The competition for luxury in the full-size SUV market in the U.S. is intensifying, with Lincoln’s new Navigator stepping up to challenge Cadillac and other rivals. As Ford’s luxury division, Lincoln unveils its fifth-generation Navigator for 2025, featuring substantial exterior and interior redesigns.
Under the hood, the mechanics have remained similar to its predecessor, powered by a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, akin to what’s found in the Ford F-150 Raptor. This robust engine delivers 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, providing ample power for the 6,000-pound SUV.
The engine is combined with a ten-speed automatic transmission, and full-time four-wheel-drive is standard. With a maximum towing capacity of 8,700 pounds, it remains unchanged, but does require the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package. The Navigator will still be offered in short and long-wheelbase formats for those needing additional cargo space, even with the third-row seats in use.
Significant transformations are evident in both the exterior and interior styling of the new Navigator. It now mirrors the design language of the Aviator and Nautilus, which is noteworthy for a vehicle priced nearly twice as much as its smaller counterparts. Lincoln’s fresh design aesthetic showcases a sleek and attractive appearance.
The 2025 Navigator retains its spaciousness, accommodating up to seven passengers plus the driver. With a standard wheelbase of 122.5 inches and an extended version measuring 131.5 inches, the Navigator presents an intimidating presence. The refined exterior eliminates numerous detailing that previously contributed to an overly complicated look, resulting in a streamlined profile. It boasts standard 22-inch wheels, with optional 24-inch wheels available for the first time on the Navigator.
Gone are the traditional chrome accents, replaced with sleek satin aluminum or blacked-out accents as seen in the Jet Appearance Package. The once popular shiny chrome looks outdated now, with illumination features taking precedence in defining luxury vehicles.
A new lightbar at the front activates sequentially when the driver approaches, while the rear also features a lightbar design that lights up when the SUV’s welcome sequence occurs—an integrated system that adjusts the driver’s seat and mirrors as per presets. The newly designed rear gate, known as the Split Gate, opens both vertically and horizontally and can be automatically lifted via the Open on Approach feature when the vehicle senses the driver’s key fob nearby.
The Navigator’s interior showcases the most dramatic changes, with Lincoln opting for a user-friendly approach compared to competitors like Cadillac. Although many vehicles focus on oversized screens, Lincoln has crafted a stepped dashboard design featuring a 48-inch panoramic display positioned behind the steering wheel. However, this isn’t a touchscreen, as that would be impractical with its layout.
Instead, there’s an 11-inch touchscreen conveniently located above a row of gear selectors and start/stop buttons, complemented by a crystal-like volume knob beneath it. This innovative dash layout encourages drivers to keep their eyes on the road rather than looking down to manipulate a large screen.
To enhance visibility, the steering wheel is designed with a flat top and bottom. Instead of conventional controls, Lincoln has incorporated touchpads on each side of the wheel for navigating settings—a choice that has drawn criticism in the past, raising questions about their practicality.
The audio experience in the Navigator stands out, thanks to a Revel Audio sound system featuring 28 speakers, which is a cut above the standard setup found in the Cadillac Escalade, which has 19 speakers in its base trim from AKG (though both brands are owned by Harman). The Navigator also offers a remarkable 14 USB ports throughout the cabin, ensuring that passengers have plenty of options for connectivity, supplemented by wireless charging for those seated in the first and second rows. The third row sports split seats that mimic the comfort of captain’s chairs, enhancing overall passenger comfort throughout the vehicle.
Alexa, Prime Video, and all related marks are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Google, Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Google Play are trademarks of Google LLC. Apple CarPlay is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. All other third-party products, company names, and logos are trademarks and remain the property of their respective owners." class="wp-image-6452110" srcset="https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2025-Lincoln-Navigator-Black-Label_Enlighten_11.jpg 2048w, https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2025-Lincoln-Navigator-Black-Label_Enlighten_11.jpg?w=768&h=338 768w, https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2025-Lincoln-Navigator-Black-Label_Enlighten_11.jpg?w=1536&h=677 1536w, https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2025-Lincoln-Navigator-Black-Label_Enlighten_11.jpg?w=1022&h=450 1022w, https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2025-Lincoln-Navigator-Black-Label_Enlighten_11.jpg?w=454&h=200 454w, https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2025-Lincoln-Navigator-Black-Label_Enlighten_11.jpg?w=1499&h=660 1499w, https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2025-Lincoln-Navigator-Black-Label_Enlighten_11.jpg?w=908&h=400 908w, https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2025-Lincoln-Navigator-Black-Label_Enlighten_11.jpg?w=1898&h=836 1898w, https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2025-Lincoln-Navigator-Black-Label_Enlighten_11.jpg?w=1567&h=690 1567w, https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2025-Lincoln-Navigator-Black-Label_Enlighten_11.jpg?w=490&h=216 490w, https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2025-Lincoln-Navigator-Black-Label_Enlighten_11.jpg?w=917&h=404 917w, https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2025-Lincoln-Navigator-Black-Label_Enlighten_11.jpg?w=2030&h=894 2030w, https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2025-Lincoln-Navigator-Black-Label_Enlighten_11.jpg?w=1707&h=752 1707w, https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2025-Lincoln-Navigator-Black-Label_Enlighten_11.jpg?w=1576&h=694 1576w, https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2025-Lincoln-Navigator-Black-Label_Enlighten_11.jpg?w=280&h=123 280w, https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2025-Lincoln-Navigator-Black-Label_Enlighten_11.jpg?w=1440&h=634 1440w, https.
