“Great vehicle except the vehicle honks every single time a door is shut and the motor is on unless you leave the keys inside. That is freakishly annoying.”
Lincoln Navigator: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Lincoln Navigator is a full-size, three-row luxury SUV with seating for up to eight. It is known for a quiet, comfort-focused cabin, strong towing ability, and relaxed long-distance travel.
Across generations, the Navigator has paired a spacious family cabin with the strength to tow. Its focus has consistently been comfort and easy highway travel rather than sporty handling or serious off-road use. Newer generations build on that formula with larger screens, more driving assistance, and more thoughtful cargo access.
Strengths
- The cabin has three rows and seating for up to eight, making it well suited to larger families.
- Its quiet ride and comfort-focused interior make long highway trips feel less tiring.
- Strong towing has long been central to the Navigator, with the 2027 model rated to pull up to 8,700 pounds.
- Newer models offer hands-free highway-driving hardware that can ease the workload on long trips.
- Since the 2025 redesign, the two-piece rear gate has made the cargo area easier to reach and use.
Who it's for
The Navigator fits families who want three usable rows, an upscale and quiet cabin, and enough muscle for towing. It makes the most sense for road trips, daily family duty, and buyers who value comfort more than nimble handling.
Lincoln Navigator lineup
Premiere is the entry point, so it suits shoppers who want the Navigator’s space and comfort without moving higher in the range. Reserve is the middle trim and the natural step up for buyers seeking a more upscale version without going all the way to the top. Black Label is the flagship, distinguished in recent generations by its exclusive interior themes and a stronger emphasis on design and cabin ambiance.
Lincoln Navigator generations
From 2009 to 2027, the Navigator spans three generations. The current 5th Generation arrived for 2025, following the 4th Generation (2018–2024).
5th Generation (2025–Present)
This generation brought a full exterior and cabin redesign, led by a 48-inch panoramic display and a two-piece split tailgate. It keeps a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 and a 10-speed automatic.
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2027
Rear-wheel drive returns as standard across the lineup, with four-wheel drive optional. V6 output rises to 440 hp.
2026Trim changes
The Premiere trim returns as the entry model below Reserve and Black Label.
2025New generation
Full redesign with a new exterior and cabin, a 48-inch panoramic display, and a two-piece split tailgate.
4th Generation (2018–2024)
The 2018 redesign introduced a lighter aluminum-intensive body, a roomier and more modern cabin, and a 450-hp twin-turbo V6 with a 10-speed automatic. A substantial 2022 update refreshed the styling, touchscreen system, suspension, and driver-assistance technology.
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2024Trim changes
The Standard trim is renamed Premiere, and four-wheel drive becomes standard across the lineup.
2023
The updated styling, large touchscreen, and Standard, Reserve, and Black Label lineup carry over.
2022Mid-cycle update
Refreshed front and rear styling joins a larger 13.2-inch touchscreen, updated suspension, and expanded driver assistance.
2021Trim changes
Carryover year with no significant equipment, powertrain, safety, or touchscreen changes.
2020Trim changes
Phone As A Key, the driver-assistance suite, heated and ventilated front seats, wireless charging, and power running boards become standard.
2019Trim changes
The 2018 design, 450-hp twin-turbo V6, 10-speed automatic, and three-row cabin carry over.
2018New generation
Full redesign with a lighter aluminum-intensive body, a more modern and spacious cabin, a 450-hp twin-turbo V6, and a 10-speed automatic.
3rd Generation (2007–2017)
This generation used a traditional full-size SUV structure and initially paired a 5.4-liter V8 with a six-speed automatic. Its major 2015 refresh brought revised styling, a reworked dashboard, and a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6.
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2017
The Select and Reserve trims, twin-turbo V6, and six-speed automatic carry over for the generation’s final year.
2016Trim changes
A quicker, redesigned 8-inch touchscreen system replaces the older interface.
2015Mid-cycle update
Major refresh with revised front and rear styling, a reworked dashboard, and a twin-turbo V6 replacing the V8.
2014
The 5.4-liter V8, six-speed automatic, body, and cabin carry over.
2013
The regular and long-wheelbase models carry over without significant changes.
2012
Integrated blind-spot mirrors become standard.
2011
Voice-activated navigation with HD Radio becomes standard, along with a household-style power outlet.
