2018 Lincoln Navigator

Although the base Premier trim is loaded with a long list of standard features, it lacks the available safety technologies. Therefore, we suggest you buy the Select trim and upgrade to the technology package for getting access to the best driver aids. This trim adds a heated steering wheel, an adaptive suspension, a surround-view camera, and wireless device charging. Some available features are 30-way power front seats, a panoramic roof, a rear-seat entertainment system, and a trailering package. 

The all-new Lincoln Navigator is available in four trims which include Premier. Select, Reserve, and Black Label. The base variant, the premium Navigator Lincoln comes in with 10-way power front seats, Genuine leather upholstery, Heated first & second-row seats, and a 14-speaker Revel audio system. The select variant goes on to add Wireless charging, a Heated steering wheel, Adaptive suspension, and a Surround-view camera.

The Lincoln Navigator Black Label trim gives the vibes an ultimate Lincoln life as it offers a range of customization options along with concierge services like complimentary car washes, vehicle maintenance delivery services, and VIP access to restaurants. Among the many enticing options are a panoramic roof, a head-up display, and dual 10-inch rear entertainment screens featuring USB and HDMI inputs. Get reckless with the options sheet and it's possible to spec in nearly $100,000 Navigator. 

Gas mileage is lower this year than last, despite the 2018 Lincoln Navigator’s updated powertrain- The Car Connection

For a large SUV, the Lincoln Navigator gas mileage is decent. The RWD models return 16 MPG in the city, 23 MPG on a highway, and 19 MPG combined whereas the 4WD variants have a combined mileage of 18 MPG. The Navigator is fitted with a fuel tank that measures 23 gallons in size. In RWD form, it delivers 448 miles of combined driving range while the range falls down to 425 miles if you select the 4WD system.

The fuel estimates of the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class are almost similar to the Navigator but it delivers the best driving range owing to its large fuel tank with 3.4 Liters on the Lincoln Navigator. The Infiniti QX80 has the worst fuel efficiency here with a deficit of 2mpg on the Navigator. The Cadillac Escalade's highway rating is better than the QX80 and therefore, results in a better driving range between them.

The quality of the furnishings would not be out of place on a vehicle costing much more than the Navigator's sticker price- Autoweek

The new Lincoln Navigator cabin makes a quantum leap. It seats up to 8 people and they are treated with genuine leather. As expected, the front seats can be adjusted in 30 directions, spec comfort features such as heating, ventilation, and massage along with second-row seats which provide heating. As you recline, the bottom of the seat extends so you can really stretch out. The third row also offers good space for adults. For hauling, the Lincoln Navigator cargo capacity is 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row. Drop the second-row seats and you get 57.5 cubic feet. With all the seats folded, the cargo capacity lands at a sizable 103.3 cubic feet.

The Lincoln Navigator interiors offer the most shoulder room along with headroom and legroom that falls next to the Cadillac with deficits of not more than 1.5 inches. The second-row seating leads against the competitor with advantages of as much as 6.8 inches in shoulder room. Lincoln Navigator cargo space leads with an added maximum of 3.3 cu-ft against its competitors. The Lincoln Navigator comes with a 10-inch touchscreen display and runs Ford's SYNC 3 infotainment system. It gets all the latest features such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. A 14-speaker Revel audio system is standard while the Black Label upgrades it to 20 speakers.

• Power tilt & telescopic multi-function steering wheel
• 30-way power front genuine leather seats
• Heated, ventilated, and massaged front seats
• Second-row heated seats
• Leather & heated steering wheel
• Wood interior accents
• Tri-zone automatic climate control
• A 10-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• 14-speaker Revel premium audio system
• 110V household power outlet
• Wireless charging 
• Panoramic sunroof

The silhouette may be the same as a Ford Expedition, but the Navigator has enough detail work to make it distinctive- Kelly Blue Book

The Lincoln Navigator exterior exudes a chiseled aluminum body and is characterized by a  simple and elegant new grille with a large Lincoln logo illuminated on the Reserve and Black Label trims. The LED headlights, fog lights, and taillights come as standard along with Exterior entry lights. The rear has the looks inherited from its predecessor with Lincoln spelled out across the back with chrome underlining it and specs with chrome-dipped exhaust tips. 

