LincolnNavigator

　　

2024 Lincoln Navigator Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　Large luxury sedans like the Continental and Town Car once served as Lincoln's flagship models, but today it's a large luxury SUV. Like those yesteryear sedans, the 2024 Lincoln Navigator combines a plush cabin and soft ride with robust power and towing capacity. (those old Town Cars could tow!) But today's Navigator also offers technology beyond even the high-tech standards of those days, highlighted by infinitely adjustable seats and the optional BlueCruise hands-free driving system. Despite middling fuel efficiency, the Navigator is a benchmark. Fittingly, it's our No. 2 pick for a large luxury SUV.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 Lincoln Navigator Premiere 4dr SUV 4WD (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

　　$205/mo  for Navigator Premiere

　　Navigator Premiere

　　Premiere 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $82,765 MSRPL Premiere Fleet 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $85,760 MSRPReserve 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) (Most Popular) - $95,325 MSRPL Reserve 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $98,350 MSRPBlack Label 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $110,750 MSRPL Black Label 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $113,795 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　

zzdcar spotlight: If it ain't broke

The Navigator rolls into 2024 with just one notable change. Four-wheel drive, previously optional, now comes standard. Combined with a low-speed transfer case, every Navigator can now better handle tricky conditions or terrain. This minor update follows last year's round of minimal changes, but this isn't much of a concern. The current Navigator is pretty good as is. With its muscular turbo V6 and stout chassis engineered alongside the F-150, the Navigator can tow up to 8,700 pounds. Among big luxe SUVs, only the Jeep Grand Wagoneer can pull more. It can seat up to eight passengers with room to stretch, and if you need more cargo space, there's always the Navigator L version, which adds nearly a foot of length.

　　

Competitors to consider

The Cadillac Escalade shares similar features and sophistication with the Navigator. You can't go wrong with either. The Jeep Grand Wagoneer offers impressive power and towing capacity but falls short of the same luxury. The Infiniti QX80 costs less, but its ancient platform and abysmal fuel economy don't make it a bargain. The Mercedes-Benz GLS and BMW X7 are smaller and less powerful with similar features and equal or better fuel economy. For luxury off-roading, the Land Rover Defender is hard to beat.

　　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 the body doesn't lean or flop over too much 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 riding smoothly over sharp bumps or ruts. But on continuously undulating surfaces, there can be a lot of up and down body movement, which borders on uncomfortable.

　　The available 24-way 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