2023 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 Lincoln Navigator

In 2022, Lincoln made subtle styling changes to the Navigator, focusing on enhancing its already impressive design. The updates included new headlights and taillights, a restyled front end, and different wheel designs, with a 20-inch option becoming standard. The Lincoln Embrace nighttime welcome illumination sequence was also updated, adding a touch of elegance as you approached the vehicle. However, the new front grille, reminiscent of a 2006 Audi A4, was a rare misstep, lacking the elegance and presence of its predecessor. Despite this, the rest of the updates were successful, maintaining the Navigator's luxurious appeal.

Inside, the 2022 Navigator continued to impress with high-quality materials and a mid-century modern design. The introduction of Lincoln’s Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme added a celestial touch to the interior, enhancing the overall ambiance. The new Sync 4 infotainment system featured a larger 13.2-inch touchscreen display, providing ample display space alongside the digital instrumentation and widescreen HUD. The Navigator was available in standard and long-wheelbase styles, with trim levels including Standard, Reserve, and Black Label, starting at an MSRP of $78,405. The Black Label model, tested in a Central Park theme, showcased a luxurious green interior and a total sticker price of $106,530.

In 2023, the Lincoln Navigator continued without significant updates, maintaining its fourth-generation design. While the anticipation for an electric version grew, the current model remained largely unchanged. The base trim was set to be renamed Premiere in 2024, with 4WD becoming standard across all models. The popular Flight Blue paint color also made a return. The test vehicle, a triple-black Navigator Reserve model, featured the Monochromatic Package with black 22-inch wheels and body-color trim. Despite its sleek appearance, keeping the Infinite Black exterior clean proved challenging, leading to a recommendation for lighter color options.

The interior of the 2023 Navigator Reserve was predominantly black, accented with real wood trim and chrome details. The ambient lighting from the Reserve I package added character to the cabin. While the interior exuded luxury, some chrome plastic switchgear detracted from the overall premium feel. The Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, equipped with Amazon Fire TV, was included but went unused by the teenage passengers, who preferred their smartphones. The test vehicle's MSRP was $104,715, including the destination charge.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, it offered both RWD and 4WD options. The towing capacity ranged from 8,100 to 8,700 pounds, depending on the configuration. The adaptive-damping suspension, enhanced with Road Preview technology, provided a smooth ride, even on imperfect pavement. The new electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel and response, addressing previous concerns. During testing, the Navigator averaged 18.6 mpg in combined driving, slightly exceeding the EPA's estimate of 18 mpg.

In 2023, the Navigator retained the same twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. The 10-speed automatic transmission and 4WD drivetrain remained standard. The EPA fuel economy rating was 18 mpg in combined driving, but during testing, it averaged 15.6 mpg. The Navigator offered five Lincoln Drive Modes, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, and Deep Conditions, with Hill Climb available with the towing package. The adaptive damping suspension, featuring Road Preview, was standard. However, the ride quality was inconsistent, with the SUV feeling truck-like over smaller bumps and floating over larger dips. Excite mode improved handling but negatively impacted fuel efficiency. The Navigator's size posed challenges in urban environments, making parking and maneuvering difficult.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator offered exceptional comfort with its 30-way power-adjustable front seats, featuring heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain’s chairs were also heated, ventilated, and massaging, providing a luxurious experience. The third-row seat remained spacious and comfortable, benefiting from the independent rear suspension design. Storage and cargo space were generous, with the Navigator L model offering even more room. The standard model provided 19.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 103.3 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded.

In 2023, the Navigator continued to excel in functionality, offering roomy seating in all three rows. The 30-way Perfect Position front seats provided heating, ventilation, and massage, though finding the perfect adjustment required patience. The second-row captain’s chairs were spacious, with a pass-through to the third row, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. Storage space was ample, with various trays and compartments throughout the cabin. The Navigator L model offered increased cargo space, with 34.3 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 120.2 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded.

The 2022 Navigator introduced the Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display, offering improved functionality and ease of use. The system supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with a user-friendly interface similar to modern smartphones. The voice recognition system was improved but not flawless, occasionally struggling with specific commands. The Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, featuring Amazon Fire TV, provided access to popular streaming services. The 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system delivered exceptional sound quality.

In 2023, the Navigator featured a 12-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a Constellation theme. The Sync 4 system included wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM 360L, and Alexa Built-in. The digital assistant performed well, accurately responding to commands. However, the wireless smartphone charger caused overheating issues. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System provided immersive sound. The Lincoln Play system, though available, was underutilized by passengers who preferred their personal devices.

The 2022 Navigator introduced new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Road Edge Detection, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. The surround-view camera system became standard. ActiveGlide, a semi-autonomous driving technology, allowed hands-free driving on approved highways but required driver attention. While it performed well under certain conditions, it lacked complete reliability, necessitating driver intervention in some situations.

In 2023, the Navigator was equipped with Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 and Co-Pilot360 2.0 Drive packages, featuring advanced driving assistance systems. BlueCruise, the hands-free driving assist system, operated on designated highways but required frequent driver intervention. It struggled with curves, mixed surfaces, and sudden lane changes by other drivers. The Navigator received a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA.