Several full-size SUVs have been redesigned, and the Lincoln Navigator is no exception.

At least in the modern context, Lincoln claims to have invented the large luxury SUV back in 1997. Today, 27 years and three generations later, the 2025 Lincoln Navigator brings with it a host of new design and technology changes. Strictly speaking, it’s not an entirely new generation – but this refresh completes the brand’s transformation from the compact Corsair to its long-standing flagship.

So what Is What’s new about the 2025 Lincoln Navigator? First, its exterior design, which features a new front fascia with a bolder, larger grille and double-stacked, full-length LED lighting. The daytime running lights flank the illuminated emblem and move outward under and around the headlights to simulate a bird taking off (part of Lincoln’s “Quiet Flight” ethos). In the rear, the full-length daytime running lights curve downward – again reflecting the movement of a bird’s wings. Beneath those lights, designers added a large black trim piece with “Lincoln” script just below the taillights.

In general, the new Navigator looks quite similar to the previous model (again, it’s technically a reissue), although designers have focused on removing “old-fashioned” chrome from most of the exterior, particularly through the Jet Black Appearance Package, which replaces the chrome entirely with dark accents. 22-inch wheels are standard, while you can get massive 24-inch wheels in high-gloss ebony or “Luster Nickel” aluminum.

The top-of-the-range Black Label model takes things a step further with specific “themes” such as Invitation, Enlighten and Atmospheric. The latter in particular is inspired by a stormy day and features more of a soft Salt Crystal Gray with special Radiant Copper accents on the wheels and grille, which you can see in more detail in the video below.

As before, the updated Navigator is available in both regular-wheelbase (122.5 inches) and long-wheelbase (131.5 inches) “L” variants. You’ll feel the difference between the two inside, particularly in the L’s increased cargo volume (22.9 cubic feet versus 37.4 cubic feet with all seats installed).

A new feature on the redesigned Navigator is a split, folding tailgate, so the Range Rover is no longer the only large SUV that can boast one. The automaker itself calls the “split gate” a class-exclusive feature in its class of massive luxury SUVs. Lincoln’s tailgate works in conjunction with Open on Approach, rather than relying on waving your foot under the bumper. Whenever you are close to the vehicle for up to four seconds, the tailgate opens automatically. There is a small lock-out area immediately behind the car so that it does not open if you, for example, snake behind the navigator in a garage.

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator receives a comprehensive interior update

When you climb in, you’re greeted by a large 48-inch panoramic display similar to the setup introduced in the smaller Nautilus. The upper display is split into two segments, showing driver information and maps on one side and media information on the other. There’s still a center-mounted 11.1-inch touchscreen for accessing various apps (including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), but the Navigator has a few extra party tricks. 14 USB-C ports are scattered throughout the cabin, including four in the second row and four in the third row. Second-row passengers can get an optional wireless charger on Black Label models.

The BlueCruise semi-autonomous driving function is standard on the entire 2025 Lincoln Navigator range.

When the vehicle is parked, Lincoln says you can use “Pano Mode” to play video apps like YouTube and even video games, but we weren’t able to test it on the pre-production models we just saw in Detroit. Another key feature is the “Rejuvenate” app, which offers the driver a 5- or 10-minute experience, also when the vehicle is parked. The driver’s seat slides forward and reclines, heats up slightly, starts the massage function, and the steering wheel moves away to provide a feeling of relaxation.

Additionally, calming visuals—Lincoln actually worked with software company Calm to develop its program—populate the center console and upper screen, while specific scents fill the air through refillable cartridges stored in the center console that are part of Lincoln’s “Digital Scent” feature. Each cartridge is designed to last 120 hours (or 720 10-minute sessions), and you can choose to continue playing your own audio file, such as music, play the audio file associated with each Rejuvenate program, or turn the sound off. Navigator owners get a one-year subscription to Calm with purchase.

As always, the 2025 Lincoln Navigator seats up to eight passengers, with a more luxurious option available with the second-row captain’s seat configuration. Just like the driver and front passenger seats, you can choose optional “Power Tailored” seats that offer power-adjustable, heated and ventilated, and massaging seats in the second row. Heated third-row seats are also available, while the rearmost row comes in a 40/20/40 configuration.

2025 Navigator models come standard with a 24-way power driver seat and 22-way power passenger seat with heating, ventilation and massage functions in the front row across the range, but step up beyond the Reserve to the Black Label and you get Lincoln’s 30-way power front seats.

What the new Navigator not have

Overall, the 2025 Lincoln Navigator is expected to improve its luxury offerings over new offerings like the Infiniti QX80 and upcoming Yukon, as well as the new Escalade. However, one of the rumors that have been circulating about the new Navigator has not come to fruition: a new hybrid powertrain. Instead, this model carries over the existing 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 from previous model years, which makes 440 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque. Official EPA numbers are of course not yet available, but they shouldn’t be too different from the existing model.

At least for now, Lincoln did not mention a hybrid version of the V6 engine, as is available in the Ford F-150 PowerBoost.

Every Navigator comes standard with Pro Trailer Backup Assist, while towing capacity with the available Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package ranges from 8,400 pounds to 8,700 pounds. That’s a bit better on the low end (earlier models started at 8,100 pounds when so equipped) and the same on the high end with models without the 24-inch wheels.

Lincoln hasn’t announced pricing for the 2025 Navigator lineup, but we expect it to cost more than the previous version. For 2024, the Navigator starts at $85,260 and goes up to $116,060 for the Black Label L, without even considering options and accessories. We should know more by the time the updated model hits dealerships next spring, though.

As before, Lincoln will continue to build the Navigator at the Kentucky Truck plant in Louisville, alongside the Ford Expedition and Super Duty trucks.