. Each is powered by a turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 (450 horsepower, 510 lb-ft of torque) and comes with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

　　All Navigator trims can be had as long-wheelbase, or L, models. They add about 10 inches of length, expanding passenger and cargo capacity and increasing fuel tank capacity from 23 to 27 gallons.

　　Rear-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional on most models. The exception is the regular-wheelbase Black Label, which comes standard with all-wheel drive. Highlighted features include:

　　Base

　　Comes very well equipped with:

　　20-inch wheels Power running boards Adaptive LED headlights Adaptive suspension (can adjust to improve comfort and handling stability) 10-inch infotainment touchscreen Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration Digital gauge cluster display Heated and ventilated power-adjustable front seats Heated second-row seats Three-zone climate controlEvery Navigator also comes with these safety features:

　　Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios) Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing) Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)Reserve

　　Adds features such as:

　　22-inch wheels Panoramic sunroof Illuminated power running boards Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line onto the windshield) Upgraded 24-way power-adjustable front seats Upgraded leather upholstery Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Navigator and the vehicle in front) 360-degree camera system (gives you a top-down view of the Navigator and its surroundings for tight parking situations)The Reserve trim level also unlocks two main option packages (both come standard on the Black Label trim):

　　Luxury package

　　Adds more luxury features, including:

　　30-way power-adjustable front seats Upgraded audio system with 20 speakersHeavy-Duty Trailer Tow package

　　Ensures maximum towing capability and convenience with:

　　Heavy-duty radiator Trailer backup assist (aids in positioning the Navigator's hitch close to the trailer) Trailer brake controller (allows for remote adjustability of the trailer's brakes) Trailer sway control (helps mitigate sway caused by high crosswinds)Black Label

　　Tops the range, adding features such as:

　　Special 22-inch wheels All-wheel drive Curated interior color and trim packages Extended maintenance plan Complimentary car washes Pickup and delivery of your vehicle for routine service with a free loaner vehicle Optional Special Edition package (black exterior trim elements and unique wheels)

　　

2021 Navigator Highlights

Trim: BaseL FleetReserveL ReserveBlack LabelL Black LabelBase

　　

Base MSRP	$76,705
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	18 MPG
Cost to Drive	$203/month
Seating	7 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	19.3 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles