First Drive: The 2025 Lincoln Navigator Redefines Full-Size Luxury

When Lincoln first introduced the Navigator back in 1997, it created an entirely new segment – the full-size luxury SUV. For years, the Navi dominated this segment before other competitors moved in on their turf. Fast forward nearly three decades, and this segment has gotten rather crowded, with a number of great vehicles to choose from, including the Cadillac Escalade, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Lexus LX 600, BMW X7, Mercedes-Bens GLS, and Infiniti QX80.

Now, Lincoln’s looking to reclaim the throne with the all-new 2025 Lincoln Navigator, which arrives with bold new design, a reimagined interior, signature features and new connected experiences that will create the ultimate sanctuary for drivers both on and off the road.

We recently spent a full day behind the wheel of the new Navigator in San Diego, and we were seriously impressed with Lincoln’s flagship SUV. Here’s everything you need to know about the 2025 Lincoln Navigator and why it should be at the top of your shopping list.

Bold, Confident Design That Commands Attention

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator doesn’t just show up — it announces itself. From the moment you lay eyes on it, it’s clear Lincoln wanted to make a statement: luxury SUVs can be powerful without being over-the-top gaudy. The Navigator walks that fine line between sophistication and presence better than anything else in its class.

At the heart of the design is a new bold upright grille that’s much taller and wider, flanked by Lincoln’s illuminated signature lightbar that stretches across the entire front end. When you approach the vehicle, the lightbar sequentially illuminates outward from the center, along with the animated Lincoln logo, welcoming you in a way that feels genuinely special.

Out back, the full-width taillamps spread across the liftgate fronted by 3D badging that lights up as part of Lincoln Embrace and backed by a galaxy of Lincoln stars laser-etched into the rear panel — a subtle but beautiful detail you won’t find on anything else at this level.

The side profile is clean and athletic, with a gently tapered roofline and neatly integrated roof rails. Instead of chrome, Lincoln switched to satin aluminum accents for a more contemporary, tasteful look. Door handles are body-colored and flow seamlessly into the design lines, adding to the vehicle’s aerodynamic, smooth appearance.

Wheel options have also stepped up. While the standard 22-inch wheels look perfect on the vehicle, 24-inch high-gloss Ebony or Luster Nickel aluminum wheels are available on the Navigator for the first time. The size of the wheels combined with the upright, confident body stance make the Navigator look purpose-built and unshakable, even standing still.

And if you’re someone who loves that blacked-out look, the available Jet Appearance Package is a must. It swaps the satin aluminum for gloss-black trim everywhere — belt molding, grille, front bumper fascia, roof rack and Lincoln badging — and mounts striking 22-inch gloss black wheels. It’s a factory option that looks really custom and sinister.

Overall, Lincoln did a nice job in updating the Navigator’s looks without straying too far from its tried-and-true formula. It’s a confident, mature evolution that brings subtle sophistication and commanding presence in a way few vehicles on the road today can match.

Inside: A First-Class Lounge for All Three Rows

Step inside the 2025 Lincoln Navigator and everything else — the traffic, the noise, the outside world — fades away. This isn’t just a full-size SUV; it’s a sanctuary, a rolling lounge that effortlessly blends high-end design, intuitive technology, and next-level comfort for all three rows. From the first press of the soft-close door to the ambient lighting that greets you inside, the Navigator sets the tone: you’re in your own space now, and it’s designed entirely around you.

The cabin strikes an immediate impression with its clean, horizontal layout and premium material choices that make you feel like you’ve walked into a modern penthouse suite. Soft-touch surfaces are everywhere. Real wood trim flows across the dash and doors with a warmth you can’t fake. Even the crystal-inspired volume knob on the center stack feels like something lifted from a Swiss luxury watch — a small detail that says everything about Lincoln’s approach to craftsmanship.

Take the wheel, and you’ll notice it’s wrapped in buttery Wollsdorf leather, sculpted flat at the top and bottom for a more commanding grip and clearer view of the horizon-spanning 48-inch panoramic display behind it. That display dominates the front dash, giving you an ultra-widescreen digital command center that keeps navigation, media, and system info seamlessly within view. The vibe is modern, luxurious, and calming — exactly what you want on a long drive or after a long day.

Front-row seating is a masterclass in comfort. The driver gets a 24-way adjustable seat with heating, ventilation, and massage, while the front passenger enjoys similar treatment with 22-way controls. And if you opt for the Black Label trims, you’re upgraded to Lincoln’s signature 30-way Perfect Position seats — the kind of chairs you never want to get out of. Whether you’re commuting through the city or crossing state lines, the Navigator makes sure every mile is effortlessly comfortable.

But Lincoln didn’t stop at the front seats. The second row is just as impressive. You can choose between a semi-powered bench or power-adjustable captain’s chairs that not only heat and cool but also offer massage functionality. Controls for audio and climate are right at passengers’ fingertips, and the experience is enhanced by a panoramic sunroof that bathes the cabin in natural light. Even connectivity is top-tier, with multiple USB ports and an available wireless charging pad ensuring your devices stay juiced up no matter how long the ride.

Getting to the third row is surprisingly easy thanks to Lincoln’s Power Pitch and Slide feature, which moves the second-row seats at the touch of a button. Once back there, you’ll find something rare in this segment — actual adult-friendly comfort. The Lincoln Soft-Touch 40/20/40 split bench offers plush support, and available heated seats make the third row feel far more inviting than an afterthought. You’ll also find charging ports and dedicated climate vents, making it a legit space for grown-ups, not just kids.

When it comes time to haul gear, the Navigator’s cargo space doesn’t disappoint. The class-exclusive Lincoln Split Gate transforms how you access the rear. The top portion of the gate opens upward like a traditional liftgate, while the bottom folds down like a tailgate — perfect for loading up heavy gear, creating a bench for outdoor events, or using the available Cargo Tailgate Manager to set up a multi-level shelf or mobile workspace. It’s one of those smart, simple innovations you didn’t know you needed until you use it.

For those looking to personalize their Navigator, Lincoln’s Black Label experience steps in with three meticulously curated interior themes that go beyond color schemes and into the realm of lifestyle design. The Invitation theme leans into rich, executive-style black leather and dark wood tones for a clean, monochrome aesthetic. Enlighten offers a warmer, brighter palette inspired by the sunrise, pairing light beige leather with birch wood and soft ambient tones. And for those drawn to something bolder, the Atmospheric theme evokes the mood of a stormy day with Salt Crystal Gray leather, dark flooring, copper accents, and ash wood trim. Each theme is finished with premium textures, a unique scent profile, and elegant touches that elevate the cabin far beyond standard luxury fare.

Tech That Anticipates Your Needs, Not Just Shows Off

Luxury today isn’t just about leather and wood, it’s about intelligent tech that makes your life easier, more enjoyable, and more connected. In that department, the 2025 Lincoln Navigator delivers one of the most impressive setups we’ve ever experienced in a full-size SUV.

The showpiece is the massive 48-inch panoramic display that stretches across the dashboard in a seamless horizontal arc. It’s the centerpiece of the Lincoln Digital Experience, designed not only to look stunning but to keep essential information right in your natural line of sight. Navigation, media, vehicle settings, and real-time driver-assist data are presented in crystal-clear resolution, and everything is positioned exactly where your eyes naturally go.

Not only that, but the system is fully integrated with Google services, meaning you have got Google Assistant, Google Maps, and access to apps from the Google Play Store baked right in. Just say “Hey Google” to set a destination, change the temperature, or fire up your favorite Spotify playlist. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, of course, but with how smooth Lincoln’s native system is, you likely won’t even need them.

Lincoln also added something called Pano Mode, a clever new feature that lets video or gaming content run on either side of the panoramic display when the vehicle is in park. That means you and your passenger can binge-watch shows or game while waiting for the kids to finish practice — all without pulling out a tablet or laptop. It’s next-level tech, wrapped in elegance. A secondary 11.1-inch touchscreen also sits below the main display for direct interaction with climate and media controls.

