Jeep Grand Wagoneer vs Lincoln Navigator

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator embraced a more refined aesthetic, moving away from its previous flashy design to a subtler, yet still glamorous, appearance. The addition of the Jet Appearance or Black Label Special Edition package introduced blacked-out wheels and details, allowing the illuminated star logo on the grille and light bars to stand out. The overall design was simpler and more cohesive, with new 24-inch wheel designs and a striking Sunrise Copper paint option exclusive to Black Label models. Inside, the Navigator featured a minimalist cabin with a 48-inch panoramic display and Revel speaker grilles, though some cheap-looking elements persisted. The Black Label trim offered luxurious materials, but the further back in the cabin, the more plastic was evident.

In contrast, the 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer underwent a refresh that maintained its upright stance and large windows while introducing a modern illuminated grille inspired by the all-electric Wagoneer S. The new Upland trim added functional front recovery hooks without compromising the design. Inside, the Grand Wagoneer boasted a clean, modern interior with a 12-inch infotainment screen and redundant HVAC and audio controls. The seats were comfortable and highly adjustable, suitable for long drives. The cabin featured premium materials, with Nappa and Palermo leather options and a suede headliner available in upper trims. The overall fit and finish were solid, with doors and armrests providing a reassuring feel.

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. It was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and had a towing capacity of up to 8,700 pounds with the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package. The Navigator's 4WD system provided 8.9 inches of ground clearance. During testing near San Diego, the Navigator achieved an observed fuel economy of 20.3 mpg, surpassing the EPA rating of 17 mpg. Despite its weight, the Navigator offered responsive performance, with various driving modes adjusting powertrain response and suspension firmness. However, the 24-inch wheels contributed to a rough ride quality, and the steering wheel design felt awkward.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer featured a 3.0-liter Hurricane twin-turbo inline six-cylinder engine, producing 420 horsepower and 468 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided smooth and effortless power, even in a vehicle weighing around 6,000 pounds. The Grand Wagoneer was also set to receive a range-extended electric powertrain, delivering an estimated 647 hp and 620 lb-ft of torque. Despite its size, the Grand Wagoneer was surprisingly agile and easy to drive, with large windows aiding visibility. The SUV absorbed road imperfections well, and the seats were comfortable for long journeys.

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator offered ample interior room and cargo capacity, though taller passengers might find the rear seats less accommodating. The Navigator featured Perfect Position seats with up to 24-way power adjustment, and the Black Label trim offered 30-way adjustment and massage functionality. The Lincoln Rejuvenate system provided stress relief through scent, sound, imagery, and massage. However, the thick front seats limited knee room in the second row, and the third-row seat had limited legroom. The Navigator L variant provided expanded cargo space, with a new Split Gate tailgate design offering flexibility. Cargo volumes ranged from 21.6 to 121.6 cubic feet, depending on the configuration.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer excelled as a people mover, with three rows offering ample leg and hip room. The optional second-row bench seat allowed for seating up to eight passengers, and the third row comfortably accommodated three people. While using the third row reduced cargo space, the Grand Wagoneer still offered 27.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The long-wheelbase version increased cargo volume to 42.6 cubic feet. The Grand Wagoneer could tow up to 10,000 pounds when properly equipped. The Upland trim featured three-zone automatic climate controls, heated-and-ventilated front seats, and Quadra-Lift air suspension for light off-roading.

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator introduced the Lincoln Digital Experience infotainment system with a 48-inch panoramic display and an 11.1-inch center touchscreen. The system integrated Google Built-in and Alexa Built-in, offering an intuitive interface. However, some controls, like air vent adjustments, required navigating the touchscreen, which could be distracting. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system provided a satisfying listening experience. Additional tech included Phone As A Key, Pro Trailer Backup Assist, and a 5G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. However, the Navigator lacked a head-up display and digital rearview mirror.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer came equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12-inch touchscreen display, a 10.25-inch digital cluster, and a wireless phone charger. Higher trims offered a front console cooler, digital rearview mirror, and a 23-speaker McIntosh premium sound system. While the tech generally performed well, the wireless phone charger overheated an iPhone 16 during testing. The 12-inch infotainment screen felt small for the vehicle's size, and adjustable pedals were no longer available for 2026.

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator boasted an impressive array of standard advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assistance. Additional features included intersection assist, evasive steering assist, and Turn Signal View. BlueCruise, a hands-free driving system, was standard and offered a four-year subscription. The Navigator had not been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA at the time of writing.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer was equipped with safety features such as lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitors, and rear cross-traffic alert. Available features included automated parking assist, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera system. The Grand Wagoneer received mixed ratings from the IIHS and a four-star safety rating from the NHTSA.