The iconic luxury SUV, the Lincoln Navigator, is entering its fifth generation with the 2025 model. Despite the Cadillac Escalade’s dominance in sales, it’s worth remembering that the Navigator was the original trendsetter, making waves in pop culture back in 1998. Enthusiasts who once upgraded their wheels to 20-inch rims will find that 22-inch wheels are now standard, and 24-inch wheels—the largest ever offered by Ford Motor Company—are optional, although these hefty rims weigh a staggering 95 pounds each.
Visually, the 2025 Navigator is mostly new, with the exception of the door sheet metal. The SUV boasts a completely redesigned interior and an advanced user interface known as the “Lincoln Digital Experience,” which integrates Google technology while still supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Underneath, the 440-horsepower twin-turbo V6 engine and 10-speed automatic transmission remain unchanged, as does much of the chassis. The vehicle retains its 8,700-pound towing capacity, but can now tow up to 7,000 pounds without a weight-distributing hitch. It also inherits advanced towing features from the F-150, like Trailer Hitch Assist and Pro Trailer Backup Assist, which should make towing less stressful.
READ MORE: Porsche Celebrates 50 Years of Turbo Innovation
The exterior has received significant updates, including a more imposing front grille with a light-up Lincoln emblem, which integrates with the “glider-wing” daytime running lights that stretch across to the headlights.
At the rear, a new cross-car taillight spans the vehicle, contributing to the Lincoln Embrace welcome animation. A panoramic moonroof is now standard, and the roof rails are flush-mounted to the body. The most notable change at the back is the new Split Gate design, which replaces the traditional liftgate. The upper three-quarters of the gate opens upward, while the lower section forms a tailgate capable of supporting 600 pounds.
This innovative design includes a panel that can be positioned as a backrest or snack bar, perfect for tailgating or other outdoor activities. The gate opens automatically when the key fob (or a phone with the key app) is held behind it for three seconds, eliminating the need for the previous foot-activated system.
Inside, the Navigator continues the trend of oversized screens with a massive 48-inch display that spans the dashboard just below the windshield. The driver’s side of the screen now displays a blind-spot view when signaling, while the passenger’s side can show video or gaming content when the vehicle is parked.
This screen is complemented by 26 speakers from the Revel Ultimate 3D Audio System, creating an immersive sound experience. To control the vehicle’s functions, an 11.1-inch center touchscreen and steering wheel touchpads are used. The interior features satin chrome trim, with invisible air vents that are adjusted via the touchscreen, moving away from physical controls.
A standout feature of the 2025 Navigator is the inclusion of a zen-enhancing app called Calm, which provides guided meditation sessions using the sound system, screens, ambient lighting, scent dispensers, and the seats’ heating, ventilation, and massage functions.
This feature requires the vehicle to be parked with the engine running and the windows up. Additionally, the Navigator inherits a digital scent collection from the Nautilus, offering scents like Mystic Forest, Ozonic Azure, and Violet Cashmere, with refills costing $30.
The third row of seats in the new Navigator is power-folding, allowing for easier transportation of passengers and cargo. The rearmost seats are more luxurious than ever, with heating available in the Black Label trim.
The second row offers eight-way adjustable heated and cooled captain’s chairs, with a bench option available on lower trims. Lincoln has also improved the leather quality, offering unique perforation patterns and premium materials, depending on the chosen interior color scheme.
The 2025 Lincoln Navigator is expected to hit dealerships in spring 2025, with pricing details to be announced closer to its release. The base price is estimated to start at around $87,000, with fully loaded Black Label models potentially reaching $120,000. With its combination of luxury, technology, and towing capabilities, the new Navigator aims to compete head-to-head with the Cadillac Escalade, offering a fresh and opulent experience for buyers.
READ MORE: Top 10 Most Iconic and Influential Mazda Sports Cars and Coupes of All Time
Subscribe today for the freshest car news delivered to your inbox
