Lincoln’s flagship SUV, the Navigator, hit the road nearly three decades ago. Back then, choices in the three-row luxury SUV segment were slim. Today, the market has exploded with competitors like the Lexus LX, Infiniti QX80 and Cadillac Escalade. To stay relevant and reinvigorate the brand, Lincoln has redesigned the Navigator, giving it bolder looks, a classier cabin and new connected technology for 2025. But it still sticks with a gasoline engine.

Unveiled during Monterey Car Week in Carmel, California, the new Navigator is impossible to miss thanks to its massive and imposing boxy body. A huge, glossy grille with integrated light bar draws even more attention when the lights come to life. They light up one at a time from the center and move outward to welcome the driver as they approach the vehicle. The light show repeats at the rear, running along the taillamps and across the liftgate. Gone is the traditional chrome of previous generations—replaced by satin aluminum accents for a more modern touch. While 22-inch wheels are standard, you can opt for even larger wheels with 24-inch nickel-aluminum wheels available for the first time.

The interior is a feast for the senses. Visually, the cabin is filled with high-quality luxury materials, including premium leather seats, real wood and a crystal-effect volume knob for extra sparkle. Taking the spotlight is a 48-inch panoramic screen that runs the length of the instrument panel—similar to, but not as large as, the Cadillac Escalade’s 55-inch pillar-to-pillar LED screen. But where Lincoln raises the bar is with a new sensory experience called Lincoln Rejuvenate, which combines scent, sound and light to create a more relaxing atmosphere in the cabin. In park mode, tap the touchscreen to activate the invigorating five- or 10-minute sequence. The driver’s seat then slides back, tilts backwards and activates the massage function. It also plays a video (such as trickling water), changes the ambient lighting color, plays soothing sounds and emits a subtle fragrance.

The Navigator seats up to eight people, and all three rows offer plenty of space—excellent head, shoulder, and legroom. The driver’s seat is infinitely adjustable—24-way power adjustable to be precise. The front-row passenger also gets a 22-way power adjustable seat. The front-row seats are heated, ventilated, and have a massage function, and are as comfortable as a living room sofa. Although a second-row bench is available, the new second-row captain’s seats are the best choice—they take over many of the functions of the first row, complete with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The third-row bench seat is split 40/20/40, which is handy if you need to fold down a section to accommodate long, awkward items like skis. The second-row power-folding and sliding seats also make access to the third row easy—just at the touch of a button. There are audio and climate controls for second-row passengers and up to 14 USB-C ports, including four in the second row and four in the third. While the Navigator has built-in Google with voice-activated Google Assistant and Google Maps, it is still wirelessly compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Other tech features include Lincoln’s latest version of the hands-free BlueCruise system for highway driving, which assists with braking, acceleration and steering. The system has new features such as Lane Change Assist, which allows the driver to change lanes hands-free by tapping the turn signal when the road is clear. The Navigator also features Pro Trailer Backup Assist, which helps the driver maneuver their trailer into tight spots, and Trailer Hitch Assist, which makes it easier to hitch the trailer. A Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package is available, which increases the towing capacity to 8,700 pounds (3,900 kg).

A new practical feature is a split tailgate at the rear, which makes it easier to load and unload items into the cargo area. The upper three-quarters of the tailgate lift like a conventional tailgate, while the lower quarter lowers. It opens automatically when you stand behind the vehicle with the key fob for three seconds.

While other competitors offer electric vehicles like the all-electric Cadillac Escalade IQ and hybrids like the Lexus LX, Lincoln sticks with gasoline for its Navigator. All models are powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine with 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, as well as standard all-wheel drive.

The redesigned 2025 Lincoln Navigator goes on sale next spring. Pricing is not yet available. The current model starts at about $120,000.

The author was a guest of the automobile manufacturer. The contents were not subject to approval.

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