There are not a lot of choices in the really large, luxury SUV segment, but today I bring you one of my favorites, the Lincoln Navigator L Black Label 4x4. The L designation means it is longer than the regular version and adds a lot of cargo behind the 3rd row seat.
Powertrain
Pop open that big, long hood and you’ll find a 3.5-liter V6 twin-turbo EcoBoost engine that is putting out a very strong 440-horses, and is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission.
My review vehicle is a 4-wheel drive, but you can get it in a 2-wheel version as well.
Interior
As beautiful as the exterior of the Navigator is, when you open the door to get inside, you are overwhelmed for a moment. The interior is beautiful.
Hit the start button and the Navigator comes to life with a configurable 12” screen in the center of the dash that doubles as a driver information center. The large dash has very attractive stitching and between the two front seats is an incredible center console that is large, but doesn’t actually attach to the dash itself.
Above that is a 13.6” display that runs the audio system, Sync 4 voice activated navigation system, Bluetooth system, apps, and settings. It is also where you find the phenomenal 360-degree front and rear cameras. Also included is a built-in Wi-Fi system, USB ports, and 12-volt charging ports, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and there is a smart phone charger in the center console. You can also choose from 6 different drive modes and turn off the start/stop system.
Then there are the Perfect Position seats. You can adjust them 30 different ways, including the cushion extenders, that allows you to raise your left or right leg to different heights for comfort. Both front seats will give you a massage.
As you would expect, the Navigator L comes with a lot of standard equipment. Most notable is a hands-free power lift gate, heated and cooled front seats, 2nd row heated and cooled massaging captain chairs, 3rd row power recliner and power fold flat seat, panoramic power sun roof, power adjustable pedals, remote start, and power deployable running boards.
You get auto hold, blind spot warning, forward and reverse sensors, adaptive cruise control, beautiful 22” wheels, heated steering wheel, and trailer towing package with Ford’s trailer backup system.
Navigator has the absolute best head-up display I’ve ever seen. It lets you view speed limit signs, shows you how fast you are going, the time, and fuel range.
It also has Active Glide which allows for true hands-free driving on prequalified sections of divided highways that make up over 130,000 miles of North American roads.
Yes, the Navigator is large and it comes with capacity for 7 or 8 passengers. The Navigator has an incredible console between the second row captain chairs with a computer readout for settings. There are two TV screens that feature Amazon’s Fire TV 10, which enables backseat passengers to access media through multiple entertainment apps. With integrated Bluetooth along with 16 gigabytes of storage, rear passengers are able to stream TV and movies, as well as listen to music, search information through Alexa voice remotes, and play video games on-the-go.
Perhaps where the Navigator shines the brightest is the 3rd row seat that was built for real adults. People well over 6-feet tall would be comfortable in the rear with good head and legroom.
Ride and Drive
The Navigator rides, drives, and handles as good as it looks, and it is super quiet inside.
Fuel Economy and What You'll Pay
Fuel economy is not bad for a 6,000-pound SUV: 16 in town, 22 on the highway, and 18 combined. MSRP as equipped like this one is $120,995.
The Black Label designation adds to the price but you get free maintenance for 4 years or 50,000 miles, free pickup and delivery for service, anytime car washes, and a lot more.
Verdict
Although large, the Navigator is easy drive and handle, rides like a dream, and is whisper quiet inside.
If you need a large, luxury, SUV this one is worthy of being on your shopping list.
- What I liked most: Ride, drive, quietness, and interior.
- What I would change: A little exterior upgrade is needed.
- MSRP: $112,380 base price/as equipped $120,995 with transportation.
- Fuel Economy: Rated at 16 city/22 Highway/18 Combined.
- Odometer reading when tested: 2,000 miles.
- Weight: 5,980 pounds/7,500 GVWR.
- Spare Tire: Full-sized.
- Length-Width-Height: 221.9” long/93.8” wide/76.2” high.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 27.8 gallons with filler on the passenger's side.
- Official Color: Chrome Caviar Dark Gray metallic.
- Towing Capacity: 8,400 pounds.
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2023 Navigator L in a few words: A very luxurious, large, and capable SUV that is a joy to drive and has all the passenger and cargo area you could want.
- Warranty: 4-year/50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper with roadside assistance, and 6-year/70,000 mile power train warranty.
- Final Assembly Location: Louisville, KY.
- Manufacturer's website: Lincoln
