The commanding sense of the 2024 Lincoln Navigator can make you feel like the ruler of the road

By Colin Ryan

As opulent and luxurious as it is, the big SUV still gets the basics right.

Pros

Comprehensive standard equipment, soothing ride, plush cabin

Cons

Due for a revamp

What's new?

Every Navigator now 4WD, base trim now called Premiere

The 2024 Lincoln Navigator full-size 3-row luxury SUV stays true to its values of cosseting and insulating its occupants. Pricing starts at $82,765.

There are full-size luxury SUVs and then there are really, really big, super-luxurious SUVs. The Navigator falls into that second description, with the extended-length Navigator L variant putting the cherry around the back (as opposed to on top). This Lincoln (Lincoln is Ford's (F) luxury division) is just as much a part of American SUV culture as the Cadillac Escalade, the archrival from General Motors (GM).

SUV usually stands for sport utility vehicle, but in the case of the Navigator, we could substitute "sport" for "swish" and get closer to describing it. Even the most affordable version has extremely comfortable seats and a high-end audio system.

2024 Lincoln Navigator pricing

The 2024 Lincoln Navigator starts at $82,765. That's for the previously un-named Premiere model -- this variant does not offer the option of the longer body.

   Navigator Premiere       $82,765 
   Navigator Reserve        $95,325 
   Navigator Reserve L      $98,350 
   Navigator Black Label    $110,750 
   Navigator Black Label L  $113,795 

These are manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) and do not include the $1,895 factory-to-dealer delivery fee (destination charge).

Looking at the competition, the BMW X7 (XE:BMW) starts at about $82K. The Cadillac Escalade also starts from the low 80s. The Range Rover starts at $107.4K. Budget at least $85K for a Mercedes-Benz GLS (refreshed for 2024), or $90K for a Jeep Grand Wagoneer or Lexus LX. The aging Infiniti QX80 begins in the mid-70s.

See: The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS review: The updated luxury SUV has a top-notch interior and adventurous off-road capabilities

Before buying a new Navigator large luxury SUV, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should be paying. The Lexus LX has the strongest resale values. The Navigator turns in a slightly below-average performance here.

What's new for 2024

Every new Navigator comes with 4-wheel drive as standard. The most affordable variant gains a name: Premiere. The BlueCruise system of partial self-driving (known formerly as Active Glide) becomes available across the range; it's a subscription service with a 4-year term replacing a 2-year term. And Flight Blue Metallic paint supersedes Ocean Blue. This generation debuted for the 2019 model year -- a revamp is in the works, perhaps making its debut as a 2025 model.

Power, ride and handling

The Navigator is propelled by a 440-horsepower turbocharged V6. That's a lot of muscle for the class. Acceleration is swift (standstill to 60 mph in just over five seconds), yet happens in a suitably hushed manner.

Every time we drive a Navigator, it's hard not to feel like the ruler of the road. It's a special feeling, accompanied by some intriguing sensations. For example, sitting high up and feeling securely ensconced in its cabin, the commanding sense of the road is blissful. Under the right foot, meanwhile, is control over a responsive and energetic engine.

This big Lincoln SUV glides along smoothly and calmly even when that right foot does a little flexing. A road-reading adaptive suspension is part of the deal, bringing a fine balance of comfort and control. Another of the Navigator's fanciest features is the ability to drive itself. Kind of. The available BlueCruise system allows hands-free driving on certain roads, similar to Cadillac's Super Cruise system. Regular adaptive cruise control is standard.

We appreciate that as luxurious as the Navigator's cabin is, it still gets the basics right. It's easy to reach and control common functions such as climate, audio, and the like. No fussing with haptic feedback or pinpointing a spot on a touchscreen just to turn on the seat heater. The Navigator does, however, use buttons to get into Park, Reverse, Neutral, and Drive, which can take some getting used to.

We've spent hundreds of hours driving and researching the current collection of full-size luxury SUVs, including the Lincoln Navigator.

Fuel economy

The Navigator achieves 18 combined mpg (16 city, 22 highway). That's about average for the class. The BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS, both smaller, should manage 20 to 22 combined mpg. It's OK to fill up the Navigator with regular gasoline.

Don't miss: 10 new cars worth waiting for

Interior sanctuary

The 2024 Lincoln Navigator can accommodate up to eight occupants when configured with a second-row bench seat. This can be replaced by a pair of captain's chairs to reduce the posterior count to seven. Either way, Lincoln describes this cabin as a "sanctuary." That's not mere marketing; it's more like excellent sound insulation. Lincoln's interior design is among the best out there, and the Navigator sits at the top of the lineup.

Such a description is truer still with the top Black Label edition, offered in themes such as Central Park, Invitation, Yacht, and Chalet. But even the least expensive Navigator is awash in luxurious features designed to soothe. Think heated and ventilated seats in the first two rows, the ability to use a phone as a key, and a concierge service. Drivers and front passengers can find the absolute perfect position with the Navigator's optional (and massaging) 30-way power-adjustable seats.

There's enough space to impress an astronomer. Even a tall astronomer sitting in the third row and enjoying a copious 40.9 inches of legroom. The luggage area behind the third row stretches from 20.9 cubic feet to 36 (Navigator L), and maximum cargo room with seats folded expands from 103.3 cubic feet to 120.2 in the extended version.

See: 15 full-size SUVs with the most cargo space

Bold exterior

The Lincoln Navigator has a big, bold, rectangular style, all dressed in opulence. A massive honeycomb grille with the Lincoln logo embedded in the center takes pride of place up front. Chrome glistens on various trim pieces, and alloy wheels come in 20 inches or 22 inches. At 221.9 inches, the Navigator L is almost a foot longer than the standard model's 210 inches.

Our favorite features and tech

Revel audio systemsRevel is a high-end audio company and part of the Harman conglomerate. Even the base Revel system used in the entry-level Premiere model sounds outstanding.

Two sizesThe Navigator is a massive SUV, for sure. But for buyers needing even more cargo room, the extended-length Navigator L should do the trick.

Infotainment systemWe've long liked the intuitive user interface of the infotainment systems in Lincolns and Fords. And it keeps getting better, offering over-the-air updates and voice command recognition.

Active Park AssistConsidering how big the Navigator SUV is, this self-parking feature is a welcome part of the standard equipment inventory.

Power-retractable running boardsThe Navigator sits high, so some drivers and passengers might need help climbing in and out. They will definitely appreciate this extra step. It's optional in the Premiere and standard with Reserve and Black Label trims.

BlueCruiseThis innovative hands-free driving system is among the most advanced driver-assist systems available. It currently works on more than 130,000 miles of North American roads.

Engine and transmission

All Navigators use a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine developing 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque -- robust figures that don't make us miss a V8. This energy goes to all four wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission that we've found to be a smooth operator. Maximum towing capacity goes from 8,100 pounds (extended length) to 8,300 pounds (standard length).

You might like: The 2024 Land Rover Defender 110 finds a near-perfect balance between off-roader and luxury SUV

4-year/50,000-mile warranty

The 2024 Lincoln Navigator has a 4-year/50,000-mile (whichever happens first) new-vehicle warranty, which is common in the luxury sector. Lincoln includes roadside assistance. The powertrain is covered for six years or 70,000 miles. There's also free scheduled maintenance for the first four years or 50,000 miles, which is not common at all.

Safety ratings

This generation of Navigator has a maximum 5-Star overall score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Standard safety features include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, intersection assistance, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and trailer coverage, plus a 360-degree camera system.

Be sure to read: These are 2023's safest new cars

KBB's car review methodology.

This story originally ran on KBB.com.

-Colin Ryan

This content was created by MarketWatch, which is operated by Dow Jones & Co. MarketWatch is published independently from Dow Jones Newswires and The Wall Street Journal.

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

11-17-23 0501ET

Copyright (c) 2023 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.