2025 Lincoln Navigator: Is This Still America’s Ultimate Luxury SUV?

For decades, the Lincoln Navigator has embodied American full-size luxury, a bold and unapologetic presence since its 1998 debut. It carved its niche with a distinct blend of power and prestige. The all-new 2025 model, however, charts a subtly different course, emphasizing well-being and comfort as much as its imposing aesthetics.

This latest Navigator undergoes a profound transformation, particularly within its cabin, embracing Lincoln’s ‘spas on wheels’ philosophy. The aim is to invite occupants to relax and truly savor every journey, whether driving or riding. This shift prioritizes a heightened sense of luxury and refinement, prompting us to scrutinize if it maintains its pinnacle position in the segment.

We will delve into the 2025 Navigator’s updated design, revolutionary interior technologies, and driving dynamics. From its commanding exterior to its industry-leading infotainment, we’ll explore what makes this new Navigator a compelling contender and whether its advancements justify its elevated status and price in a fiercely competitive market.

“1998 Lincoln Navigator” by aldenjewell is licensed under CC BY 2.0

1. **Exterior Design Evolution: Familiar Grandeur, Refined Details**

The 2025 Navigator’s exterior is instantly recognizable yet tastefully modernized, retaining its spectacular presence. It’s a clear evolution, reinterpreting the big grille, bluff flanks, and detailing for a fresh ‘large and in charge’ aesthetic.

Key is the integration of daytime running lights extending to the Lincoln star, forming distinctive illuminated wings, mirrored by a rear full-width lightbar. Both perform sophisticated welcome shows.

Available in short- and long-wheelbase models, Lincoln’s cleaner styling makes distinguishing them harder. The 2025 offers a more trim and tailored impression than previous hulking models. The Black Label’s Atmospheric theme, with striking copper accents, adds bespoke luxury.

Critique points: the rear end appears ‘strange,’ with an odd indent below the taillight, filled by a peculiar smoked-plastic panel. This, plus sharply angled taillight corners, seems disconnected. Furthermore, the rear LED light bar has small dimples from molding, disrupting the smooth flow on an otherwise polished design.

Car Model Information: 2022 Lincoln Corsair Grand Touring
Name: Lincoln Navigator
Manufacturer: The Lincoln Motor Company
Caption: 2019 Lincoln Navigator
Production: May 1997–present
ModelYears: 1998–present
Class: Full-size,luxury SUV
BodyStyle: 5-door SUV
Related: Ford Expedition,Ford F-Series
Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout,rear-wheel drive
Assembly: Wayne, Michigan
Categories: 2000s cars, 2010s cars, 2020s cars, All-wheel-drive vehicles, All Wikipedia articles written in American English
Summary: The Lincoln Navigator is a full-size luxury SUV marketed and sold by the Lincoln Motor Company brand of Ford Motor Company since the 1998 model year. Sold primarily in North America, the Navigator is the Lincoln counterpart of the Ford Expedition. It is the heaviest production Lincoln ever built, and is also the Lincoln with the greatest cargo capacity and the first non-limousine Lincoln to offer seating for more than six people. Lincoln Navigator production was sourced from 1997 to 2009 at the Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Michigan. Since 2009, production has also been sourced from the Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville, Kentucky.

Get more information about: Lincoln Navigator

Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Lincoln Model: Navigator
Price: $35,950 Mileage: 30,573 mi.

“Lincoln Navigator” by Adrian Kot is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

2. **The ‘Spa on Wheels’ Philosophy: Redefining Automotive Comfort**

Lincoln’s latest philosophy transforms its vehicles into ‘spas on wheels,’ an ambitious concept for ultimate relaxation. This vision is realized through features designed to soothe and rejuvenate, making the experience transcend mere transportation by prioritizing feeling good as much as looking good.

Central are the incredibly adjustable seats: driver’s up to 30 ways, front passenger’s 28. This unparalleled ergonomic support and advanced seating technology enhance the Navigator’s confident, relaxed driving manners, fostering genuine occupant unwinding.

