2019 Lincoln Navigator

The Navigator enters 2019 with no notable changes other than a new wheel design, and some feature updates on the mid-range Reserve model. The Range-topping Black Label model also gets some feature updates and can now be equipped with a bench seat in the middle. Three new color options also join the list of updates. With a price tag nearing the 6-figure mark, the Lincoln Navigator competes with other three-row luxury SUVs like the 2019 Cadillac Escalade, Mercedes-Benz GLS Class, and BMW X7. With the new generation, the Navigator gets only one engine and transmission option. The long-wheelbase L model is still available with the higher trim levels.

The 2019 Lincoln Navigator comes in four trim levels: Standard, Select, Reserve, and Black Label. Pricing for the base trim starts at $73,205 and goes all the way up to $96,395 for the top trim. Being a luxury SUV, even the base model is loaded to the brim with features like 20-inch alloy wheels, a 10-inch infotainment system, adaptive LED headlights, tri-zone climate control, and a lot more. Upgrading to the Select model adds adaptive suspension, bigger 22-inch alloys, wireless charging, and a surround-view camera system. Both the Reserve and Black Label trim go all out, with luxuries like ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, park assist, a premium 20-speaker audio system, and more.

The Navigator is also available in the long-wheelbase L model which improves passenger and cargo space, but it is not available in the base trim level. It is available on the Select, Reserve, and Black Label trim. The Reserve and the Black Label get it with Four-wheel-drive, whereas the Select offers the L in Rear-wheel-drive or Four-wheel-drive. 

Some interior optional features include power-folding and heated second-row seats, and a rear-seat entertainment system with wireless earphones and headrest-mounted displays. Some of the features seen on the upper trims as standard features are also available as stand-alone options or as package options for the lower trim levels. 

Which Trim should you buy?

Even though the base standard model is well equipped, if you’re going for luxury, the mid-range Reserve model is a better option, especially with the addition of the technology pack for 2019 that includes features like self-parking, adaptive cruise control, head-up display, and more. The Reserve model also gets standard all-wheel-drive, a panoramic sunroof, and ventilated front seats for even more luxury over the lower trims. The longer Reserve L model offers a lot more interior space, especially in the third row.

After discontinuing the V8 engine with the latest generation, the Navigator is only available with one engine and transmission option. The 3.5L Twin-turbocharged V-6 engine belts out an impressive 450 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque, and are paired to an equally potent 10-speed automatic transmission. The 2019 Lincoln Navigator is surprisingly quick despite its heavy build and gets six driving modes for adjusting various parameters like throttle response, steering feel, and suspension. Towing capacity is also impressive at 8700 pounds. The engine picks up pace quickly thanks to the advanced gearbox, making the Navigator a capable highway cruiser that can go many miles all day long.

The powerful V6 engine catapults the massive SUV to 60 MPH in just 5.6 seconds and goes on to reach the quarter-mile in an equally impressive 14.5 seconds. The top speed stands at 115 mph. The all-wheel-drive models cut the times down by a fraction of a second. Also, off the start line, the initial acceleration feels smooth and quick.

With its powerful drivetrain, the Lincoln Navigator easily beats both the Cadillac Escalade and Mercedes-Benz GLS Class in terms of performance, while the driver-centric BMW X7 still holds the crown. The BMW does the 0-60 mph run in 5.4 seconds, beating the Navigator by 0.2 seconds. The Cadillac is 0.3 seconds behind, whereas the Merc falls back by nearly a second. The Merc and the BMW boast the best top speeds, at 130 mph. 

How well does the 2019 Lincoln Navigator handle?

While the Navigator is surprisingly quick on the straights, it struggles while cornering because of its softly sprung suspension setup and lifeless steering, both of which are tuned for comfort and ride quality. The heavy body further limits the overall dynamics. But unfortunately, the Navigator also suffers in the ride quality department with the massive wheels transmitting a lot of jolts and undulations to the cabin.

While the lower trims are available in both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations, both the Reserve and Black Label get all-wheel drive as standard. But don’t mistake the Navigator to be a capable off-roader like the Lexus LX as it is tuned for the tarmac. The car uses independent axles, with the multi-link suspension set-up at the rear and a short and long arm set-up at the front. The turning radius stands at 20.5 feet, not bad for a car of this size. 

