2023 Lincoln Navigator SUV

　　

2023 Lincoln Navigator Review

byChristian WardlawCorrespondent

　　Christian Wardlaw has worked in the automotive industry since 1994. He has written nearly 10,000 car-related articles and tested and reviewed more than 2,000 vehicles over the course of his career. Chris is a correspondent at zzdcar and was the first editor-in-chief of zzdcar.com in the 1990s. He has also contributed to Autotrader, CarGurus, J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, NADAguides, New York Daily News Autos and WardsAuto. His mom claims that his first word was “car,” and Chris believes that Miata is always the answer.

　　The Lincoln Navigator is one of our highly rated large luxury SUVs, a traditional body-on-frame full-size model that serves as the brand's flagship model. Highlights include a powerful turbocharged V6 engine, a high towing capacity, a roomy cabin for both people and cargo, and plenty of standard and optional technology features that are effective and easy to use.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Lincoln Navigator Standard 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 $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$194/mo  for Navigator Standard

　　Navigator Standard

　　Standard 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $77,635 MSRPStandard 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $80,635 MSRPL Standard Fleet 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $80,630 MSRPL Standard Fleet 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $83,630 MSRPReserve 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $89,825 MSRPReserve 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) (Most Popular) - $92,525 MSRPL Reserve 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $92,855 MSRPL Reserve 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $95,550 MSRPBlack Label 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $106,075 MSRPL Black Label 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $109,120 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　Lincoln gave the Navigator numerous updates for the 2022 model year. A significant one was the addition of Lincoln's new ActiveGlide system, which is a hands-free driving system that you can use on select highways to help reduce fatigue on long drives. A smoother ride, refreshed styling and new features, such as ventilated second-row rear seats and a larger central infotainment touchscreen, were also part of last year's update.

　　The 2023 Navigator remains fresh enough to fend off challenges from its longtime rival, the Cadillac Escalade, as well as the recently redesigned Jeep Grand Wagoneer, which now matches the Lincoln and Cadillac with a new extended-length body style. Other rivals include the BMW X7, Infiniti QX80, Lexus LX 600 and Mercedes-Benz GLS. Check out our test team's Expert Rating below to learn more about the Navigator's hits and misses.

　　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. At the zzdcar test track, our test Navigator accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds, which is about a second quicker than the last Escalade we tested.

　　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 available Perfect Position 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.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below