2019 Lincoln Navigator

Even though the base standard model is well equipped, if you’re going for luxury, the mid-range Reserve model is a better option, especially with the addition of the technology pack for 2019 that includes features like self-parking, adaptive cruise control, head-up display, and more. The Reserve model also gets standard all-wheel-drive, a panoramic sunroof, and ventilated front seats for even more luxury over the lower trims. The longer Reserve L model offers a lot more interior space, especially in the third row.

The 2019 Lincoln Navigator comes in four trim levels: Standard, Select, Reserve, and Black Label. Being a luxury SUV, even the base model is loaded to the brim with features like 20-inch alloy wheels, a 10-inch infotainment system, adaptive LED headlights, tri-zone climate control, and a lot more.  

Upgrading to the Select model adds bigger 22-inch alloys, wireless charging, and a surround-view camera system. Both the Reserve and Black Label trim go all out, with luxuries like ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, park assist, a premium 20-speaker audio system, and more. Some interior optional features include power-folding and heated second-row seats, and a rear-seat entertainment system with wireless earphones and headrest-mounted displays. 

The Navigator uses a smaller turbocharged V6 unit compared to bigger V8 engines offered by the competition. Because of its tractable 10-speed automatic transmission, the Lincoln Navigator gas mileage comes to an impressive 16 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway. The engine, when revved hard, churns out impressive performance and takes down the metrics by a bit. However, the smaller 23-gallon fuel tank takes the highway range up to 483 miles.

While the Navigator easily outmatches the 2019 Cadillac Escalade in terms of efficiency, it is still left behind by German rivals like the Mercedes-Benz GLS Class and BMW X7. with the latter gaining an advantage of 4mpg in combined conditions. The Escalade is the least fuel-efficient losing 1mpg against the Navigator, but still manages a decent range, thanks to its 26-gallon tank. The BMW offers the best range thanks to leading tank capacity and decent mileage which converts into an advantage of as much as 70 miles. 

As expected in a large three-row luxury SUV, the interiors get an elegant and modern design with plenty of wood trim used everywhere. Even the regular model can seat 8 passengers in comfort when equipped with second-row bench seats, and enough space for adults in the third row, while the second row gets comfortable captain seats as standard. Trunk space is also impressive at 20.9 cubic feet, which is further expandable to 103 cubic feet with both rows folded. Unique features like 30-way power-adjustable front seats with massaging significantly improve comfort levels. The infotainment sits neatly in the middle, above the climate control system. The unique gear selector is sandwiched in between and takes a while to get used to. The Navigator also gets some extra storage under the center console with plenty of space to park your phone.

The front and second rows are really wide on the four cars. They offer tremendous legroom and headroom, with no room for any complaints. The third row is the point of concern, however. With an impressive 40.9-inches of legroom in the third row, the Navigator is the most spacious SUV after the Cadillac Escalade at 42.8 inches. In comparison, German rivals like the Mercedes-Benz GLS Class and the 2019 BMW X7 are a lot more compact with a deficit of as much as 7.6 inches in interior metrics. In terms of cargo space, the Navigator offers the most cargo space, maxing out at 103.4 inches, whereas the rivals pressed down with at least a difference of 9.2 cubic feet. Some notable interior features include:

• 30-way power-adjustable front seats with massaging function
• Panoramic sunroof
• Wireless charging
• Hands-free power liftgate
• Tri-zone automatic climate control
• Ambient interior lighting
• Keyless entry with remote start

With a new wheel design for 2019, Lincoln has done a good job with a bold and clean design. There are plenty of curves and creases, and the Lincoln looks massive next to its rivals. Chrome is used in abundance on the grille, window line, and even the front fenders to bling up the overall design and compliments the Silver roof rails. The Navigator is available in 9 exterior color options while the Black Label Lincoln Navigator is available in 7 color options.

The front of the SUV is decorated with Adaptive LED headlights and higher trims also get LED lighting on the badge. As always, the rear gets a unique light profile that looks unique in the dark. The rear lighting is done by the use of an LED strip running across the body. The car’s design balances retro styling and the modern overall very well. Overall, the 2019 Lincoln Navigator is a handsome SUV that looks as luxurious as its price tag suggests.

Even with the regular model, the Lincoln Navigator towers over its rivals with bigger dimensions than the Cadillac Escalade. While the German rivals get a similar wheelbase, they are more compact overall. The extra length of 8 inches, over some competitors, on the Navigator gives it more cargo space and a roomier third row. This has also led the Navigator to be the heaviest, at 6056 lbs. The BMW is the lightest by 800 lbs against the Lincoln. Putting all four cars side by side, the close dimensions don’t really allow one to make out much of the other differences the four cars have. Some notable exterior features include:

• 22-inch alloy wheels
• Adaptive LED headlights
• Illuminated Lincoln badge
• Silver roof rails
• Panoramic sunroof
• Unique LED rear light profile

The new Navigator shares its platform with both the Ford Expedition and F-150 truck. While the Navigator received an impressive 5-star overall rating in the NHTSA safety tests, the IIHS hasn’t tested it yet. For 2019, the Navigator goes all out with plenty of standard safety features including some driver assistance features. Higher trim levels get features like a surround-view parking camera, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, park assist, and a lot more. Unfortunately, a lot of these features aren’t available even as options on the lower trims despite the high price tag. Some notable standard safety features include:

• Front and rear parking sensors
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Adaptive LED headlights
• Rearview camera
• Lincoln connected services including emergency assist

2019 Lincoln Navigator vs 2019 Cadillac Escalade

With the new updates, the Navigator feels a lot more modern than the aging Escalade. While both SUVs are built on a truck-based platform with plenty of room on the inside, the Navigator offers a lot more space, especially in the third row. The Navigator also easily outperforms the Escalade with its modern EcoBoost engine, and also offers better towing capacity. Efficiency is also better with the modern powertrain compared to the older V8 in the Escalade. With a softer ride and improved ride quality, the Navigator also outshines the Cadillac Escalade in terms of comfort and handling. Overall, the Navigator is easily the better pick of the two, at least until the Escalade receives a comprehensive update.

2019 Lincoln Navigator vs 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS Class

While the GLS boasts of a more modern interior with all the latest features and the capable MBUX infotainment system, the Lincoln Navigator takes a different approach with plenty of wood trims and retro styling. Both SUVs offer similar straight-line performance, but the GLS takes the lead through the corners thanks to a modern chassis and suspension setup. The Mercedes-Benz GLS also gets a more comprehensive standard feature list which includes a sunroof and all-wheel-drive, both of which are optional on the Navigator.

2019 Lincoln Navigator vs 2019 BMW X7

While both SUVs can be classified as luxury three-row family haulers, that's where the similarities end. Like all BMWs, the X7 continues to take a driver-centric approach with excellent dynamics, and a powerful drivetrain, all the while delivering class-leading economy figures. But, the X7 falls behind in terms of interior space and a short feature list compared to the Navigator which is purely focused on luxury above all else. As always, the BMW X7 also gets all-wheel drive as standard.

With the latest model, Lincoln has gone all out, even beating the Escalade in some key areas. The new Ecoboost power plant delivers plenty of performance without compromising on efficiency, a feat very few modern SUVs can achieve. Adding to the impressive drivetrain are the interiors which truly feel top-class and can seat even adults in the third row. Like the Interiors, the new Navigator also looks the part with plenty of chrome elements and a bold exterior design that easily stands out. Although Lincoln hasn't yet achieved brand recognition like its rivals, the new Navigator will certainly help its cause. Overall, if you're looking for pure American luxury with plenty of space to haul the whole family, it's hard to ignore the 2019 Lincoln Navigator.