2025 Lincoln Navigator Reserve Review

Shopping for a big luxury SUV can feel like a chore, right? You’re staring at a bunch of options that all have huge price tags, and it’s tough to know what you’re really getting.

You want something with serious space, real power, and a style that stands out, but you don’t want to get bogged down in the details.

I get it. Comparing features for hours on end makes you wonder if any of it matters once you’re on the road. But here’s something that caught my eye: the 2025 Lincoln Navigator Reserve comes standard with a twin-turbo V6 engine that puts out 440 horsepower. That’s real muscle in this class.

Because nobody wants buyer’s remorse on a purchase this big, I spent some serious time digging into the specs for this 2025 Lincoln Navigator Reserve Review. I’ve got the real story on its road performance, how the seats actually feel, the new tech that stands out, and how it stacks up against rivals like the Cadillac Escalade or BMW X7.

So, let’s get into it. I’ll walk you through everything I found.

Key Takeaways

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator Reserve is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine making 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. When equipped with the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package, it can pull up to 8,700 pounds.

A massive 48-inch panoramic display now stretches across the dashboard, integrating the new Lincoln Digital Experience with built-in Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play Store.

The interior features a Revel Ultima 3D Audio System with 28 speakers, available Perfect Position front seats with up to 30-way adjustment and massage, and a new “Lincoln Rejuvenate” feature that creates a spa-like experience while parked.

Pricing for the 2025 Navigator is higher, as the base Premiere trim has been discontinued. The Reserve model now serves as the entry point, starting at approximately $99,995 MSRP.

Fuel economy is rated by the EPA at 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway for 4×4 models, which is competitive but still a consideration for a vehicle of this size.

Standard safety is enhanced with Lincoln BlueCruise, a hands-free highway driving system that now includes Lane Change Assist and In-Lane Repositioning for a more natural feel.

What’s New for 2025?

2025 Lincoln Navigator Reserve Review

The Navigator gets a major refresh for 2025, kicking off its fifth generation with a focus on smarter tech, a more refined look, and an even more luxurious cabin. I immediately noticed that the changes are more than just skin deep; they’ve made a real effort to elevate the entire driving experience.

Updated exterior design

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator Reserve cleans up nicely with a softer, more modern look. The front end gets new, sleeker LED headlights that connect to the updated grille, creating a light show called the “Lincoln Embrace” as you approach the vehicle.

You also have fresh wheel options, including new 24-inch designs that really fill out the wheel wells and give it a commanding stance. The power liftgate now has a split-gate design, where the top glass can open separately from the main tailgate, which is a nice touch for quickly dropping things in the back.

And if you really want to make a statement, the Jet Appearance Package blacks out the grille, roof rails, and other chrome bits for a more aggressive, stealthy vibe. It’s a popular choice that makes this luxury SUV look even more exclusive.

“With its new face and bolder stance, this Lincoln looks like money parked right in my driveway.”

Related: 4th Generation Lincoln Navigator Review

Enhanced interior features

Sliding inside, the cabin feels like a serious upgrade. You’re immediately greeted by high-end materials like real wood trim and soft-touch surfaces everywhere.

The front seats are where the magic happens. Lincoln calls them Perfect Position Seats, and you can get them with up to 30-way adjustability, heating, ventilation, and massage functions. They are incredibly comfortable, especially on long drives.

Even the back rows get attention. For 2025, you can now get massaging second-row seats, and the third-row seats are now available with heating. It’s clear they wanted every passenger to have a first-class experience.

New technology integration

The first thing you see is the massive panoramic display system. It’s a stunning 48-inch screen that stretches across the entire dashboard, combining your gauges and infotainment into one seamless unit.

This system runs the new Lincoln Digital Experience, which is a huge step up. It has Google built-in, so you get Google Maps for navigation, Google Assistant for voice commands, and the Google Play Store to download other apps like Spotify. Of course, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are still standard.

Another great feature is Lincoln BlueCruise, the hands-free highway driving assist. It’s been updated to include Lane Change Assist, so you can just tap the turn signal, and the vehicle will smoothly change lanes for you. It works on over 130,000 miles of North American highways, which makes road trips a lot less fatiguing.