Braking Performance

With a curb weight of more than 6000 pounds, Lincoln has equipped the Navigator with the biggest brakes in its segment, measuring 13.9-inches at the front and 13.6-inches at the rear. Although the brakes provide a lot of feedback, performance is average, and the Navigator takes over 130 feet to stop from 60 mph.

Being the heaviest of the group, the Lincoln Navigator offers the least braking performance despite getting bigger hardware. Both the Cadillac Escalade and Mercedes-Benz GLS Class share the second spot, while the BMW X7 is the most impressive with sports car levels of braking performance.

The Navigator uses a smaller turbocharged V6 unit compared to bigger V8 engines offered by the competition. Because of its small capacity and the tractable 10-speed automatic transmission, the Navigator returns an impressive 16 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway. The engine is fuel-thirsty and will drink fuel when revved hard. However, the smaller 23-gallon fuel tank limits the highway range to under 500 miles.

While the Navigator easily outmatches the 2019 Cadillac Escalade in terms of efficiency, it is still left behind by German rivals like the Mercedes-Benz GLS Class and BMW X7. The BMW is the most efficient with a combined mileage of 22 mpg. The Escalade is the least fuel-efficient at 17 mpg. However, the Escalade still manages a decent range (even though it’s the least among these four) thanks to its 26-gallon tank. The BMW offers the best range thanks to leading tank capacity and a decent mileage which converts into a combined range of 481 miles. 

As expected in a large three-row luxury SUV, the interiors get an elegant and modern design with plenty of wood trim used everywhere. Even the regular model can seat 8 passengers in comfort when equipped with second-row bench seats, and it is further expanded on the L trims. Unique features like 30-way power-adjustable front seats with massaging significantly improve comfort levels. Quality levels are excellent and Lincoln has gone for a minimalist design with minimal switchgear and clean panels. The infotainment sits neatly in the middle, above the climate control system. The unique gear selector is sandwiched in between and takes a while to get used to. The Navigator also gets some extra storage under the center console with plenty of space to park your phone.

Unlike some of its rivals, the 2019 Lincoln Navigator has enough space for adults in the third row, while the second row gets comfortable captain seats as standard. Trunk space is also impressive at 20.9 cubic feet, which is further expandable to 103 cubic feet with both rows folded. The bigger L model gets even more space at 34.3 and 120.2 cubic feet.

The front and second rows are really wide on the four cars. They offer tremendous legroom and headroom, with no room for any complaints. The third row is the point of concern, however. With an impressive 40.9-inches of legroom in the third row, the Navigator is the most spacious SUV in its class followed by the Cadillac Escalade at 42.8 inches. In comparison, German rivals like the Mercedes-Benz GLS Class and the 2019 BMW X7 are a lot more compact. In terms of cargo space, the Navigator offers the most cargo space, maxing out at 103.4 inches, whereas the rivals stay in the nineties. Some notable interior features include:

• 30-way power-adjustable front seats with massaging function
• Panoramic sunroof
• Wireless charging
• Hands-free power liftgate
• Tri-zone automatic climate control
• Ambient interior lighting
• Keyless entry with remote start

What’s there to keep you entertained?

All models of the Navigator get a massive 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system which sits squarely in the middle with Sync 3 interface borrowed from Ford. The system is very easy to use with well-defined menus and gets all the modern features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, built-in navigation, HD and satellite radio, Bluetooth, a 12-inch digital gauge cluster, USB ports in all three rows, Wi-Fi hotspot, and a 14-speaker audio system. Higher trim levels also get an upgraded stereo system with 20- speakers, wireless charging, and a rear-seat entertainment system that includes two 10-inch displays. Lincoln also includes their connected services for five years along with SiriusXM traffic and travel link. Some notable infotainment features include:

• 10-inch touchscreen display with Sync 3 interface
• 20-speaker audio system
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
• SiriusXM satellite and HD radio
• Built-in navigation
• Rear seat entertainment system with dual 10-inch displays

