In the world of full size luxury SUVs the pressure is on to deliver an advanced experience that will stand up to time. Luxury cars and SUVs are expected to go the distance, after all. But they’re also expected to be timeless, with subtle changes that maintain the design and luxury of prior models.
That is an expectation that Lincoln doesn’t take lightly. For the redesign of the 2025 Lincoln Navigator, the company delivers a simple lineup and simplified interior choices paired with a tech experience that is both visceral and tactile—tech and textures.
It starts with a fixed panoramic screen assisted by a smaller touch-controlled screen, touch-sensitive controls throughout and voice-activated assistance that allows anyone in the cabin to adjust the climate, audio or navigation.
Adding to the new look and feel is a full makeover inside and out that adds to the Lincoln Navigator experience, with new interiors palettes, a new exterior lighting signature and a new split tailgate that adds to the utility of this SUV.
Connected Technology Is At Center Stage In The Lincoln Navigator
The panoramic screen that spans the front of the Lincoln Navigator is hard to miss, but also, not nearly as distracting as might be expected. The screen features fixed functions on the left side for the driver, but can be customized on the right side to serve driver and passenger.
The screen’s graphics are easy to see and since it’s set a fair distance from the seats, it’s not overly intrusive. A smaller center screen tucked into the dash allows control of many of the car’s functions as well as the panoramic screen; this is where functions can be added or adjusted on the main screen. It’s also where the car’s climate controls are found.
Adding to the connected tech experience are driver controls on the steering wheel, a flat-top and -bottom wheel, or square/circle squircle, with two unmarked touch pads on either side of the wheel. As the driver swipes a finger over the pads, controls light up on the driver display portion of the panoramic screen. The driver can use these pads to set adaptive cruise or activate Blue Cruise, to adjust entertainment functions or to adjust the foot pedals, steering wheel position and side view mirrors.
More connection is found in wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and in Google Built-in voice activated assistance; any passenger can simply say “Hey Google” and change the radio station, set the cabin temperature or ask for navigation directions.
Elevated Interior Materials Add A Technical Feel, Too
Lincoln’s current era of design includes an interior theme approach that layers colors, contrast materials, metals, woods and technology. In the base reserve model, buyers can choose from three color palettes for the upholstery on the lounge-inspired front and center row seats; in the top-tier Black Label edition Lincoln simplified interior design themes, keeping the “Invitation” theme with a dark tone-on-tone graphic look, or the brighter Enlighten theme which blends a lighter beige look with dark accents.
Wood surfaces are dotted with sparkling copper inlay, a nod to the 24” copper etched wheels that are offered as an upgrade and that, with the Sunrise Copper exterior paint add to the Navigator’s feeling of impenetrable strength.
The technical feeling of the interior continues with the floating center console, a minimalist surface anchored by a faceted glass multimedia dial and gear selector buttons. Retractable panels reveal a wireless phone charger and cup holders. Rear seat passengers will see these materials in the center row, and models with a center row console will find it mimics the look and feel of the front console.
The Lincoln Navigator Still Delivers Reliable, Confident Power
There’s one thing that has not changed with the 2025 redesign: the Navigator’s powertrain. This large SUV continues to rely on the twin turbo V6 engine that delivers 440 hp. This is the same engine that is found in the Ford Expedition Tremor and is an option on the Expedition King Ranch, and is also the foundational engine in the Ford F-150.
This large, powerful engine allows for 8,700 pounds of tow capacity, a feature enhanced by Pro Trailer Hitch Assist, a system that combines sensors and cameras to assist and automate backing up to a trailer for an easier, more precise hitch experience. The system will even test out the trailer’s lights to ensure everything is working properly.
Blue Cruise 1.4 Delivers Lincoln’s Most Advanced Hands Free Driving (So Far)
An upgrade for the 2025 Lincoln Navigator is the most advanced hands-free driving system yet from Lincoln. Blue Cruise 1.4 allows the driver to set adaptive cruise, then choose Blue Cruise. The system, which will advance to 1.5 soon, works only on certain mapped roads and only under safe conditions, and will keep the car centered in the lane, will change lanes and will adapt its speed as traffic ebbs and flows.
Blue Cruise is quickly becoming quite good, delivering solid and reliable performance, and is standard feature on all Lincoln Navigator models. After trying it out and comparing it to GM’s Super Cruise, the 1.4 edition delivers on Ford’s promise and even though a new version will be released soon, this version is quite good.
Three Lincoln Navigator Trims Simplify Choices and Pricing
Lincoln offers the Navigator in three trims: Reserve, Reserve with Jet Appearance and Black Label. The Reserve model, the only one that offers a choice of captains chairs or a center row bench, starts at $99,995 and comes with all wheel drive, all the screens, leather seating and Ford’s Pro Trailer Hitch Assist as standard features. The Jet Appearance model adds black exterior details, a black interior and $3,500 to the price.
The Black Label model starts at $116,495 and is ideal for buyers who chauffeur passengers or VIPs; it offers only center row captains chairs with a fixed center console that offers a function screen to control climate, seat massage and more. All center row seats slide and tilt for third row access, and the third row is nicely outfitted with air vents, USB ports and cup holders.
Buyers can add an additional 12” of linear cargo space by opting for the “L” extended wheel base option, a $2,990 upgrade, and additional function can be had with the cargo management system ($370), a panel that can divide the cargo space or function as a table.
Many of the additions to the 2025 Lincoln Navigator are subtle compared to the prior model, which offered plenty of innovative luxuries. But the impact is sizable, which, as a full size, full-luxury SUV, it should be.