Pricing and Trims

Lincoln simplified the lineup for 2025 by dropping the old base “Premiere” trim. This means the well-equipped Reserve model is now the starting point, which pushes the entry price up but also gives you more standard luxury features from the get-go.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=se1DNUzwIYU&vl=en

2025 Lincoln Navigator Canadian Prices

In Canada, the 2025 Lincoln Navigator Reserve starts at an MSRP of $126,000. That’s a serious price tag, but it puts it right in line with competitors like the Cadillac Escalade. For that price, you’re getting a ton of standard features, including the new panoramic display, the powerful V6 engine, and a host of driver-assist technologies. Of course, adding options will raise the cost. The extended-length Navigator L, for example, adds about $4,000 to the price.

The other trim is the Black Label, which has an eye-watering starting price of $149,000 and the long wheelbase version starts at $153,000. These prices are before Freight & PDI, luxury tax, and sales taxes.

Our review car was the 2025 Lincoln Navigator Reserve, with an as tested price of $134,570 Canadian dollars. The price included $8,675 in options, which included Gray Mist metallic tri-coat paint ($950), 2nd row captain’s chairs ($2,500), Jet Appearance Package ($4,000), engine block heater ($375), and Heavy Duty Trailer Tow package ($750). The Freight & PDI is an additional $2,395.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Under the hood, the Navigator Reserve packs a serious punch that’s more than enough for hauling the family or a heavy trailer. All-wheel drive is now standard for 2025, giving you sure-footed confidence in any weather.

Twin-turbocharged V6 specifications

Lincoln sticks with its proven 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, and for good reason. It delivers an impressive 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. All that power runs through a smooth 10-speed automatic transmission.

On the road, this engine feels strong and responsive. Testing from Car and Driver shows it can hustle this big SUV from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.1 seconds, which is quicker than a V8-powered Cadillac Escalade. You’ll never feel short on power when merging onto the highway or passing slower traffic.

All-wheel-drive capabilities

With all-wheel drive now standard, the 2025 Navigator Reserve is ready for any condition. The system provides excellent traction on wet or snowy roads and adds a level of stability that’s reassuring in a vehicle this size.

You also get selectable Lincoln Drive Modes, which let you tailor the vehicle’s performance to different situations. These modes typically include Normal, Conserve (for better fuel economy), Excite (for a sportier feel), Slippery, and Deep Conditions.

Towing capacity

When it comes to hauling your toys, the Navigator Reserve is a beast. With the optional Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package, it can tow up to 8,700 pounds. That’s more than enough for most boats, campers, and trailers.

The tow package makes the job easier with features like Pro Trailer Backup Assist, which lets you steer your trailer with a simple knob on the dash, and an integrated trailer brake controller. It takes a lot of the stress out of maneuvering a trailer in tight spots.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Let’s be honest, nobody buys a full-size luxury SUV expecting it to sip gas. The 2025 Lincoln Navigator Reserve gets an NRCan rated 15.6 liters/100 kilometers in the city and 10.8 L/100 km on the highway, for a combined rating of 13.5 l/100 km.

These numbers are pretty standard for the class. For comparison, the Cadillac Escalade gets about 15.0 l/100 km combined. In my real-world driving, a mix of city errands and highway cruising, I found the Navigator’s fuel economy to be pretty close with the claimed numbers, averaging at 14.4 l/100 km combined. It’s not going to win any efficiency awards, but it’s respectable for a vehicle with this much power and size.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Luxury vehicle interior with advanced digital dashboard and infotainment system, showcasing modern technology and sleek design, ideal for tech-savvy drivers seeking comfort and innovation.

Stepping into the Navigator Reserve is like checking into a five-star hotel. The focus is on quiet comfort, premium materials, and a ton of space for both passengers and their gear.

Seating configurations and materials

The Navigator comes standard with seating for seven, thanks to second-row captain’s chairs, but you can opt for a second-row bench seat to accommodate up to eight people. The front seats are the highlight, with Lincoln’s Perfect Position design offering up to 30 ways of adjustment along with heating, cooling, and massage functions.

Premium leather is used throughout the cabin, and you can choose from different interior themes with unique color combinations and real wood trim. The cabin is also incredibly quiet, thanks to acoustic glass and active noise cancellation, which makes it a peaceful place to be on long trips.

Cargo space dimensions

If you need to haul stuff, the Navigator delivers. Even in the standard-length model, you get a generous amount of cargo space.

