2012 Lincoln Navigator

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Rating6.7

Ranked #9 in 

Fullsize SUV
Write Review
$57,775 - $62,840
Starting Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on January 31, 2024

ProsConsWhat's New

Plush and comfortable ride quality

V8 engine feels strained under load

Integrated blind-spot mirrors are now standard

Premium feature-loaded cabin

Some cheap interior materials

New AppLink for Sync system

Power folding third-row seat

Aging infotainment system

Lower price as compared to competitors

Specs & Features

$57,775

price

310 hp @ 5100 rpm

horsepower

365 lb.-ft. @ 3600 rpm

torque

6-Speed Automatic

transmission

5.4L 8cyl RWD 6A

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

The 2012 Lincoln Navigator does not receive any significant changes. However, Lincoln has added enhanced safety features like blind spot mirrors as standard. Even the Applink for Sync infotainment interface is added, allowing for voice control of apps like Pandora. The 2012 Lincoln Navigator price starts at $57,775 and an additional $995 is added as destination fee. The extended wheelbase version, called the 2012 Lincoln Navigator L costs $59,940, excluding destination charges. 

Featuring a single-trim lineup of the Navigator, the 2012 Lincoln Navigator MSRP can be an expense of $57,775-$60,675 this season. Having said that, it simply translates to the fact that the range-leader 2012 Lincoln Navigator 4X4 will cost you $2,900 more than the base 2012 Lincoln Navigator 4X2 for enhanced specs and assets.

We Recommend 

As the Navigator 2012 is offered in single trim configuration, the buyers are just left with the choice of 4X2 or 4X4 powertrains. 

The 2012 Lincoln Navigator engine is a mighty 5.4-liter V-8 with 310 horsepower. The towing capacity is rated up to 9,000 pounds. With a cargo space of 103.3 cu.-ft, the 2012 Lincoln Navigator interior is comfortable but dated. With three recalls and eleven complaints, the 2012 Lincoln Navigator problems are not that significant. Lincoln’s flagship SUV is less expensive than the Cadillac Escalade, more efficient than the Mercedes-Benz GL 450 4Matic and closely priced to the Infiniti QX56.

2012 Lincoln Navigator for sale

The 2012 Lincoln Navigator 4X2 can be financed for as low as 3.9% APR for a term of 60 months with $1,026/month and $5,877 as down payment. The same model can also be leased for a term of 36 months with $826/month and 10% amount due at signing. The actual APR depends on the credit score and tenure of the scheme. 

For budget-oriented buyers, the used 2012 Lincoln Navigator can be availed of with a base price of $9,795. Going for older model years like the 2011 Lincoln Navigator could be a matter of $5,995 and Lincoln Navigator 2010 can cost as much as $5,995 along with a listing of 2,231 in total.

Buying Advice

As the 2012 Navigator comes packed with features to the brim with all the creature comforts available as standard, it is recommended to just opt for the 4WD drivetrain with the base trim and not spend additional money for optional packages. 

Comparative Analysis against Competition

For the 2012 model year, the Lincoln Navigator has kept the same 5.4 Liter V8 Engine which pumps out a modest 310 horsepower. It can seat up to 8 passengers and the longer wheelbase model Navigator L can carry a stupendous amount of cargo for each of them. The towing capacity is set at 9,000 pounds and entertainment gets a boost with the introduction of Lincoln SYNK AppLink.

New exterior color schemes have been introduced in the 2012 Lincoln Navigator including Autumn Red Metallic and Black while the interiors have gained walnut swirl and olive ash wood trims. The Lincoln Navigator cost to own includes maintenance cost of $7,894 and repairs costing $4,345 over the period of five years. The depreciation in Lincoln Navigator price can go as high as $33,250 within the same time.

 

Features
9.0/10

Lincoln has kept things very simple and clear. The Lincoln Navigator specs sheet includes Dusk Sensing Xenon HID Headlamps, Post-Collision Safety System, 14-speaker 600W THX Surround audio system with 1 subwoofer, and Front And Rear Parking Sensors w/Rear View Camera.

Trims

Navigator

MSRP (RWD)

$58,770

MSRP (4WD)

$61,670

Key Features

Dusk Sensing Xenon HID Headlamps

 

Post-Collision Safety System

 

14-speaker 600W THX surround audio system w/1 subwoofer

 

Front And Rear Parking Sensors w/Rear View Camera

 

Dual Zone Front Climate Control w/Rear Ventilation Ducts and Fan Control

 

8-Way Power Heated/Ventilated Seats w/Heated Reclining Rear Seats

Lincoln Navigator cabin has been furnished with 8-Way Power Heated/Ventilated Seats, Heated Reclining Rear Seats, and Dual Zone Front Climate Control. Lincoln comes with no trim bifurcations for the Navigator SUV and the only choice to be made is the drivetrain choice for either a rear-wheel drive or a 4-wheel drive drivetrain.