Audiophiles will be pleased with the available Revel Ultima 3D system, which delivers crystal-clear sound through 28 speakers placed throughout the cabin, including in the headliner and the front seats. Whether you’re rocking out to some EDM on the way to the gym, listening to a podcast on the morning commute or streaming some lo-fi beats during a Lincoln Rejuvenate session, the sound is rich, immersive, and perfectly tuned for the vehicle’s interior acoustics.

Everything about the tech experience in this SUV feels thoughtful, not tacked on — a system designed to simplify your life, keep you entertained, and let you disconnect from distractions when you need to focus on the road.

Lincoln Rejuvenate: A Mobile Spa That Helps You Relax

Lincoln realizes that life can be stressful, and that you might need a few moments of peace, presence, and the ability to truly relax. With the 2025 Navigator, Lincoln leans hard into the latter with a feature that might just be the most unexpected (and most welcome) addition to any SUV on the road today: Lincoln Rejuvenate.

This isn’t a gimmick. It’s a deeply thoughtful wellness experience that turns the Navigator into a mobile retreat, a spa on wheels, designed to melt away stress and recalibrate your mood. After spending time with it, one thing becomes clear: this is the kind of innovation that could genuinely change how people view commuting, road trips, or even just waiting in a parking lot between appointments.

Rejuvenate can only be activated when the vehicle is parked (but running). Simply tap the touchscreen, and you’re invited to choose between a five- or ten-minute session. As soon as the feature begins, the transformation is immediate and immersive. The driver’s seat slowly slides back and begins to recline, gently warming the cabin as the built-in massage system comes to life in carefully choreographed pulses. At the same time, the steering wheel rises and moves out of the way, giving your body more room to relax and your mind space to disengage.

Lighting inside the cabin shifts to a calming hue, and the 48-inch panoramic display shifts from a digital dashboard to a visual portal to peace. One moment, you’re surrounded by the tranquil rush of a waterfall, the visuals flowing like liquid glass across the massive screen. Another moment, you’re watching ethereal ribbons of green and purple light dance across a starlit sky, mimicking the Northern Lights. These aren’t just pretty animations, they’re part of a coordinated sensory experience that includes soft ambient sounds and a subtle, soothing fragrance released into the cabin air.

Lincoln includes three distinct Rejuvenate themes: Waterfall Meditation, a nature-inspired scene enhanced through a partnership with Calm; Aurora Borealis, which transitions from a serene mountainside sunrise to a swirling night sky of Northern Lights; and Elements, an abstract experience that uses stylized representations of water, earth, fire, and air to create a flowing sense of balance.

This isn’t just about physical comfort, it is about mental reset. In a world where we are always on, always connected, and constantly overstimulated, the Lincoln Rejuvenate experience gives you full permission to pause. To breathe. To disconnect from the chaos and re-center yourself. It’s a unique feature designed to help you recharge after (or even before) a hectic day, and one that I could get really used to.

Driving Impressions: Smooth, Silent Power

Powering the 2025 Navigator is Lincoln’s 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6, making a healthy 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired to a smooth 10-speed automatic transmission that never seems to hunt for gears, whether you’re feathering the throttle in traffic or putting your foot down to pass. From a stop, the twin-turbo V6 delivers immediate, effortless thrust. There’s no noticeable turbo lag, just a strong, linear surge of power that feels perfectly matched to the Navigator’s hefty dimensions. Around town, it cruises with almost casual ease, but if you need to jump ahead in traffic or overtake on a two-lane road, the powertrain responds decisively and confidently.

Behind the wheel, it’s easy to forget that you’re piloting a vehicle this massive, as it feels light on its feet. In the city, the Navigator glides over manhole covers, expansion joints, and broken pavement like a true luxury flagship. You feel isolated but never detached, the hallmark of great chassis tuning. On the highway, the Navigator settles into a planted, serene cruise. There’s a subtle heft to the steering that feels reassuring, and minimal wind noise thanks to smart aerodynamics and active noise cancellation.

