Lincoln says that the Lincoln Navigator is the center of gravity when it comes luxury and technology. However, the model has also played second fiddle to rivals in recent years especially its archnemesis the Cadillac Escalade. Lincoln is out to reorient the status quo and has formally unveiled the 2025 Navigator which raises the bar on styling and technology while also bringing several innovative features to the model for the first time ever.
Exterior styling brings Navigator in step with current design language
The current generation Navigator has been on sale for several years now and is one of the last models left to have Lincoln’s old design language. The 2025 model gets the bulk of its inspiration from the Lincoln Nautilus with the front end getting an illuminated slat that stretches from one end of the larger front grille to the other with the piece accenting the illuminated Lincoln star emblem which is carried over from the outgoing model. The tailights have also been reworked with the 2025 model getting a unified lightbar that incorporates the Lincoln lettering into it. The liftgate is now a split gate design with the brand saying that the two can be opened either together or independently of each other. The split gate also gets a new cargo tailgate manager feature which allows owners to not only create a shelf for multi-level cargo storage, but also a table and a bench seatback for the lower tailgate which can support up to 500 lbs.
Large 22-inch wheels are standard but buyers can swap those out for larger 24-inch wheels. The trim ladder has been simplified for 2025 with the Reserve and the Black Label models being the only two trims available (the old Premiere model is axed for 2025.) The exterior also highlights Lincoln’s use of colors with Lincoln designers adding several new hues to the color portfolio while also infusing certain models with copper accents to help them visually. The Navigator will also continue to offer two lengths with a longer L model continuing to be available for those that need more space.
Navigator interior is an oasis of luxury
Slip inside the 2025 Navigator and you’ll find that the interior has gotten a more extensive suite of updates, A massive 48-inch screen stretches across the dashboard with a smaller screen in the center console being responsible for crucial functions as well as configuring what widgets appear on the larger screen. The front and second-row passengers get heated, cooled, and massaging seats and the interior itself gets higher quality materials with Lincoln designers being given a larger degree of freedom to make the space pop. That’s especially true on Black Label models with the Atmospheric theme which is supposedly inspired by a stormy day. These models get dark ash wood accents with laser-etched spots to add contrast and copper-colored accents with the exterior also getting copper-colored accents too.
The front seats get 24-way adjustability on the Reserve model but Black Labels get 30-way “Perfect Position” seats. Lincoln also rearranged some of the hard controls with the piano key style shifter buttons and the engine stop/start button being moved to the center console with the large volume knob being made out of crystal glass. This glass also has backlighting and it’s meant to help it stand out at night.
A key feature seen in the 2025 model is the “Rejuvenate” suite which combines the ambient lighting, perfume, massage seats, and ambient lighting to create a relaxing experience for the driver when the Navigator is parked. The feature has several themes to choose from and it runs for 5-10 minutes with the system also having a separate function to revitalize the driver to prevent them from being sleepy after the experience is done.
Carryover performance
With all the changes that Lincoln made to the exterior and the interior of the new Gator, the brand chose to play it safe with the performance hardware with all models being powered by the familiar 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 that continues to make 440 hp and is still mated to a 10-speed automatic. This setup has served the Navigator well over the years but we also feel that Lincoln missed out on an opportunity to bring the new Navigator into the hybrid club especially since the 10-speed automatic is designed to work with electrified applications.
BlueCruise 1.4 is standard on all Navigators and allows for hands-free driving and lane changes which is similar to GM’s Super Cruise system. Like that system, BlueCruise needs to be supervised by the driver but it aims to make the driving experience less stressful and more enjoyable.
When can I buy a 2025 Navigator?
Lincoln didn’t reveal final pricing for the 2025 Navigator but confirmed that the model will go on sale early next year with Lincoln focusing on giving buyers plenty of style choices when they spec out a Reserve or Black Label model. They include a new Jet Black package that adds darkened accents as well as a second Black Label theme called Enlighten that adds lighter colored materials and textures to the SUV though it misses out on the wild copper accents that define the Atmospheric theme.
In the meantime, Lincoln also released a launch video for the Navigator which can be seen below.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.