The Rejuvenate function, refined from the Nautilus, exemplifies this. This customizable five- or ten-minute multi-sensory experience lowers the driver’s seat, puffs aromatherapy scents, activates seat heating/massage, and displays soothing high-res images like Northern Lights or waterfalls, transforming the cabin into a sanctuary.

While seemingly niche, its practical application during mundane waits—like soccer practice pickups—highlights Lincoln’s intent to integrate calm into busy schedules, proving its genuine utility in a modern luxury SUV.

The interior of a car with a steering wheel and dashboard — Photo by Mohanad Al Zbede on Unsplash

3. **The Breathtaking Interior Makeover: A Cocoon of Curated Luxury**

The 2025 Navigator’s interior reinvents completely; Lincoln emphasizes ‘inside that really counts,’ calling the makeover breathtaking. The previous ‘cigar lounge-like’ ambiance transformed into a leather-lined cocoon exuding ‘Resort Spa’ vibes, augmented by cutting-edge technology. This dramatic shift underpins Lincoln’s new focus on well-being and sensory luxury.

The cabin’s general vibe is effortlessly cool, marked by purposeful and curated design in every detail. Black Label trims further elevate this with unique interior colorways, intriguing textures, woods, and distinctive stitch/perforation patterns for the seats, creating a truly personal and refined environment.

However, material selection reveals nuances. While largely praiseworthy ‘from the hips up,’ significant lower interior portions, especially in the third row, incorporate hard, mediocre plastics. These materials, from Ford’s F-150, feel like a notable compromise for a six-figure vehicle compared to competitors’ more pervasive higher-end materials.

Furthermore, our test vehicle showed wrinkled leather at common elbow points. Some saw ‘hand-crafted authenticity,’ others questioned needing ‘Botox or filler.’ Lincoln’s heavy reliance on piano-black plastics in high-traffic areas also means fingerprint smudges quickly detract. These shortcomings, though not damning alone, collectively temper the perception of absolute luxury.

Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Lincoln Model: Navigator
Price: $35,950 Mileage: 30,573 mi.

White lincoln navigator driving on a highway. — Photo by Dan Williams on Unsplash

4. **The Massive 48-inch Panoramic Screen: An Expansive Digital Vista**

The 2025 Navigator’s technological centerpiece is the massive 48-inch screen, spanning nearly A-pillar to A-pillar. This panoramic display creates an expansive, visually stunning, and highly functional digital vista, redefining the dashboard aesthetic. Adapted from the Nautilus, lovely speaker grilles artfully fill the gaps, maintaining design cohesion.

Positioned near the driver’s line of sight, this screen prioritizes critical information, minimizing gaze diversion. Configurable secondary information on the right side offers driver control, enhancing safety and reducing distraction.

Every aspect—fonts, design language, colors, layout—is meticulously considered to minimize distraction while maximizing information. Whether displaying navigation (Apple CarPlay), climate, or audio, everything is a quick glance away. This integrated approach ensures vital data and entertainment are accessible without overwhelming the driver, fostering a relaxed user experience.

While impressive, a minor critique concerns the screen’s width; a wider display would be ideal but prohibitively expensive. Rearranging Nautilus-derived graphics to shift secondary readouts (currently near the pillar) slightly right would bring them more directly into view—an impactful, OTA-addressable change.

Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Lincoln Model: Navigator
Price: $35,950 Mileage: 30,573 mi.

Black lincoln navigator driving on a city street. — Photo by Dan Williams on Unsplash

5. **The Award-Winning Lincoln Digital Experience: Intuitive Control at Your Fingertips**

Augmenting the panoramic display is an 11.1-inch central touchscreen for most controls. It houses the acclaimed Lincoln Digital Experience infotainment, a 2025 MotorTrend Best Tech award winner from the Nautilus. This excellent system is simple, configurable, remarkably quick, and features a thoughtfully laid out interface with intuitive menus, making function access refreshingly easy.

The Lincoln Digital Experience excels in user-centric design, seamlessly integrating essential functions like navigation, climate, and audio. Displaying critical data in the driver’s line of sight, with configurable secondary information, significantly enhances usability, reducing visual effort and promoting a focused driving environment.