Toss it into some corners (yes, we did), and while you’ll feel its size, the Navigator controls its body motions impressively well. There’s no excessive lean or wallow, and it feels far more buttoned-down than something this large should. For a vehicle tipping the scales at well over 6,000 pounds, the Navigator handles itself with surprising precision. The engineers clearly spent time tuning the ride and chassis dynamics to deliver something that feels luxurious and confident without being floaty or harsh.

If you’re used to older truck-based SUVs, prepare to be blown away by just how refined the Navigator feels now.

Effortless Towing and Trailering

Thanks to the torque-rich twin-turbo V6 and standard four-wheel drive, the Navigator is a towing machine when needed. With the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package, it’s rated to tow up to 8,700 pounds — more than enough for a good-sized boat, camper, or multi-axle trailer.

Lincoln also knows that most people don’t tow regularly, and as such it can be a little stressful lining up with the hitch, steering the trailer, and other things like that.. especially when you’re driving a $100K+ vehicle. But thanks to a few handy systems, towing in the Navigator is about as easy as it gets.

Having trouble lining up with the hitch ball? The Trailer Hitch Assist system automatically lines up the Navigator using a mixture of tech, math, and self-driving wizardry. I demoed this system and was blown away by how easy it was, the Navigator aligns itself with the hitch, and all you have to do is connect the two afterwards. Lincoln also integrated Google Maps with its Trailer app, which uses your trailer’s dimensions to make sure you’re on a safe route.

BlueCruise Hands-Free Driving: More Relaxation on Long Trips

Lincoln BlueCruise comes standard on every Navigator, and it’s a game-changer for road trips. On pre-mapped highways, you can drive completely hands-free while the system handles steering, acceleration, and braking.

The latest version of BlueCruise enables a smoother drive and more time in hands-free mode on average. The system includes new features such as Lane Change Assist, which allows a driver to switch lanes hands-free with a tap of the turn signal when the path is clear, and In-Lane Repositioning, which helps provide more space by subtly shifting away from vehicles in adjacent lanes.

We used BlueCruise occasionally on the large highway stretches of our drive, and it performed flawlessly. As a Navigator owner, you get complimentary BlueCruise for 4 years, and available for subscription after that. If you are someone who does a lot of highway driving, you’re really going to love this feature!

Pricing: Worth Every Dollar of Its Flagship Status

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator isn’t cheap, nor should it be. Pricing starts at $99,995 for the well-equipped Reserve trim and climbs to $116,495 for the swanky Black Label trim, though with options that number can go up considerably (our tester came in at a whopping $128,340). The long-wheelbase Navigator L adds about $3,000 to either trim level.

Yes, that’s some serious money, but when you factor in the luxury, tech, standard BlueCruise access, and features like Rejuvenate and the split liftgate, you’re getting a lot of bang for the buck. This is flagship-level pricing, but it’s backed by flagship-level execution.

Final Verdict: A Masterclass in Full-Size Luxury

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator isn’t just an update, it’s a full-on reinvention of what a full-size luxury SUV can and should be. It doesn’t scream for attention like some of its rivals; instead, it commands it with quiet confidence, offering a rare balance of elegance, comfort, capability, and cutting-edge tech.

Lincoln isn’t chasing trends here, they’re setting their own standard. From the sculpted grille and illuminated welcome sequence, to the cabin’s bespoke materials and sprawling digital displays, to the spa-like Rejuvenate experience that takes the stress out of everyday life, the Navigator doesn’t just move people, it moves the entire segment forward.

Whether you’re hitting the open road with your family, towing a trailer, or just taking a few minutes to reset after a long day, the new Navigator rises to meet you with grace, muscle, and an atmosphere that’s unmatched. It’s a vehicle for those who appreciates sophistication, values comfort without compromise and isn’t afraid to invest in something that makes every moment behind the wheel feel like an escape.

This is Lincoln’s flagship, and it wears that title proudly.