There are not a lot of choices in the really large, luxury SUV segment, but today I bring you one of my favorites, the Lincoln Navigator L Reserve 4x4. The L designation means it is longer than the regular version and adds a lot of cargo behind the 3rd row seat.
Pop open that big, long hood and you’ll find a 3.5-liter V6 twin-turbo EcoBoost engine that is putting out a very strong 440-horses, and is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission.
My Flight Blue review vehicle is a 4-wheel drive, but you can get it in a 2-wheel version as well.
As beautiful as the exterior of the Navigator is, when you open the door to get inside this vehicle, you are overwhelmed for a moment. The Sandstone interior is beautiful.
Hit the start button and the Navigator comes to life with a configurable 12” screen in the center of the dash that doubles as a driver information center. The large dash has very attractive stitching and between the two front seats is an incredible center console that is large, but doesn’t actually attach to the dash itself. There is storage underneath it.
Above that is a 13.2” display that runs the audio system, Sync 4 voice activated navigation system, Bluetooth system, apps, and settings. It is also where you find the phenomenal 360-degree front and rear cameras. Also included is a built-in Wi-Fi system, USB ports, and 12-volt charging ports, and there is a smart phone charger in the center console. You can also choose from 6 different drive modes and turn off the start/stop system.
Then there are the Perfect Position seats. You can adjust them 30 different ways, including the cushion extenders, that allows you to raise your left or right leg to different heights for comfort. If you have back issues, this is the SUV for you. Both front seats will give you a massage.
As you would expect, the Navigator Reserve comes with a lot of standard equipment. Most notable are a hands-free power lift gate, heated and cooled front seats, 2nd row heated and cooled massaging captain chairs, 3rd row power recliner and power fold flat seat, panoramic power sunroof, power adjustable pedals, remote start, and power deployable running boards.
You get auto hold, blind spot warning, forward and reverse sensors, adaptive cruise control, beautiful 22” wheels, heated steering wheel, and trailer towing package with Ford’s terrific trailer backup system.
Video Credit: Lincoln.
Another neat feature is Lincoln Approach/Farewell. As you get near, Navigator awakens with a graceful greeting. Lighting flows outward beneath the headlamps while the Lincoln Star on the grille lights up and the running boards drop down. Navigator recalls all memory settings and all this happens before you actually reach the vehicle.
Navigator has the absolute best head-up display I’ve ever seen. It lets you view speed limit signs, shows you how fast you are going, the time, and fuel range.
New for 2022 is Active Glide which allows for true hands-free driving on prequalified sections of divided highways that make up over 130,000 miles of North American roads. However, know that atop the steering wheel you are being watched. If you take your eyes off the road for more than 4 seconds, you’ll get yelled at.
Yes, the Navigator is large and it comes with capacity for 7 or 8 passengers. The Reserve has an incredible console between the second-row captain chairs with a computer readout for settings. There are two TV screens that feature Amazon’s Fire TV 10, which enables backseat passengers to access media through multiple entertainment apps. With integrated Bluetooth along with 16 gigabytes of storage, rear passengers are able to stream TV and movies, as well as listen to music, search information through Alexa voice remotes, and play video games on-the-go.
Perhaps where the Navigator shines the brightest is the 3rd row seat that was built for real adults. People well over 6-feet tall would be comfortable in the rear with good head and legroom.
The Navigator rides, drives, and handles as well as it looks, and it is super quiet inside.
Fuel economy is not bad for a 6,000-pound SUV: 16 in town, 22 on the highway, and 18 combined. MSRP as equipped like this one is $104,685.
Although not as blingy as the Cadillac Escalade, the Navigator is a pure luxury SUV that is a joy to drive and has massive amounts of room inside.
2022 Navigator in a few words: A luxurious SUV that will get you where you are going in style and comfort.