The Navigator introduces several Digital Experience enhancements, rolling out via OTA updates. These include a light mode, a Quick Tips app (with cloud updates), and the groundbreaking ability to display YouTube and streaming content directly on the panoramic screen, greatly expanding entertainment.

Further UX improvements extend to HVAC screens and new widgets/options for the panoramic display. Greater emphasis on user profiles ensures each driver instantly recalls their perfect setup, underscoring Lincoln’s commitment to leading automotive technology.

Car Model Information: 2019 Lincoln Nautilus Black Label
Caption: 2019 Lincoln Nautilus
Name: Lincoln Nautilus
Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Production: 2018–present
ModelYears: 2019–present
Class: Mid-size,luxury car,crossover SUV
BodyStyle: SUV
Layout: Front-engine, front-wheel-drive
Related: Ford Edge
Predecessor: Lincoln MKX
Categories: 2020s cars, All-wheel-drive vehicles, All Wikipedia articles written in American English, Articles with short description, CS1 Chinese (China)-language sources (zh-cn)
Summary: The Lincoln Nautilus is a mid-size luxury crossover SUV marketed and sold by the Lincoln brand of Ford Motor Company. The Nautilus was initially renamed from the MKX as part of a mid-cycle update in 2018 for the 2019 model year, as Lincoln phased out its use of “MK” model names. The name ‘Nautilus’ is derived from the ancient Greek word nautes, meaning “sailor,” as in nautical or astronaut. The first generation is based on the CD4 platform, and was manufactured at Oakville Assembly in Oakville, Ontario, Canada alongside the Ford Edge, Ford Flex, and Lincoln MKT and manufactured in Hangzhou Assembly in Zhejiang, China by joint venture Changan Ford from 2021 to 2023. The second generation is solely produced by Changan Ford in China, as Ford is retooling the Oakville Assembly plant to produce electric vehicles.

Get more information about: Lincoln Nautilus

Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Lincoln Model: Nautilus
Price: $24,991 Mileage: 63,024 mi.

a black car parked on the side of the road — Photo by Arvin Dale on Unsplash

6. **Refined Steering Wheel Controls and UX Nuances: Bridging Physical and Digital**

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator attempts a sophisticated bridge between traditional and digital interfaces, notably via its ‘squircle’ shaped steering wheel from the Nautilus. Its flattened top and bottom provide an unobstructed view of the panoramic screen. While initially feeling undersized, it subtly encourages proper nine-and-three hand placement.

The steering wheel features unmarked touchpads. Lincoln’s execution is superior, with functions appearing instantaneously on the panoramic screen, a significant improvement despite a learning curve. Mirror and steering wheel adjustments moved here, requiring adaptation. Some drivers still prefer physical controls, citing muscle memory challenges.

A specific UX critique involves the ignition button’s center stack placement, which pushes gear selection pushbuttons right. This makes them a long reach for smaller drivers. Relocating the ignition button to the main center tunnel would allow gear selector buttons to slide left, positioning them more naturally. This hardware oversight is unlikely to be addressed before a midcycle refresh.

Despite nuances, Navigator’s control approach innovates commendably. Buttons dynamically change operation based on screen function, executed with finesse. Lincoln avoids burying everything within the central touchscreen, a common pitfall.

Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Lincoln Model: Navigator
Price: $35,950 Mileage: 30,573 mi.

“Lincoln Navigator” by harry_nl is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

7. **The Serene Driving Experience and Powertrain: Authority Without Ostentation**

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator’s driving experience is ‘serene,’ embodying the ‘spa on wheels’ philosophy beyond amenities. This large SUV moves with confident relaxation. The carry-over twin-turbo V-6, a 3.5-liter unit, retains its robust 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. It provides ample authority, especially without a trailer. Paired with a smooth 10-speed automatic, the powertrain operates unobtrusively, contributing to cabin tranquility.

