2020 Lincoln Navigator

Navigator is a good stately SUV built on the platform of Ford trucks and hence it does not have a sense of luxury as its European counterparts. It's a fast SUV and surprisingly so considering its weight and dimensions but its that perfect. The rivals are more luxurious and look better, have way more technology and have better brand value as well. Yes, it's massive but that's about it. If size is the only concern one may as well buy a luxury van instead of this but for a full size.

As a full-size SUV, and a luxurious one as Lincoln would like to call it, the Navigator goes against the Cadillac Escalade, Mercedes Benz GLS, and the Land Rover Range Rover. These cars are priced and specked similarly and the Navigator is going to have quite a hard time against these handsome hunks.

This luxury comes in four trim levels: Premiere, Select, Reserve and Black Label. A 3.5-liter turbocharged V-6 engine paired with 10-speed automatic transmission comes as standard. The first three trims get rear-wheel drive while the Black Label gets 4WD as standard.

Lincoln  has offered two sizes to choose from – the base Premium trim comes with standard wheelbase while the Select, Reserve and Black Label models are available in standard as well as extended-wheelbase (Navigator L).

Trims	Standard	Reserve	Black label
MSRP (RWD)	$76,185	$81,725	$96,770
MSRP (4WD)	$78,855	$84,400	$97,135
Key Features	Three-zone climate control	Adds over the Standard trim	Adds over the Reserve trim
	LED headlights	Panoramic sunroof	Privileges like access free extended service and maintenance plan
	Heated and ventilated front seats	Power footboards	Pickup and drop off during servicing
	10-inch touchscreen with smartphone integration	24-way adjustable front seats
	14-speaker sound system	Adaptive cruise control
	Blind-spot detection	360-degree surround-view parking system
	Lane-keeping assist
	Automatic emergency braking
	Forward collision detection

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Even the base trim is well-equipped and makes a great choice. However, we would suggest you go with the Select trim with the optional Technology Package. It is much less expensive than the high-end trims and offers many premium features.

It comes equipped with the surround-view parking camera system and adaptive suspension, while the technology package adds all the hi-tech safety equipment such as adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning.

Lincoln Navigator comes mated to a 3.5-liter turbocharged V-6 engine that churns out 450-horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. It sends power to either the rear or all four wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission which the Ford designed in partnership with the GM. 

The 2020 Navigator has cued a pulsating turbocharged V-6 engine with rear or all-wheel drive along with adaptive steering and suspension to get this ginormous SUV going. There is not much turbo lag while the transmission shifts feel smooth and well-tuned. Navigator also gets an excellent towing capacity of 8,700-pounds when properly equipped.

Models	Lincoln Navigator SUV	Cadillac Escalade SUV	Mercedes Benz GLS 450 4Matic SUV	Ford Expedition XLT SUV	Infiniti QX80 LUXE SUV
MSRP	$76,185	$76,490	$71,145	$53,425	$66,795
Engine	3.5L V6	6.2L V8	3.0L V6	3.5L V6	5.6 L V8
Transmission	10 Speed automatic	10 Speed automatic	9 Speed automatic	10 Speed automatic	7 Speed automatic
Horsepower	450 hp@ 5500 rpm	420 hp@ 5600rpm	362 hp@ 5500rpm	375 hp@ 5000rpm	400 hp@ 5800rpm
Torque	510 ft-lbs@ 3000rpm	460 ft-lbs@ 4100 rpm	369 ft-lbs@ 1800rpm	470 ft-lbs@ 3500rpm	413 ft-lbs@ 4000rpm

There is not much turbo lag while the transmission shifts feel smooth and well-tuned. The Navigator is a sure winner when it comes to horsepower and the Escalade takes the second spot. Infiniti  QX80 takes the third spot while the Merc and Ford are similar in terms of horsepower.

Acceleration

The Navigator feels aggressively quick. It weighs more than 6,000 pounds, but it posts 0 to 60 in less than 6 seconds and is one of the fastest full-size SUVs in its class. The Navigator gets tough competition from the Cadillac Escalade which crosses the 60 mph mark in 5.8 seconds and is the second fast in the class.

Models	Lincoln Navigator SUV	Cadillac Escalade SUV	Mercedes Benz GLS 450 4Matic SUV	Ford Expedition XLT SUV	Infiniti QX80 LUXE SUV
0-60 MPH	5.9	N/A	N/A	N/A	6.1 sec
Quarter mile	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	14.8 sec
Engine	3.5L V6	6.2L V8	3.0L V6	3.5L V6	5.6 L V8
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	9.3	10.3	9.3	8.8	11.0

However, the 10-speed automatic transmission on the Navigator feels more refined than the Cadillac and it also shifts quickly and seamlessly. We are not over yet, the ace in the spade is the unique gear selection; the gear changes by pushing buttons instead of using a traditional level.

Braking

Be ready for heavy nosedive and lots of body roll during quick stops. The four-wheel independent suspension, however, helps provide a smooth ride and this is one enormous SUV that maneuvers with some degree of precision on a winding road.