  • Behind the 3rd row: 20.9 cubic feet
  • Behind the 2nd row: 63.6 cubic feet
  • Behind the 1st row: 103.3 cubic feet

These are strong numbers, easily beating out German rivals like the BMW X7 (90.4 cu ft max) and the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class (84.7 cu ft max). It’s slightly less than the standard Cadillac Escalade (121 cu ft max), but if you need even more room, the extended-length Navigator L is always an option.

Second-row and third-row amenities

Lincoln didn’t forget about the passengers in the back. The second-row captain’s chairs are comfortable and spacious, and for 2025 you can option them with heating, ventilation, and even a massage function. Passengers get their own climate controls, multiple USB-C ports, and plenty of legroom.

The third row is one of the best in the business. Unlike in some rivals where the back seats are just for kids, adults can actually sit comfortably in the Navigator’s third row. The seats also power-fold flat with the touch of a button, making it easy to switch from hauling people to hauling cargo.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Luxurious black leather SUV interior with advanced dashboard, spacious seating, and modern amenities for a comfortable driving experience.

The technology inside the 2025 Navigator is a huge leap forward. The new displays are stunning, the sound system is incredible, and the new software is much more intuitive and connected.

Panoramic display system

The star of the show is the new 48-inch panoramic display that spans the entire dashboard. It’s a configurable screen that keeps your key driving info, navigation, and entertainment right in your line of sight without being distracting.

In the center, there’s an 11.1-inch touchscreen that serves as the main control hub for the Lincoln Digital Experience. The graphics are sharp, and the system is very responsive to touch inputs.

Revel® Ultima 3D Audio System

If you’re an audiophile, you’ll love the standard Revel Ultima 3D Audio System. It packs 28 speakers throughout the cabin, including in the headliner, to create a truly immersive sound experience.

You can switch between different listening modes like Stereo, Audience, or On-Stage to tailor the sound to your preference. Whether you’re listening to a podcast or your favorite album, the clarity and depth of the audio are simply amazing.

Lincoln Digital Experience features

The new Lincoln Digital Experience is a game-changer. By integrating Google apps and services, it makes the infotainment system feel as smart and easy to use as your phone.

Key features include:

  • Google Maps: Provides real-time traffic and easy-to-follow navigation that’s always up to date.
  • Google Assistant: Allows you to control navigation, music, and vehicle settings with natural voice commands.
  • Google Play Store: Lets you download your favorite apps directly to the vehicle, so you don’t always have to rely on your phone.
  • 5G Connectivity: A built-in 5G hotspot keeps you connected and enables over-the-air software updates.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

As you’d expect from a flagship luxury SUV, the Navigator comes loaded with advanced safety and driver-assistance features to give you peace of mind on the road.

Lincoln BlueCruise system

One of the best features for long highway drives is Lincoln BlueCruise. This is a true hands-free driving system that works on pre-mapped highways across the country, known as “Hands-Free Blue Zones.” For 2025, the system has been enhanced with new features.

Lane Change Assist lets you switch lanes hands-free just by tapping the turn signal. In-Lane Repositioning subtly shifts the Navigator away from vehicles in adjacent lanes, making the hands-free experience feel more natural and less robotic.

Advanced driver-assist technologies

The Navigator comes standard with Lincoln’s Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features. This bundle includes a long list of technologies designed to help prevent accidents.

  1. Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking: Can detect potential collisions and apply the brakes to help you avoid or lessen the impact.
  2. Blind Spot Information System: Warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot when you’re trying to change lanes.
  3. 360-Degree Camera: Gives you a bird’s-eye view of your surroundings, which is incredibly helpful for parking a vehicle this large.
  4. Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go: Maintains a set distance from the car ahead, even in heavy traffic.
  5. Lane-Keeping System: Provides gentle steering inputs to help you stay centered in your lane.

Competitor Comparison

The Navigator Reserve plays in a tough league with some serious heavy-hitters. Here’s a quick look at how it stacks up against its main rivals.

Cadillac Escalade

The Escalade is the Navigator’s oldest and fiercest rival. It stands out with its bold styling and a standard 420-hp 6.2L V8 engine. The Caddy offers slightly more maximum cargo space (121 cubic feet vs. the Navigator’s 103.3). It also features its own hands-free driving system, Super Cruise. The interior tech is impressive with a curved OLED display, but some might find the Navigator’s new panoramic screen and Google integration more user-friendly.