With a new wheel design for 2019, not much has changed on the outside. Lincoln has done a good job of distinguishing the Navigator from the Ford Expedition with a bold and clean design. However, there are a few similarities between the two. There are plenty of curves and creases, and the Lincoln looks massive next to its rivals. Like most luxury SUVs, chrome is used in abundance on the grille, window line, and even the front fenders to bling up the overall design. The higher trims also get LED lighting on the badge. As always, the rear gets a unique light profile that looks unique in the dark. The rear lighting is slightly argumentative, as the long strip does not fit in much with the overall design. The car’s design balances retro styling and the modern overall very well. Overall, the 2019 Lincoln Navigator is a handsome SUV that looks as luxurious as its price tag suggests.

Even with the regular model, the Lincoln Navigator towers over its rivals with bigger dimensions than the Cadillac Escalade. While the German rivals get a similar wheelbase, they are more compact overall. The extra length on the Navigator gives it more cargo space and a roomier third row. This has also led the Navigator to be the heaviest, at 6056 lbs. The BMW is the lightest at 5200 lbs. Putting all the four cars side by side, the close dimensions don’t really allow one to make out much of the other differences the four cars have. Some notable exterior features include:

• 22-inch alloy wheels
• Adaptive LED headlights
• Illuminated Lincoln badge
• Silver roof rails
• Panoramic sunroof
• Unique LED rear light profile

The new Navigator shares its platform with both the Ford Expedition and F-150 truck. While the Navigator received an impressive 5-star overall rating in the NHTSA safety tests, the IIHS hasn’t tested it yet. For 2019, the Navigator goes all out with plenty of standard safety features including some driver assistance features. Higher trim levels get features like a surround-view parking camera, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, park assist, and a lot more. Unfortunately, a lot of these features aren’t available even as options on the lower trims despite the high price tag. Some notable standard safety features include:

• Front and rear parking sensors
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Adaptive LED headlights
• Rearview camera
• Lincoln connected services including emergency assist

2019 Lincoln Navigator vs 2019 Cadillac Escalade

With the new updates, the Navigator feels a lot more modern than the aging Escalade. While both SUVs are built on a truck-based platform with plenty of room on the inside, the Navigator offers a lot more space, especially in the third row. The Navigator also easily outperforms the Escalade with its modern EcoBoost engine, and also offers better towing capacity. Efficiency is also better with the modern powertrain compared to the older V8 in the Escalade. With a softer ride and improved ride quality, the Navigator also outshines the Cadillac Escalade in terms of comfort and handling. Overall, the Navigator is easily the better pick of the two, at least until the Escalade receives a comprehensive update.

2019 Lincoln Navigator vs 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS Class

While the GLS boasts of a more modern interior with all the latest features and the capable MBUX infotainment system, the Lincoln Navigator takes a different approach with plenty of wood trims and retro styling. Both SUVs offer similar straight-line performance, but the GLS takes the lead through the corners thanks to a modern chassis and suspension setup. The Mercedes-Benz GLS also gets a more comprehensive standard feature list which includes a sunroof and all-wheel-drive, both of which are optional on the Navigator.

2019 Lincoln Navigator vs 2019 BMW X7

While both SUVs can be classified as luxury three-row family haulers, that's where the similarities end. Like all BMWs, the X7 continues to take a driver-centric approach with excellent dynamics, and a powerful drivetrain, all the while delivering class-leading economy figures. But, the X7 falls behind in terms of interior space and a short feature list compared to the Navigator which is purely focused on luxury above all else. As always, the BMW X7 also gets all-wheel drive as standard.

With the latest model, Lincoln has gone all out, even beating the Escalade in some key areas. The new Ecoboost power plant delivers plenty of performance without compromising on efficiency, a feat very few modern SUVs can achieve. Adding to the impressive drivetrain are the interiors which truly feel top-class and can seat even adults in the third row. Like the Interiors, the new Navigator also looks the part with plenty of chrome elements and a bold exterior design that easily stands out. Although Lincoln hasn't yet achieved brand recognition like its rivals, the new Navigator will certainly help its cause. Overall, if you're looking for pure American luxury with plenty of space to haul the whole family, it's hard to ignore the 2019 Lincoln Navigator.