Fuel Economy
4.0/10

The large brawny V8 engine under the hood gives the 2012 Navigator manages to pull out a combined 16mpg of EPA-rated fuel economy from 14mpg in city conditions and 20mpg on highways, and is on par with the segment. Opting for the 4WD drivetrain will further reduce the fuel efficiency rating by another mpg in each aspect. Thankfully, the large 28-gallon fuel tank aids in offering a pretty decent driving range of over 400 miles between gas station visits.

Model

Lincoln Navigator

Cadillac Escalade

Infiniti QX56

Mercedes-Benz GL 450 4MATIC

MPG (City)

14

14

14

13

MPG (Highway)

20

18

20

18

MPG (Combined)

16

16

16

15

Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)

28.0

26.0

26.0

26.4

Range (City / Highway / Combined) (miles)

392 / 560 / 448

364 / 468 / 416

364 / 520 / 416

343 / 475 / 396

There is hardly anything to differentiate between most of the SUVs of the segment regarding the fuel economy figures and that can be seen in this comparison as well. Both the American Cadillac and the Japanese Infiniti SUVs have very similar fuel efficiency ratings while the Mercedes GL 450 has a marginally higher fuel consumption. The Navigator has the largest gas tank and hence offers as much as 92 miles advantage in driving ranges. 

Interior
8.0/10

Lincoln has baked in almost all the premium features that it could offer with the SUV right into the 2012 Navigator. The front and second row of seats offer heating functionality while the front seats are also offered a cooling function. The power-folding third row of the seat folds flat into the floor and the power and the premium leather upholstery with wood and bronze accents all feel particularly plush. The third row of seats is also spacious enough to accommodate an adult rather comfortably. The 18.1 cu-ft luggage space at the back can be extended to 54.4 cu-ft by folding the third row down with the maximum cargo space rated at a whopping 103.3 cu-ft.

Model

Lincoln Navigator

Cadillac Escalade

Infiniti QX56

Mercedes-Benz GL 450 4MATIC

Seating Capacity

7

7

7

7

Front Row (Head / Shoulder / Leg) (in)

39.5 / 63.3 / 41.1

41.1 / 65.2 / 41.3

39.9 / 63.8 / 39.6

40.1 / 58.3 / 40.3

Second Row (Head / Shoulder / Leg) (in)

39.7 / 63.7 / 39.1

39.2 / 65.2 / 39.0

40.0 / 63.5 / 41.0

40.6 / 58.3 / 39.5

Third Row (Head / Shoulder / Leg) (in)

37.6 / 51.9 / 37.7

37.9 / 61.7 / 25.6

36.4 / 60.5 / 28.3

39.2 / 50.5 / 34.2

Cargo Capacity (cu-ft)

18.1

16.9

16.6

18.9

There is no competition for the space offered inside the cabin of the Lincoln Navigator. The Mercedes-Benz GL 450 comes in close at second with a decent amount of space in the third row but the other two offer seats that just aren’t useful enough. In fact, the third row in the Cadillac can hardly fit even the kids and needs to be removed by hand as they do not fold into the floor. The Ford-sourced SYNC infotainment system offers tremendous functionality with its voice commands, AppLink, and iPod connectivity.

  • 10-way power heated/cooled low-back front bucket seats w/power lumbar & driver seat memory
  • Heated Second row bucket seats
  • Third-row PowerFold 60/40 split fold-flat bench seat
  • Power adjustable pedals with memory
  • Automatic front dual-zone with separate rear climate control
  • SYNC communications & entertainment system
  • 14-speaker THX II 5.1 stereo system

Exterior
6.0/10

The Lincoln Navigator exterior has started to show its age with a busy front grille flanked by old-school rectangular headlights on either side adding to the boxy design. The Lincoln Navigator features include power running boards and liftgates that other SUVs don't include. The Navigator is definitely the longest and heaviest of the bunch with a curb weight and length difference of as much as 472 lbs and 8.1 inches.

