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According to a recent Consumer Reports review of a borrowed 2025 Lincoln Navigator, its redesign is less than stellar in large part because of excessive feature upgrades, an odd oblong steering wheel, frustrating controls, and an unjustifiable price tag.
It’s excess for the sake of excess, without real benefits. Too much time was spent brainstorming features that people don’t need to justify the price.”
The Navigator promises a luxury experience that is above and beyond that of the mechanically similar Ford Expedition. But it doesn’t go far enough to be considered more than an overpriced Expedition.
Related article: Why Ford is Smart to Invest in Lincoln Vehicles Like the New 2025 Lincoln Navigator While Slowing Down on EVS
The Lincoln Navigator: Consumer Reports automotive experts had this to say about the Lincoln Navigator, with a surprising alternative Ford model and non-Ford model for consumers to consider
The Lincoln Navigator helped spark the luxury SUV trend in the 1990s, and the latest redesign sticks to the formula—pairing a full-size SUV platform with upscale features. Essentially a high-end counterpart to the Ford Expedition, the 2025 Navigator gets sleeker styling with a broader grille, sharper lines, and premium trim details.
Inside, the cabin makes a bold statement with a sweeping 48-inch display across the dash, plus indulgent touches like massaging seats, a premium audio system, and multisensory “relaxation” modes that adjust lighting, visuals, and even scents. Space remains generous in all three rows, and cargo capacity is strong, whether in the standard or extended wheelbase version.
On the road, the Navigator shines on long trips, with room for passengers, luggage, and even a trailer, but its massive size makes city driving cumbersome. Buyers can choose from Reserve, Reserve with Jet Appearance, or the lavish Black Label trim.
Pricing is steep, starting around $100,000. The model CR drove—a 2025 Black Label with options—topped $121,000. Because of its high cost and limited sales, CR won’t be buying one for its test fleet; instead, it suggests looking at its tested Ford Expedition review, given the shared engineering.
Consumer Reports’ First Drive Verdict of the 2025 Lincoln Navigator
What we drove: 2025 Lincoln Navigator Black Label
Powertrain: 440-hp, 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine; 10-speed automatic transmission; four-wheel drive
MSRP: $116,995
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Options: Sunrise copper metallic paint with 22-inch wheels ($2,000)
Destination fee: $2,195
Total cost: $121,190
Final assembly point: Louisville, Ky.
Pros:
- Strong twin-turbo V6 with 440 hp; smooth, quiet highway power
- Striking interior with a massive 48-inch dash display
- Spacious three-row seating, including a truly usable third row
- Premium features like massaging seats, BlueCruise hands-free driving, and an excellent Revel stereo
- Quiet, refined cabin with decent cargo space
Cons:
- Ride comfort and handling fall short of luxury expectations; feels floaty and cumbersome
- Requires premium fuel yet delivers poor fuel economy (~17 mpg combined)
- Tech-heavy controls (steering wheel touchpads, climate screen, screen-controlled vents) are distracting and frustrating
- High price tag (starts near $100K; test model topped $121K) isn’t justified compared with rivals
- Fit, finish, and front-seat comfort don’t measure up to six-figure competition
- Many features feel more like showroom gimmicks than practical upgrades
CR’s Take on the 2025 Navigator
Consumer Reports concludes that the 2025 Navigator doesn’t live up to its luxury promise. Despite its flashy screen, pampering features, and powerful engine, it feels like an overpriced Ford Expedition rather than a true rival to Cadillac, BMW, or Mercedes-Benz.
Recommendation:
- Who it’s for: Buyers who want maximum size, comfort, and tech gadgetry in a Lincoln-branded package, and who prioritize style and prestige over value.
- Who should skip it: Shoppers expecting refined ride quality and true luxury at this price point. CR suggests test-driving the Ford Expedition or even the Nissan Armada for similar capability at far lower cost.
The Final Summarization: Consumer Reports does not recommend the Navigator as a smart buy.
For additional recent Consumer Reports-related articles, here are two for your consideration:
- The Best Fuel-Efficient SUVs You Can Buy Today
- Best Used Cars and SUVs for Less Than $5,000: Consumer Reports Top Picks
Timothy Boyer is an automotive reporter based in Cincinnati who currently researches and restores older vehicles, often incorporating engine modifications for improved performance. He also covers modern cars—including EVs—with a focus on DIY mechanics, tool use and selection, and other topics related to automotive repair. Follow Tim on Twitter (@TimBoyerWrites) and Facebook for daily updates and insights on new and used cars and trucks.
Image Source: Deposit Photos
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Source: torquenews.com