The ground clearance of 9.7 inches is pretty high for a large SUV although most will never go off-pavement. There are plenty of wheel designs available while the wheel options include 20 and 22-inch aluminum wheels. This year, the Navigator has grown to 210 inches in overall length for the standard wheelbase. 

The Cadillac Escalade sits 1.7 inches lower than the Navigator which means egress and ingress will be easy. At 5,335 pounds, the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class is the lightest vehicle in this competition. Hence, its acceleration is quick despite making less power. The overall width of the Infiniti QX80 is nearly 3 inches less than the Navigator. Therefore, its cabin lacks enough shoulder room.

• LED headlights, DRLs
• LED fog lights
• LED taillights
• Exterior entry lights
• Door courtesy lights
• Power-folding, heated exterior mirrors
• Chrome grille with active grille shutters 
• Chrome bodyside moldings
• Chrome window trim
• Body-colored door handles with chrome accents
• Power-retractable illuminated running boards
• Chrome exhaust tips

Only NHTSA has allotted safety ratings to the Lincoln Navigator safety. It gave an overall safety rating of five out of five stars. The Navigator received five stars for the frontal and side-impact crash tests. In the rollover test, RWD models were given 4 stars only whereas the AWD versions got 4 stars. But the standard Navigator comes with limited safety features. Therefore, upgrading to the $2,640 Technology package adds some of the industry-leading safety technologies to the SUV. This package is optional on the Select and Reserve trims and standard on the Black Label model. Below is the list of safety features available:

• Rearview Camera
• Surround-View Camera
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Front & Rear Parking Sensors
• Blind Spot Monitoring
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
• Forward Collision Warning
• Pedestrian Detection
• Lane Departure Warning
• Automatic Parking Assist
• Automatic Emergency Braking
• Driver Attention Monitoring
• Rain-Sensing Windshield Wipers
• MyKey Driver Monitoring

2018 Lincoln Navigator vs 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Having an initial price of $69,550, the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class' base engine is underpowered but still, it gives a good challenge to the Navigator in both performance tests. However, this engine's efficiency is not good while its towing capacity is also less for the class. The GLS-Class cabin feels smaller than the Navigator and its cargo volume is also average. On the positive side, it offers as many safety features as the Navigator. 

2018 Lincoln Navigator vs 2018 Cadillac Escalade

The Cadillac Escalade houses a punchy V8 but its ride and handling are not better than the Navigator. Its towing limit is up to the mark but it suffers from bad fuel efficiency. On the inside, the Escalade's infotainment system can feel clumsy sometimes and it also offers a cramped third row. On the matter of cargo space, the Escalade loses another point but keeps up with the Navigator in terms of driver assistance features. 

2018 Lincoln Navigator vs 2018 Infiniti QX80

Although the Infiniti QX80 makes less power, it offers a gentle ride while its towing capacity is decent in the segment. Another strong point of this SUV is the low est ownership costs in its class but it has the worst fuel economy. Moving to the interior, the QX80's cabin feels less luxurious and its infotainment system is outdated. It also provides a smaller third row than the Navigator. Safety-wise, the QX80 packs all the important features. 

The 2018 Lincoln Navigator spells the return of American luxury and the brand has put some effort into making the navigator stand out. It should also be said that you could enjoy most of the Navigator's features and functions for less money with its platform-mate, the Ford Expedition. Even so, these days there are good reasons to choose Lincoln over Ford. The Navigator isn't just a fancy SUV that embodies the grandeur of Lincoln's past. If you want a full-size expression of American indulgence that can also tow a boat, look for the Lincoln Navigator.