In terms of braking, the  Lincoln Navigator fails to impress and takes  125 feet to stop from 60 mph. Expedition  despite being the heaviest in the class offers impressive braking distance. It takes 121 feet to come to a halt from 60 to 0.

Model	Lincoln Navigator	Cadillac Escalade	Mercedes-Benz GLS 450	Ford Expedition
Brake front(in)	13.8	17.0	13.8	13.5
Brake Rear(in)	13.8	17.0	13.6	13.2
Curb weight(lbs)	5760	5572	5335	5801
60-0 MPH	125 ft.	133 ft.	120 ft.	121 ft.

The Navigator is a highway cruiser with plenty of power swift acceleration. It gets the best handling than any other large SUV in the class. he stopping distance at 125-feet allows Navigator to come at a halt at any speed.

Ride and Handling

Despite its mammoth size, the 2020  Lincoln Navigator handles surprisingly well and there is not much body lean around corners. Its unique small turning radius helps it maneuver easily in tight spaces. You will be at comfort at any road condition as the ride feels cushioned and the electric power steering feels light. The front and rear suspension get adaptive dampers that absorb most of the bumps on faulty roads.

Mileage though, not class-leading is better than most of the luxury SUVs and it also uses regular gasoline, whereas many in competition require premium fuel. Ride quality is smooth even on the bumpy roads and handling feels nimble around corners

Navigator’s fuel economy is average for the class as it earns an EPA rating of 16mpg city/23 mpg highway/19mpg combined with the standard wheelbase and rear-wheel drive. Mileage drops to 16/22/18 mpg with the longer body Navigator L (RWD) while the 4WD is rated at 16/21/18 mpg.

Model	Lincoln Navigator SUV	Cadillac Escalade SUV	Mercedes Benz GLS 450 4Matic SUV	Ford Expedition XLT SUV	Infiniti QX80 LUXE SUV
MPG (city)	16	14	16	17	14
MPG (highway)	23	23	22	24	20
MPG (combined)	19	17	18	20	16

On contrasting with the opposition, the Navigator stands right into the industry expectations. However, it was Ford's Expedition which aced the lot with its 20 mpg mileage. The Infiniti QX 80 was the lagger in the lot.  

Lincoln designers have worked hard to create near-perfect interior. The cabin looks modern and striking with high-quality materials. It looks and feels even plusher than the Navigator’s price demands. All three-row seats are spacious and comfy and the Navigator also leads the luxury SUV segment when it comes to cargo capacity. A user-friendly infotainment system sits on top of the long list of standard and optional features.

Navigator keeps you isolated from the outside world with its thick sound damping. There is seating for seven or eight depending upon whether you choose the second-row bench seat or the captain’s chair. All the three-row seats are spacious enough to accommodate adults and feel comfortable on long trips. The front seats especially are great and with the optional 30-way power adjustability it pushes comfort limit further.

Model	Lincoln Navigator SUV	Cadillac Escalade SUV	Mercedes Benz GLS 450 4Matic SUV	Ford Expedition XLT SUV	Infiniti QX80 LUXE SUV
Passenger capacity	7	7	7	8	7
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	41.8/65.2/43.9	42.8/64.9/45.3	41.2/58.5/40.3	42.0/64.9/43.9	39.9/63.8/39.6
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	40.0/.65.1/41.5	38.7/64.4/39.0	40.0/58.3/38.5	40.0/64.8/41.5	40.0/63.5/41.0

The Ford Expedition also comes with seating for eight and priced much less than the Navigator. However, you will have to compromise on the luxury feel and plush interior which you would not get with the Ford. With outstanding towing capacity and lower price, the Ford makes a good option to go for.

Seating features include:

• Heated front seats
• 10-way power-adjustable front seats
• Heated second row
• Ventilated front seats (Optional)
• 24 and 30 -way power-adjustable front seats (Optional)
• Massaging front seats (Optional)

Infotainment System

The Navigator gets Ford's SYNC 3 infotainment system which is easy to use and intuitive. Smartphone integration like the Android Auto and Apple CarPlay has been made also made availiable. The new system is designed similarly as a smartphone, you can gesture such as pinch to zoom or swipe.

The infotainment screen is easy to use however it might take a little while to master the controls. All other dash controls including the buttons and the knobs are well arranged and within reach. Standard infotainment feature includes:

• Six USB ports
• 4G LTE
• Wi-Fi hotspot
• 14-speaker audio system
• A 10-inch touchscreen
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Navigation

Cargo Capacity

There is no competition when it comes to cargo space as the  Lincoln Navigator leads the segment with a total of 103 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats folded. There are 18.1 cubic feet of space behind the third row and 54.4 cubic feet with them folded. Step up to the Navigator L and you get a whopping 128.2 cubic feet of cargo space.