Road noise is remarkably hushed, a testament to Lincoln’s sound deadening, fostering a cocoon-like interior. Ride quality is generally decent, considering its body-on-frame construction and standard 22-inch wheels (24-inch options available). The Navigator irons out many road imperfections, delivering a quiet, composed journey. However, some wheel patter and vibration are present, inherent to its architecture.

Despite its 6,044-pound curb weight, the engine offers surprising acceleration. The Navigator moves with haste, yet externally, injector electrical noises and whooshing turbos don’t quite exude luxury elegance. Inside, a subtly enhanced experience awaits: a guttural, strong faux soundtrack is piped through audio speakers, creating an appealing engine note that complements power without being intrusive.

Steering is accurate and appropriately light, perfectly weighted for a relaxing drive, requiring minimal highway corrections. The Navigator L (18.50 feet long) is piloted with ‘land yacht’ ease. The squircle steering wheel, despite initial awkwardness, reinforces proper hand placement. BlueCruise, Lincoln’s hands-free system, enhances serenity, standing as one of the better systems, though GM’s Super Cruise remains a favorite.

However, drive modes, buried in the touchscreen and not always clearly labeled, don’t significantly alter vehicle behavior, a missed opportunity. Fuel economy (15 mpg city, 22 highway, 17 combined) is not horrific given its size, but it requires premium fuel.

Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Lincoln Model: Navigator
Price: $35,950 Mileage: 30,573 mi.

“1999 Lincoln Navigator” by aldenjewell is licensed under CC BY 2.0

8. **Surprising Performance Metrics: Defying Expectations**

While the 2025 Lincoln Navigator largely carries over its robust 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine, making the same 440 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque as last year, the performance figures it put down surprised even us. It’s a testament to Lincoln’s engineering that despite using “pretty much the same bits underneath” as its predecessor, this new model thoroughly outperformed it, especially considering it now includes a more complicated power-folding clamshell-style split tailgate and a massive display. The subtle improvements in weight management—nearly 60 pounds pulled out of the Black Label model—likely played a crucial role in these unexpected gains.

The Navigator truly shone in its acceleration, chopping a full 0.7 second off the 2022 Navigator Black Label’s 0–60-mph time. This brought its sprint down to a swift 5.1 seconds, placing it squarely in competitive territory. Similarly, the quarter-mile was dispatched in a mere 13.7 seconds, a notable improvement from the previous 14.4 seconds. The big Lincoln “positively surges forward with each prod of the accelerator pedal,” delivering a level of urgency that belies its substantial curb weight of 6,044 pounds.

Acceleration wasn’t the only area of significant improvement; the Navigator also stopped much better. Halting from 60 mph in only 119 feet, it dramatically reduced its braking distance compared to the 135 feet of its predecessor. This translates to a nearly “one full Navigator length (17.5 feet) shorter” stop, a critical safety enhancement for such a large vehicle. This enhanced stopping power provides drivers with greater confidence, particularly during emergency maneuvers.

Around our skidpad, the new Black Label model, equipped with its standard 22-inch tires, demonstrated impressive grip, hanging on for an average of 0.79 g, an uptick from 0.76 g. Its figure-eight lap time was also quicker by 0.3 second, and its average lateral acceleration during this rigorous handling test increased from 0.63 g to 0.67 g. These figures suggest a more planted and capable chassis than might be expected from a full-size, body-on-frame SUV.

These objective performance figures position the Navigator favorably within its class. In terms of acceleration, it lands “pretty much between the Jeep Grand Wagoneer and Cadillac Escalade,” while its grip number “is way ahead of both.” While the Cadillac might *feel* sportier to drive, and the Jeep offers a cushier experience, the Navigator objectively holds its own, proving that it offers more than just straight-line prowess, at least on paper.

Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Lincoln Model: Navigator
Price: $35,950 Mileage: 30,573 mi.

“2025 Lincoln Navigator” by Automotive Rhythms is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

9. **Nuanced Ride Quality and Suspension Tuning: A Double-Edged Sword**

While the numbers paint a picture of surprising athleticism, the real-world driving experience of the 2025 Lincoln Navigator introduces a nuanced perspective on its ride quality. On relatively smooth roads, the Navigator lives up to its serene billing, driving “nearly as well as its numbers suggest.” However, this composure can be easily disturbed when faced with imperfect pavement.