2010
Trailer Sway Control becomes standard, alongside a programmable key, added touchscreen-system functions, and standard premium leather seats.
2009
V8 output rises to 310 hp, while a voice-control system, rearview camera, heated second-row seats, rain-sensing wipers, and front parking sensors become standard.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Lincoln Navigator.
2027 Lincoln Navigator2026 Lincoln Navigator2025 Lincoln Navigator2024 Lincoln Navigator2023 Lincoln Navigator2022 Lincoln Navigator2021 Lincoln Navigator2020 Lincoln Navigator2019 Lincoln Navigator2018 Lincoln Navigator2017 Lincoln Navigator2016 Lincoln Navigator2015 Lincoln Navigator2014 Lincoln Navigator2013 Lincoln Navigator2012 Lincoln Navigator2011 Lincoln Navigator2010 Lincoln Navigator2009 Lincoln Navigator
Frequently asked questions
How many people does the Lincoln Navigator seat?
The Lincoln Navigator seats up to eight people across three rows. The exact seating layout can vary by model year and vehicle, so check the second-row configuration on the used example you are considering.
Is there a longer version of the Lincoln Navigator?
Yes. The Navigator has been sold in standard- and extended-length forms, with the longer version commonly called Navigator L. It suits families who prioritize cargo room while keeping three-row seating.
Does the Lincoln Navigator come as a hybrid?
No. The Navigator models covered here are gas-powered. Newer versions use a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6, while older examples used either an earlier version of that V6 or a 5.4-liter V8.
Does the Lincoln Navigator have a V8?
Older Navigators do. Models through 2014 used a 5.4-liter V8, while Lincoln switched to a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 for 2015. Engine type therefore depends heavily on the generation you shop.
Is the Lincoln Navigator good for towing?
Yes. Strong towing ability is one of the Navigator’s core strengths, and the latest lineup is rated for up to 8,700 pounds. The rating for a specific used vehicle depends on its year, drivetrain, wheelbase, and equipment.
Which major Lincoln Navigator redesigns should used shoppers know about?
The key turning points are the 2015 refresh, which replaced the V8 with a twin-turbo V6; the all-new 2018 generation; the substantial 2022 technology and styling update; and the all-new 2025 generation with a panoramic display and two-piece rear gate.
Lincoln Navigator Reviews
What owners are saying about the Lincoln Navigator.
4.3
Lincoln Navigator
(1,324 reviews)
“The smoothest ride I've ever had. The blind spots are bigger than the Mark LT. I call it my pickup with a roof on it. I wish the external mirrors would have a preset setting along with the seat setting.”
“The biggest flaw is the heating and cooling controls are very manual. Also, you can't adjust asynchronously via the built-in display, i.e. I can't adjust passenger side temperature as I'm adjusting driver side or back seat at the same time.”
“Great room and interior. I would recommend for any large family. Acceleration and brakes were subpar.”
“My 2019 Lincoln Navigator has been a pleasure thus far and I have been impressed with the design and quality of materials. This is not a rebadged Ford Expedition, but a standalone vehicle with unique design both inside and out. The twin turbo V6 is outstanding and the sound system is one of the best I have heard in a luxury vehicle. Well done Lincoln!”
“HAVING FUN DRIVING THE NAVIGATOR, IF YOU CAN AFFORD THE PRICE, GO FOR IT, YOU WON'T REGRET, HAVE FUN”
Sources
- lincoln.com — Luxury Suvs / Navigator / 2026
- lincoln.com — Navigator / 2025 / Compare Models
- media.lincoln.com — Crossovers Suvs / Navigator / 2025 Lincoln Navigator
- lincoln.com — 2025 / Models / Reserve
- lincoln.com — 2025 / Models / Black Label
- media.lincoln.com — 2025 / Navigator / 2025 Lincoln Navigator Technical Specs
- es.lincoln.com — 2024 / Models / Premiere
- media.lincoln.com — 08 / 18 / New Lincoln Navigator Commands The Road
- media.lincoln.com — 2022 / Navigator / 2022 Lincoln Navigator Tech Specs
- media.lincoln.com — 08 / 18 / Exclusive Black Label Themes 2022 Navigator
- media.lincoln.com — 07 / 15 / New Lincoln Navigator Three Monochromatic Themes
- media.lincoln.com — Crossovers Suvs / Navigator / 2020 Navigator