Model

Lincoln Navigator

Cadillac Escalade

Infiniti QX56

Mercedes-Benz GL 450 4MATIC

Curb Weight (lbs)

5,818

5,488

5,590

5,346

Length (in)

208.4

202.5

208.3

200.7

Width (in)

78.8

79.0

79.9

78.3

Height (in)

78.3

75.9

75.8

72.4

Ground Clearance (in)

9.1

9.0

9.2

7.9

Wheelbase (in)

119.0

116.0

121.1

121.1

The abundant space on offer inside the Navigator’s cabin is due to the extra-large dimensions of the SUV. The Cadillac Escalade is comparatively smaller with a 5.9 inch deficit in length and hence has a tight cabin to offer. Mercedes has done a fantastic job here to open up abundant space on the inside by extending the wheelbase in spite of its shorter dimensions. All the SUVs here offer similar ground clearances except for the GL 450 with a disadvantage of 1.2 inches and rides considerably lower to the ground. 

  • Automatic HID headlamps w/rain lamps
  • Rain-sensing speed-sensitive intermittent windshield wipers
  • Power Liftgate
  • Chrome-capped heated power mirrors w/turn signal indicators, memory, spotter, driver side auto-dim, puddle lamps
  • Chrome upper/lower grille
  • Color-keyed power running boards
  • Luggage rack w/chrome side rails and black crossbars
  • 18-inch 7-spoke bright machined aluminum wheels

Safety
8.0/10

The IIHS is yet to crash-test the 2012 Lincoln Navigator yet, but the NHTSA has rated the Navigator with an overall 4-star safety rating which showcases its safety standards. Add to that the plenty of safety features that come in as standard with the 2012 Navigator, there should be no reason to doubt the safety parameters of this aging Lincoln. A highlight of the most prominent safety features on offer has been listed below. 

  • AdvanceTrac w/Roll Stability Control (RSC) and Trailer Sway Control
  • SOS post-crash alert
  • Forward sensing system
  • Reverse camera w/sensing system
  • MyKey System
  • Safety Canopy w/1st/2nd/3rd-row side curtain airbags
  • Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Final Verdict

The Lincoln Navigator is the old-school mafia that might have lost its hold in certain areas but still has its dominance in the segment. The engine might not be the most lively and the cabin might not be the most appealing to look at, but the plush ride quality, plenty of features, and acres of space on the inside do make a strong point for the SUV. Add to that the lower price tag and Ford’s reliability, the 2012 Navigator is still a viable option if you are looking for a large family SUV. 

Trims

    Base
    $57,775 onwards
    • 18-inch machined aluminum Wheels
    • 1St row LCD monitor
    • A-Spec Sport Seats
    • Dual zone automatic front air conditioning
    • Front Fog/driving lights
    • Front passengers heated-cushion
    • Heated mirrors
    • Rear air conditioning with controls
    • Remote keyless entry
    • Sirius AM/FM/HD/Satellite
    L
    $59,940 onwards
    • Engine: 5.4L 8cyl 4WD 6A
    • Horsepower: 310 hp @ 5100 rpm hp
    • Torque: 365 lb.-ft. @ 3600 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 9.1 sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 15 mpg

Compare to similar cars

Price

$57,775- $62,840

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

6.72

Horsepower

310 hp @ 5100 rpm

Torque

365 lb.-ft. @ 3600 rpm

Capacity

8

Read Review

$63,170- $82,495

Gasoline

7.55

403 hp @ 5700 rpm

417 lb.-ft. @ 4300 rpm

7

Read Review

$36,530- $52,330

Gasoline

7.47

310 hp @ 5100 rpm

365 lb.-ft. @ 3600 rpm

5

Read Review

$60,000- $63,100

Gasoline

7.76

400 hp @ 5800 rpm

413 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

7

Read Review

$79,425- $94,820

Gasoline

8.08

385 hp @ 6500 rpm

375 lb.-ft. @ 3500 rpm

5

Read Review

$61,570- $85,300

Gasoline

8.27

335 hp @ 6000 rpm

339 lb.-ft. @ 2700 rpm

7

Read Review

2012 Lincoln Navigator vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    8 sec16.3 sec-
    6.5 sec15.0 sec131 mph
    6.7 sec15.3 sec142 mph
    6.87 sec16.5 sec135 mph
    7 sec14.6 sec148 mph
    7.7 sec16.0 sec120 mph

    2012 Lincoln Navigator vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      14 mpg20 mpg16 mpg28 gal.392/560 mi.
      14 mpg20 mpg16 mpg26 gal.364/520 mi.
      14 mpg20 mpg16 mpg28 gal.392/560 mi.
      14 mpg18 mpg16 mpg26 gal.364/468 mi.
      13 mpg18 mpg15 mpg26.4 gal.343.2/475.2 mi.
      12 mpg18 mpg14 mpg27.6 gal.331.2/496.8 mi.

      2012 Lincoln Navigator vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        208.4 in.78.8 in.78.3 in.9.2 in.119 in.