The initial turn-in is met with a “strong response from the front tires,” and the body takes a set quickly with minimal lean, avoiding the sensation of “heaving onto the outside front tire.” It carves a smooth line around bends under ideal conditions. Yet, “any bumps or undulations in the road surface easily upset the Navigator’s suspension.” Once loaded in a corner, the springs seem to struggle to absorb additional impacts, leading to “some pogoing—bouncy vertical body motions—and squirming from the tires,” which necessitates corrective steering inputs.

A curious omission in the Navigator’s sophisticated setup is the lack of air springs, a feature “its key competitors all offer,” including the Cadillac Escalade and Jeep Grand Wagoneer. These multi-chamber air springs typically provide a greater “cushion in reserve” even when the suspension is under load, offering a broader range of comfort and control. Without them, the Navigator “enjoys no such bandwidth,” which inherently limits its ability to consistently deliver an ultra-plush ride across all surfaces.

The ride quality is therefore “good until it isn’t,” generally comfortable but prone to feeling “firmly tuned over washboard surfaces and sharper impacts.” This can introduce “untoward wheel motions not felt in, say, an Escalade (which also skews firm in its suspension tuning) or the Grand Wagoneer (which is ultra-plush).” Lincoln does fit the Navigator with electronically adjustable suspension dampers, but they “seem overmatched here,” further exacerbating the issue. We also noted “more jiggles in the Lincoln’s structure than in its competitors’,” an inherent compromise of its body-on-frame construction. It’s worth remembering that our test vehicle had the standard 22-inch wheels; opting for the available 24-inchers on Black Label models would surely result in an even “flintier-riding still” experience.

Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Lincoln Model: Navigator
Price: $35,950 Mileage: 30,573 mi.

10. **Innovative Cargo Solutions: Practicality Meets Luxury**

The cargo area of the 2025 Navigator has received a thoughtful refresh, starting with a new approach to access. Lincoln has adopted a “BMW X5–like split hatch,” a design where the upper portion opens conventionally upward, while a smaller bottom section drops down like a traditional tailgate. This arrangement is a welcome addition, providing both convenience and practicality for owners.

One of the most immediate benefits of this split tailgate is its ability to prevent items from spilling out. As Lincoln aptly puts it, it’s “a nice arrangement that keeps, say, your bottles of Chatêau Lafite Rothschild from tumbling out when you go to retrieve them” after a grocery run. This thoughtful design ensures that loose cargo remains secure, even when opening the hatch on an incline or in a hurry.

Beyond preventing spills, the lower tailgate portion offers clever multi-functional utility, capable of serving as a bench. This feature becomes even more versatile when combined with the available cargo management panel, which stows neatly beneath the rear floor. This panel “has legs to turn it into a table,” creating a convenient bilevel buffet setup ideal for tailgates or other outdoor gatherings. While described as being made of “some cheap-looking plastic” with “ugly flashing,” its usefulness and sturdy feel are undeniable, making it a highly practical addition for those who frequently use their SUV for leisure activities.

Further enhancing the cargo area’s practicality are the lights thoughtfully placed on the underside of the hatch. These lights can “shine down when it’s open,” providing improved visibility when loading or unloading in low-light conditions. This attention to detail underscores Lincoln’s commitment to making the Navigator not just luxurious, but also genuinely functional for everyday use and special occasions alike.

Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Lincoln Model: Navigator
Price: $35,950 Mileage: 30,573 mi.

11. **Luxurious Passenger Amenities: Beyond the Driver’s Seat**

Stepping into the 2025 Navigator’s second row, occupants are treated to an array of deluxe amenities that extend the ‘spa on wheels’ philosophy throughout the cabin. Available captain’s chairs, especially on the Black Label L model we tested, feature not only heating but also upgrade to ventilation and massaging functions, ensuring supreme comfort for passengers. These seats can also power “up and out of the way for third-row access,” a considerate touch that prevents “smaller or older folks” from having to “muscle them out of the way,” despite being “a little slow” in operation.

