2026 Lincoln Navigator

The Lincoln Navigator is an icon in the full-size luxury SUV world. Since its introduction in 1998, the Navigator has helped define the segment with its distinct combination of refinement, ability, and bravado.

Available in both standard wheelbase and long-wheelbase Navigator L form (reviewed separately), the Navigator can tow a boat on Sunday, then make a splash downtown on Monday, and be completely at home doing both — just like its owner. It’s also an excellent family vehicle for those who need more space than most.

We’ve logged hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of full-size luxury SUVs, including the Lincoln Navigator.

Completely redesigned last year, the Navigator moves into 2026 with mostly minor changes. The biggest difference is that the Black Label treatment is now available on the short wheelbase Navigator as well as the (previously available) Navigator L. Also, the Lincoln Connectivity Package is newly standard, bringing a 4-year complimentary subscription to Lincoln Digital Experience service, unlimited Wi-Fi, audio and video streaming, a voice assistant, and more.

With the $104,590 (including destination fees) Navigator Reserve trim as the starting point, the 2026 Navigator lineup is on the pricier end of the full-size luxury SUV class. For comparison, the Cadillac Escalade starts at $90,295, and the Jeep Grand Wagoneer starts at $87,040. The Lexus LX, on the other hand, starts at $106,850. The BMW X7 (starting around $85,000) and Mercedes-Benz GLS ($90,000 and up) are also large luxury SUVs, but they’re cut from a different cloth than the likes of the Navigator and Escalade, with less size and towing capacity but greater refinement and sportiness.

The newly available Black Label trim (previously only available on the long-wheelbase Navigator L) starts from $121,590, and brings with it all of the luxury and feature upgrades we’ve come to expect of the Black Label treatment, including leather seating surfaces, heated/ventilated/massaging seats in the first and second rows, a heated third row, interior design themes, ambient lighting, and much more.

Before buying a new full-size luxury SUV, be sure to check the current Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to see what you should be paying. The Lincoln Navigator’s resale value has usually been a bit below average. Recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.

The Navigator’s powertrain packs 440 horsepower and standard 4-wheel drive (4WD). Despite the vehicle’s considerable size and mass, this combination accelerates rapidly without drama or much fanfare, accruing speed smoothly and effortlessly. The standard adaptive air suspension is impressive, controlling the body well without creating a harsh or bouncy ride. The steering and pedals require only light touches.

Spanning the base of the dashboard is a massive, high-resolution screen designed to convey as much information as possible while keeping the driver’s eyes close to the road. The adaptive suspension also scans the road surface ahead, enabling it to adjust proactively.

The BlueCruise hands-free system is also standard in the Navigator. While it’s not available on as many miles of roadway as GM’s Super Cruise system — or Tesla’s Full Self Driving (Supervised) — it’s more than up to the task of lane-following and driver assistance on the roads where it is available. Our one beef with the system is that it seems a bit overeager to lose track of the lane markers, handing control back to the driver at sometimes unpredictable moments.

Fuel Economy

The 2026 Lincoln Navigator is rated at 17 mpg combined, based on 15 mpg city and 22 mpg highway. Those figures are in line with the competition and, let’s be realistic, in line with the physics of moving a large, rectangular vehicle rapidly through the air. The Cadillac Escalade achieves 16 mpg combined, for comparison, and the Lexus LX is rated at 19 mpg combined.

The 2026 Lincoln Navigator offers seating for up to eight across three rows. In Black Label models, the front seats provide up to 30-way powered adjustment, plus heating, ventilation, and massage functions. Lincoln’s Rejuvenate feature adds a spa-like experience when parked, combining seat movement, ambient visuals, audio, and even a calming scent.

A 48-inch panoramic display spans the dashboard and is paired with a 28-speaker Revel audio system for an immersive environment. Second-row captain’s chairs offer heating, ventilation, and massage, while the third row accommodates three passengers with a versatile 40/20/40 split.

All in all, the 2026 Navigator’s cabin is quiet, comfortable, and spacious. The second row offers up to 42 inches of legroom thanks to the sliding seats, while the third row has even more — up to 43.5 inches. There’s plenty of cargo space as well, with 21.6 cubic feet behind the third row and 107 cubic feet in total. Fold the second-row seats flat for 69.9 cubic feet of space. Only the Escalade offers more total cargo space in this full-size luxury SUV sector.

Additional conveniences include wireless charging, up to 14 USB ports, and a split tailgate with integrated cargo management.

The 2026 Lincoln Navigator’s look is one of the most important parts of the overall Navigator formula. Imposing yet reserved, the Navigator’s style is not unlike a former NFL player turned business-suited senator.

It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but for those inclined to sip, it also comes with 22-inch wheels as standard, and offers 24-inch wheels as an upgrade, lending an even more planted stance to the already solid Navigator.

Black Label Atmospheric
The Black Label Atmospheric theme features distinctive details such as 24-inch Radiant Copper-painted aluminum wheels, copper-accented exterior trim, and a coordinated interior design theme.

Lincoln Rejuvenate
Lincoln Rejuvenate is an innovative spa-inspired system designed to create a calming, multisensory experience by harmonizing several features.

Panoramic Display
This 48-inch display delivers vivid, high-resolution instrumentation and infotainment. Despite all that attention-garnering real estate, the screen is positioned at the bottom of the windshield to help keep the driver’s eyes on the road.

Interior Design
The 2026 Navigator’s interior reflects a thoughtful, elegant approach, emphasizing craftsmanship and material quality. Real wood accents and premium Wollsdorf leather upholstery are particularly special.

Squared-off steering wheel
This wheel combines form and function. Its flat-bottomed design facilitates entry and exit, and its flat top provides an unobstructed view of the panoramic display and the road ahead. Heated and leather-wrapped, it comes standard in all Navigator variants.

BlueCruise
With more than 130,000 miles of divided highways mapped, Lincoln’s BlueCruise system ranks among the most advanced hands-free driving technologies currently available.

Every 2026 Lincoln Navigator comes with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 delivering an impressive 440 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission and 4-wheel drive are also standard across the lineup. For those who need even more capability, an available heavy-duty towing package (standard on Black Label models) boosts towing capacity to an impressive 8,700 pounds.

 4-Years/50,000-Mile Warranty

Lincoln backs the 2026 Navigator with a comprehensive new vehicle limited warranty lasting 4 years/50,000 miles, complemented by a powertrain warranty of 6 years/70,000 miles. That’s right in line with segment standards. Owners also enjoy roadside assistance as long as they keep it, and, as with previous Navigator models, complimentary scheduled maintenance for 4 years/50,000 miles.

Safety Ratings

The 2026 Navigator hasn’t been officially rated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). However, previous models earned NHTSA’s top 5-Star Overall Safety Rating, setting high expectations for this latest model.