        2012 Cadillac Escalade ESV

        Ranked #1

        222.9 in.79 in.75.9 in.9 in.116 in.

        2012 Ford Expedition EL

        Ranked #2

        221.3 in.78.8 in.77.2 in.8.7 in.119 in.
        208.3 in.79.9 in.75.8 in.9.2 in.121.1 in.
        206.5 in.78.8 in.77.2 in.8.7 in.119 in.
        202.5 in.79 in.75.9 in.9 in.116 in.

        2012 Lincoln Navigator vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          18.1 cu.ft.-103.3 cu.ft.
          16.6 cu.ft.80.2 cu.ft.95.1 cu.ft.
          55 cu.ft.94 cu.ft.15.4 cu.ft.
          35.1 cu.ft.-74.1 cu.ft.
          14.3 cu.ft.143 cu.ft.83.3 cu.ft.
          16.9 cu.ft.94.1 cu.ft.15.5 cu.ft.

          2012 Lincoln Navigator vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            SourceCompare
            103.3 cu.ft.18.1 cu.ft.103.3 cu.ft.-
            83.1 cu.ft.55 cu.ft.15.4 cu.ft.-
            95.1 cu.ft.16.6 cu.ft.95.1 cu.ft.-
            52.8 cu.ft.14.3 cu.ft.83.3 cu.ft.66 ft.
            78.3 cu.ft.35.1 cu.ft.74.1 cu.ft.-
            15.7 cu.ft.16.9 cu.ft.15.5 cu.ft.-

            2012 Lincoln Navigator vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              9000 lbs.1620 lbs.5818 lbs.
              9200 lbs.1751 lbs.5549 lbs.
              8500 lbs.1710 lbs.5590 lbs.
              8300 lbs.1612 lbs.5488 lbs.
              7700 lbs.1290 lbs.5697 lbs.
              7500 lbs.1599 lbs.5346 lbs.

              Top Lincoln Cars

              2012 Lincoln Navigator

              Horsepower : 310 hp @ 5100 rpm

              MPG Combined : 16 mpg

              0-60 : 8 sec

              #1

              2012 Lincoln MKX

              Horsepower : 305 hp @ 6500 rpm

              MPG Combined : 22 mpg

              0-60 : 6.5 sec

              #2

              2012 Lincoln MKS

              Horsepower : 273 hp @ 6250 rpm

              MPG Combined : 20 mpg

              0-60 : 6.6 sec

              #3

              2012 Lincoln MKT

              Horsepower : 268 hp @ 6250 rpm

              MPG Combined : 20 mpg

              0-60 : 7.4 sec

              #4

              2012 Lincoln MKZ

              Horsepower : 263 hp @ 6250 rpm

              MPG Combined : 21 mpg

              0-60 : 7.1 sec

              #5

              2012 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid Sedan

              Horsepower : 191 hp

              MPG Combined : 39 mpg

              0-60 : 10.6 sec

              #6

              2012 Lincoln Navigator User Reviews

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              POPULAR TAGS

              RP

              Roderick Parker

              2012 Lincoln Navigator

              4dr SUV (5.4L 8cyl 6A)

              Not Rated

              User Overall Rating

              Posted On: July 10, 2024

              lincoln review

              Pros - ["space inside", "sound system"]

              Cons - ["air ride system", "side boards"]

              I love my navigator it has room for 8 people. it's sounds like a airplane when your on the interstate.My kids love the headrest DVD players. I love the wheels my wife loves the seats. I recommend 2012 and up in this it's great.mine is silver and it usually gets fair gas mileage.

              Not Rated
              Features
              Not Rated
              Interior
              Not Rated
              Design
              Not Rated
              Safety
              Not Rated
              Reliability
              Not Rated
              Deal Value
              Not Rated
              Dealer Review

              AW

              Ashleigh Wager

              2011 Lincoln Navigator

              4dr SUV 4WD (5.4L 8cyl 6A)

              Not Rated

              User Overall Rating

              Posted On: August 4, 2024

              11 navigator great car

              Pros - ["Great car great ride", "Very comfortable seats", "Great look"]

              Cons - ["Ac leaking", "Lock system sucks", "Window won't go down"]

              It's fabulous I can't recommend another car as great as this one. You won't be disappointed runs great fast when ac is off great holds 8 people real smooth tide looks great interior great no safety issues

              Not Rated
              Features
              Not Rated
              Interior
              Not Rated
              Design
              Not Rated
              Safety
              Not Rated
              Reliability
              Not Rated
              Deal Value
              Not Rated
              Dealer Review