Connectivity is paramount in the modern luxury SUV, and the Navigator delivers with “tons of USB-C charging ports inside,” including a generous four in the second row and an additional four in the third. This ensures that all passengers, regardless of their seating position, can keep their devices charged and ready. The “general vibe throughout is effortlessly cool,” marked by a purposeful and curated design that extends to every detail.

Black Label trims further elevate this ambiance with “unique interior colorways, intriguing textures and woods, as well as distinctive stitch and perforation patterns for the seats,” creating a truly personal and refined environment. The audio experience is equally impressive, with the “28-speaker Revel Ultima audio system” described as “sensational.” This comprehensive approach to interior design and technology ensures that every aspect of the Navigator interior “feels purposeful and curated.” For second-row passengers, particularly, the availability of “dual 10.1-inch touchscreens with YouTube built in” ensures entertainment for longer journeys, a feature that meant “not a complaint was heard throughout the week” from test occupants.

Even the third row, especially in the long-wheelbase L model, surprises with its spaciousness. It offers “plenty of room for an adult to ride back there,” making the Navigator a truly accommodating eight-passenger vehicle. Crucially, this ample passenger space doesn’t come at the expense of cargo capacity; with all three rows occupied, the Navigator L still provides a substantial “36.1 cubic feet of cargo space,” affirming its capability as a versatile family hauler that marries luxury with practicality.

Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Lincoln Model: Navigator
Price: $35,950 Mileage: 30,573 mi.

12. **Advanced BlueCruise System: A Step Towards Effortless Travel**

Lincoln’s BlueCruise hands-free driver-assist system comes standard on the 2025 Navigator, representing a significant stride toward effortless and relaxing highway travel. This system “works well, letting the Navigator drive itself on the highway for a good 30 minutes without requiring any driver intervention,” a commendable achievement in autonomous driving technology. It truly enhances the “serene” driving experience that Lincoln aims to deliver.

The automatic lane switching feature is another highlight, allowing the SUV to “smoothly move to the next lane with just a tap of the turn signal.” This intuitive functionality reduces driver fatigue and stress during long highway stretches, making the journey feel more controlled and less demanding. It integrates seamlessly into the overall driving dynamics, reinforcing the Navigator’s role as a sophisticated travel companion.

However, even advanced systems have room for refinement. The driver attention monitor, while crucial for safety, could “cut me a little slack when I’m looking down at the lower screen to change drive modes,” as this is precisely why “I’d want a hands-free driving feature in the first place.” This minor critique highlights the ongoing balance between ensuring driver engagement and providing a truly hands-free experience.

While BlueCruise is undeniably “one of the better hands-free driver assistance systems,” it still faces formidable competition. “GM’s Super Cruise is our favorite,” noted by reviewers for its smoother operation and less “ping-ponging within a lane.” Furthermore, Lincoln’s current “130,000 premapped miles of roads” where BlueCruise can be used is extensive but pales in comparison to “GM’s 750,000 miles.” Hopefully, Lincoln’s network will “expand closer to GM’s sometime soon,” further solidifying the Navigator’s position as a leader in autonomous convenience.

Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Lincoln Model: Navigator
Price: $35,950 Mileage: 30,573 mi.

13. **Critical Assessment of High-End Pricing: The Cost of Luxury**

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator, for all its advancements, arrives with a price tag that demands serious consideration. “No model starts at less than $101,000,” marking a significant threshold and a first for an American car. A fully loaded long-wheelbase Navigator with the exquisite Atmospheric Edition package and all options checked can easily soar “past $135,000.” This positions the Navigator firmly in the upper echelons of the luxury SUV market, notably “thousands more than a Cadillac Escalade” in some configurations.