Model	Lincoln Navigator SUV	Cadillac Escalade SUV	Mercedes Benz GLS 450 4Matic SUV	Ford Expedition XLT SUV	Infiniti QX80 LUXE SUV
Cargo Volume (ft.3)	19.3	15.2	16.0	19.3	16.6

  Lincoln’s elder cousin Ford comes with impressive numbers when it comes to cargo capacity but then we are talking about luxury SUVs. The Navigator is a real champ in the class and beats almost every SUV in the segment

The massive front grille in the front is unavoidable and if you don’t like it then this luxury SUV is not for you. However, there is no denying the fact that the Navigator makes a statement wherever it goes. You will find some cool touches like the LED-backed Lincoln badge in the middle of the grille.

In the rear, there is Lincoln signature LED taillight across the hatch and LINCOLN embedded in giant letters. It might sometimes look the same as the Ford Expedition but the 2018 Navigator has got enough detailing to make it distinct.

Model	Lincoln Navigator SUV	Cadillac Escalade SUV	Mercedes Benz GLS 450 4Matic SUV	Ford Expedition XLT SUV	Infiniti QX80 LUXE SUV
Curb weight (lbs.)	5685	5578	5335	5443	5679
Length(in)	210.0	203.9	202.0	210.0	210.2
Width(in)	79.9	80.5	76.1	79.9	79.9
Height(in)	76.4	74.4	72.8	76.6	75.8
Ground clearance (in)	9.7	8.0	8.5	9.8	9.2
Wheelbase (in)	122.5	116.0	121.1	122.5	121.1
Track width (in) F/R	N/A	N/A	65.2/65.9	67.6/67.2	67.5/67.9

The Navigator leads when it comes to dimensions. It is though not the widest but it is the longest in the segment with a length of 210-inches. It beats the Cadillac by good 7-inches with the standard wheelbase but the Escalade ESV (224.3-inch) takes the lead when compared to the Navigator L (221.9-inch).

Lincoln has taken complete care of your safety in the 2020 Navigator. We have mentioned some of the standard safety features below however there are some points to focus on. A rearview camera comes standard, while surround-view cameras are available on all but the Premier edition. Reserve trims come bundled with a heads-up display, forward-collision warnings with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, lane-departure warning as well as active park assist.

All these features come standard on the Black Label Navigator along with blind-spot monitoring that warns you if it detects a vehicle in your blind spot while driving forward or approaching from sides while in reverse.

•    Four-wheel disc anti-lock brake system (ABS)
•    Driver and front-passenger Dual Stage airbags
•    Side Impact Airbags
•    Safety Canopy with Roll-Over Sensor
•    Belt-Minder
•    Child-safety rear door locks
•    Crash Severity Sensors
•    LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tether Anchors for Children)
•    SOS Post-Crash Alert System
•    Brake and Engine-Actuated Traction control
•    Rearview camera with washer
•    SecuriCode keyless entry keypad
•    Remote Keyless Entry System
•    Battery Saver
•    Anti-theft perimeter alarm
•    MyKey
•    Electric parking brake

Lincoln Navigator Vs Ford Expedition

The Ford Motor Company offers two large SUVs: The Ford Expedition and the Lincoln Navigator. Both the SUVs are different in their own way. The Navigator boasts one of the best interiors in the luxury SUV segment and it also has a long list of features than the Expedition.

The Ford meanwhile has its edge over the Navigator as it offers excellent towing capacity and is also priced pretty low. The choice is yours to make, if you want a luxurious ride, go for the Lincoln; otherwise, the Expedition will also make your pocket happy.

Lincoln Navigator Vs Cadillac Escalade

The Escalade is one of the closest rivals of the Navigator in terms of pricing, towing capacity and cargo space. Both the vehicles are offered in extended-wheelbase models and boast plenty of passenger space. However, the V-8 engine on the Cadillac is less fuel-efficient than the Navigators V6. You get a plush interior and value for money with the Navigator.

The Navigator does not quite match up against this German rival in terms of luxury quotient or refinement. The Mercedes has far better interiors, looks better too and has more tech features as well. Other than the size of the Navigator and the stately stance that comes along with it, there is nothing that comes up the class of the GLS. Also, the GLS is cheaper and that should pretty much help you boil down to your choice.

Lincoln Navigator Vs Mercedes-Benz GLS 450

Lincoln Navigator seats eight as compared to seven in the Mercedes and it also boasts more cargo space. The Navigator also offers more space in all three rows than the GLS and has a better towing capacity.

The base Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 costs $10,000 less than the Lincoln and does everything well considering its price. It although is not as luxurious as the Navigator but you will get a comfortable ride and excellent road grip with the GLS.

Navigator Lincoln has taken luxury to a different level. The Navigator is an outstanding SUV and leads the pack in whatever it does. The V-6 engine puts out more horsepower than most in the class and it also has the highest towing capacity for a large luxury SUV.

The icing on the cake is the beautifully designed Lincoln’s cabin which is made up of top-notch material. We do not find any weakness in the luxury Lincoln offering making it one of the most well-rounded SUV in the segment.