BMW X7

If you want a more athletic driving experience, the BMW X7 is a strong contender. It feels more agile and engaging from behind the wheel, thanks to its German engineering. The standard engine is a 375-hp turbocharged inline-six, which is less powerful than the Navigator’s V6. The X7 is also smaller, with significantly less cargo space (a maximum of 90.4 cubic feet) and a tighter third row. It’s a great choice for driving purists, but not for those who need maximum space.

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

The GLS-Class is all about smooth, refined luxury. It offers a supremely comfortable ride and an elegant interior filled with high-quality materials. Like the BMW, its standard engine is a 375-hp inline-six. The GLS also comes up short on space compared to the Navigator, with a maximum cargo capacity of just 84.7 cubic feet. It’s a fantastic luxury SUV, but the Navigator beats it handily on passenger room and cargo-hauling ability.

Pros and Cons of the 2025 Lincoln Navigator Reserve

After spending time with it, here’s my straightforward take on where the 2025 Lincoln Navigator Reserve really nails it and where it could do better.

ProsCons
  • Powerful Standard Engine: The 440-hp twin-turbo V6 is strong, responsive, and outmuscles the base engines of its German rivals.
  • First-Class Cabin: The interior is incredibly spacious and quiet, with supremely comfortable seats and premium materials.
  • Cutting-Edge Tech: The 48-inch panoramic display and Google-powered infotainment system are impressive and easy to use.
  • Generous Space: Offers more cargo and third-row passenger room than the European competition.
  • Impressive Towing Capacity: Can haul up to 8,700 pounds, making it a true workhorse.
  • Smooth Hands-Free Driving: The updated Lincoln BlueCruise system makes long highway trips much more relaxing.
  • High Starting Price: With the base trim gone, the entry price is now in the six-figure range.
  • Thirsty Fuel Economy: You’ll be making frequent stops at the gas station with 16 mpg in the city.
  • Less Athletic Handling: It drives like a big, comfortable SUV, not a sporty one like the BMW X7.
  • Challenging to Park: Its massive size can make navigating tight city streets and parking garages a handful.
  • No V8 Option: Some buyers in this segment still prefer the sound and feel of a traditional V8 engine.

2025 Lincoln Navigator – Big In Size Big On Luxury

So, what’s the final word on the 2025 Lincoln Navigator Reserve?

I think it’s an incredibly impressive machine. It leans into what a big American luxury SUV should be: powerful, spacious, and packed with comfortable, easy-to-use technology. The refreshed design looks sharp, and the new interior with that massive panoramic display is a genuine showstopper.

The twin-turbo V6 engine provides all the muscle you could ever need, and its towing and hauling capabilities are top-notch. For families who need a true three-row SUV with space for everyone and their gear, the Navigator is one of the best choices out there.

It’s not perfect. The price is steep, the fuel economy is what you’d expect from a vehicle this size, and it’s not going to handle like a sports sedan.

But if your priorities are comfort, technology, and sheer presence on the road, the 2025 Lincoln Navigator Reserve absolutely delivers. It’s a rolling sanctuary that makes every drive feel like a first-class experience.

If you’re in the market for a top-tier luxury SUV, this one deserves a spot at the very top of your test-drive list.

People Also Ask

What stands out about the 2025 Lincoln Navigator Reserve’s driving experience?

The 440-horsepower twin-turbo V6 engine provides surprisingly quick acceleration, while the adaptive suspension reads the road ahead to smooth out bumps before you even feel them. It’s a powerful yet incredibly calm ride that makes the vehicle feel much smaller than it is.

How does the interior of the 2025 Lincoln Navigator Reserve compare to other luxury SUVs?

It’s a true sanctuary, featuring available 24-way heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats that let you customize everything down to individual thigh support. The experience is elevated by the incredible 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system, which creates a sound experience that feels like a private concert hall.

Is there enough space in the 2025 Lincoln Navigator Reserve for families or road trips?

With up to 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, you can easily fit luggage for the whole family without folding any seats down.

What technology features come standard in the 2025 Lincoln Navigator Reserve?

You get the massive 48-inch panoramic display and Lincoln’s Co-Pilot360 2.0, which includes helpful features like adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist for less stressful highway driving.

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Faisal

Faisal is the cofounder and automotive photographer at Unfinished Man. He provides insider perspectives on the latest rides through his acclaimed photography. Faisal also serves as the site's watch expert, staying on the pulse of emerging timepieces. His seasoned eye for men's lifestyle products makes him an authoritative voice.

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