The question then becomes: “Is this Lincoln worth it?” On initial impression, the answer leans towards yes, primarily due to its unique value proposition. Neither the Mercedes-Benz GLS nor the formidable Cadillac Escalade will “provide a rejuvenation session at the kids’ soccer practice while waiting in the parking lot.” The Navigator, however, promises to do just that, delivering it “with class, grace, and understated style that isn’t as attention-demanding as the Escalade.” This ‘spa on wheels’ philosophy offers a distinct, well-being-focused appeal that sets it apart.

Yet, this high-end pricing brings the Navigator into direct contention with formidable rivals, most notably “Cadillac’s Escalade, itself refreshed for 2025 with big changes to its interior.” The Escalade is a “formidable machine, packing a brawny V-8, its own twist on the latest and greatest technologies including Super Cruise, and a more hedonistic take on luxury, all at a similar price point.” The “elephant in the room” further includes “our number-one ranked full-size three-row luxury SUV, the Jeep Grand Wagoneer,” creating a fiercely competitive landscape where every detail matters.

Against this backdrop, some of the Navigator’s “sins” become more glaring. Despite its “phenomenal-looking interior,” it’s “only praiseworthy from each passenger’s hips up.” Below that, there are “a lot of hard, mediocre plastics we recognize from Ford’s F-150 pickup truck,” especially in the third row. Furthermore, test vehicles showed “wrinkled leather at common elbow points,” and Lincoln’s “heavy reliance on piano-black plastics” in high-traffic areas means quick fingerprint smudges. “For this much money, no one should see or feel hard plastics anywhere,” and the absence of air suspension, which competitors offer, is a notable miss. These shortcomings, though not individually damning, collectively temper the perception of absolute luxury in a six-figure vehicle.

Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Lincoln Model: Navigator
Price: $35,950 Mileage: 30,573 mi.

14. **The Verdict: Is the 2025 Lincoln Navigator Still the Ultimate Luxury SUV?**

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator marks “a great step forward” for a vehicle that pioneered American full-size luxury, embodying its “bold and brash” heritage with a refined, modern twist. It is undeniably “quicker, more eye-catching, and stuffed with excellent new tech,” from its expansive 48-inch display to its cutting-edge ‘spa on wheels’ functions. The interior’s shift from a “cigar lounge-like” ambiance to a “leather-lined cocoon aiming for Resort Spa vibes” is a bold, largely successful move, establishing a unique niche in the segment.

However, despite these significant strides, if one looks closely enough, a few lingering issues “drag it behind its direct competition.” The presence of “hard, mediocre plastics” in lower interior sections, particularly in the third row, feels like a compromise for a vehicle in this price bracket. The “wrinkled leather at elbow points” and the “heavy reliance on piano-black plastics” are minor aesthetic critiques that can detract from the overall luxury perception. Moreover, the “curious lack of air springs,” a feature common among its rivals, means the ride quality can be “firmly tuned over washboard surfaces and sharper impacts,” introducing body motions not felt in some competitors. The “odd rear-end look” also remains a point of contention.

Ultimately, the Navigator’s claim to being the “ultimate luxury SUV” hinges on an owner’s priorities. If your vision of luxury prioritizes serene well-being, innovative digital integration, and a unique multi-sensory rejuvenation experience that can turn a mundane wait into a moment of calm, then the Navigator is an unparalleled contender. It offers a distinct, understated style that deliberately avoids the “attention-demanding” presence of an Escalade, favoring inner tranquility.

Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Lincoln Model: Navigator
Price: $35,950 Mileage: 30,573 mi.

The choice, therefore, isn’t about outright superiority in every metric, but about alignment with one’s personal definition of luxury. Do you want to “command attention with your presence,” or do you “prefer a moment of relaxation in the parking lot?” The 2025 Lincoln Navigator delivers the latter with exceptional grace. While its “positive first impression” will undoubtedly be tested in comparison against formidable rivals like the Cadillac Escalade and Jeep Grand Wagoneer, its ability to redefine the luxury experience through its ‘spa on wheels’ philosophy ensures it remains a uniquely compelling, and perhaps for many, the *ultimate* luxury SUV. It’s “a lot of technology, a lot of luxury, a lot of style, and … a lot of money,” and for the right buyer, it’s absolutely worth it.