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| 2020 Lincoln Navigator |
Overview
The 2020 Lincoln Navigator is the company's largest and grandest model, with loads of chrome and seating for up to eight. While some of the parts it shares with the lesser Ford Expedition are obvious, Lincoln gives the Navigator enough exclusive content to feel truly luxurious.
Its effortless acceleration and lofty towing capacity are delivered courtesy of a powerful 450-hp twin-turbo V-6 power-train. Unfortunately, its uncouth ride on uneven roads diminishes the comfort level. Even so, the big Lincoln is packed with cutting-edge technology and is available with extremely comfortable seats.
While the 2020 Navigator is neither fuel efficient nor totally refined, its flashy exterior and extravagant features rise above these shortcomings; it's still one of the best SUVs out there.
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| 2020 Lincoln Navigator |
What's New for 2020?
Lincoln gives the Navigator lineup improved standard features and updated packages for this year. Every model now has standard adaptive dampers, power-operated running boards, heated and ventilated front seats, automatic high-beams, the latest Sync infotainment software, and the owner's smartphone now can be used as a key.
All but the base models now have illuminated power running boards. The paint-color palette drops Ingot Silver, Ruby Red, and White Platinum in favor of Pristine White, Red Carpet, and Silver Radiance.
Likewise, Lincoln's suite of driver assists—called Co-Pilot360—now includes automatic high-beams, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking, and a backup camera with a camera washer. There's also a new Monochromatic package available on the Navigator Reserve that brings unique exterior styling.
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| 2020 Lincoln Navigator |
Pricing and Which One to Buy
- Standard: $77,120
- Reserve: $82,660
- L: $85,860
- Black Label: $98,065
- Black Label L: $101,265
We think the mid-level Navigator Reserve represents the best combination of luxury and value. The long-wheelbase L version has more cargo space and passenger versatility for an extra premium if you need the room; regardless of which model, we'd also choose the all-weather capability of all-wheel drive.
Every Reserve has desirable features such as heated and ventilated front seats, a head-up display, power-adjustable steering wheel, and a host of driver-assistance technologies. The only other options we'd recommend are the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow package that maximizes the Navigator's towing ability.
The Luxury package also orders up Lincoln's excellent 30-way power seats and a fancy 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system.
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| 2020 Lincoln Navigator |
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The 2020 Navigator has only one engine-and-transmission combination, but with 450 horsepower, one is all it needs. We found the Navigator to be responsive and genuinely speedy, and the 10-speed automatic shuffles through gears adeptly enough to avoid perturbing dozing passengers.
At our test track, the standard-wheelbase Navigator and long-wheelbase model had equally quick acceleration. However, straight-line performance is where the Navi's performance potential begins and ends. Steering feel is numb and its sheer bulk prevents it from being a vehicle that encourages enthusiastic driving.
But the most serious problem with our test vehicles was their ride quality. Wearing optional 22-inch wheels, the Navigator was sometimes jittery, and sharp impacts were followed up by bouncing rebounds—the worst of both worlds.
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| 2020 Lincoln Navigator |
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Unlike its V-8 competition, the Navigator employs a downsized, twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 and a 10-speed automatic transmission in the quest for better fuel economy.
Despite its smaller engine, it's far from fuel efficient and proved unexpectedly thirsty during our real-world highway testing. Despite a highway-fuel-economy rating from the EPA of 21 mpg.
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| 2020 Lincoln Navigator |
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The Navigator's interior is lavishly spacious and genuinely luxurious. Materials such as open-pore wood trim and massaging front seats are only available in the upper trim levels, but even entry-level Navigators have much to offer.
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| 2020 Lincoln Navigator |
The Navigator's third row is one of the best examples of that seating arrangement. There are 1.1 inches more legroom in the Navigator's third row than that of the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, and other competitors fall even further behind.
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| 2020 Lincoln Navigator |
The Navigator offers optional 30-way-adjustable massaging front seats, a keystone feature for Lincoln's flagship SUV. The seats are almost sculptural and are so customizable that you can even adjust the individual left and right thigh supports to different heights.
The Navigator's immense size can be a drawback when weaving through traffic or attempting to park, but it's a huge boon when it comes time to pack for vacation.
Short-wheelbase models have limited cargo space with all three rows in use; cargo space is abundant with the third row folded. Long-wheelbase L models have cargo room aplenty even with the third row in use.
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| 2020 Lincoln Navigator |
Infotainment and Connectivity
The Navigator comes standard with an eye-catching 10.0-inch touchscreen and has USB ports in every row. The infotainment system's graphics are slick and easy to read—important for Lincoln's presbyopic clientele—and the huge screen is like a glittering jewel atop the Navigator's prow.
Every model comes with a five-year subscription to Lincoln's smartphone app and related services, and the standard navigation system includes a six-year subscription to SiriusXM's Traffic and Travel Link.
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| 2020 Lincoln Navigator |
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The Navigator hasn't been crash-tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), but the 2019 model received five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Lincoln also makes its Co-Pilot360 suite of driver-assistance technology standard. Key safety features include:
- Standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
- Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Available adaptive cruise control
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| 2020 Lincoln Navigator |
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Lincoln's warranty coverage roughly matches that of its competitors, but there are a few perks that help the company's customer-service practices stand out from the herd.
Owners who choose the Black Label trim enjoy four years of complimentary scheduled maintenance instead of one year.
- Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Power-train warranty covers six years or 70,000 miles
- Complimentary scheduled maintenance is covered for up to four years or 50,000 miles.
2020 Lincoln Navigator
