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I’ve always liked the Navigator for families, and with the redesign, it finally feels as premium as it functions.
- True full-size space: all three rows are actually usable, even for adults
- Clear, flexible car seat setup:
- Lower anchors (LATCH) on the second row outboard seats
- Lower anchors (LATCH) on both third row seats
- Top tether anchors in all rear seating positions (second + third row)
- Car seat–friendly access: the second row can still slide and tilt forward with a car seat installed
- Split tailgate: super functional for loading, unloading, or everyday use
- Redesigned interior: feels much more modern and high-end
- New Premiere trim for 2026: slightly lowers the starting price
And this setup applies to the Navigator L as well—the interior and car seat configuration are the same, you’re just getting additional trunk space in the extended version.
Overall, it’s a really practical, family-friendly SUV that finally matches its luxury price point.
The Exterior
I think the exterior is a big improvement. It feels fresh, more modern, and honestly just more competitive with the other big luxury SUVs out there.
Up front, it’s definitely bold. The grille is large and really stands out, and I actually like the detailing with the smaller Lincoln logos inside. It feels a little sportier than before, and overall just more elevated. The mix of black accents, chrome, and that darker gray color looks really good together.
From the side, this is a big SUV, especially if you’re looking at the Navigator L, but it doesn’t feel outdated anymore. It’s cleaner and more streamlined, and I like that they pulled back on some of the heavy chrome and made it feel a little more modern.
Around back, I do think it’s better than the previous version, but it’s not my favorite angle. It’s a little more sleek, but for the size of the car, I almost wish it felt just a little more squared off.
Overall, I think this is a big step in the right direction. It finally looks as high-end as it feels inside, and it definitely holds its own in the full-size luxury space.
First Row
The first row is where this really starts to feel like a luxury experience. It’s clean, modern, and very tech-heavy, which you’ll either love…or need a minute to get used to.
The first thing you notice is all the screens. It’s a massive, panoramic display that replaces a traditional dash and heads-up display. It looks really cool and very high-end, but I will say There aren’t a lot of physical buttons, which keeps it looking sleek, but it does mean you’re using the screen for a lot of things you’d normally just reach for.
Amenities:
- Panoramic digital display (replaces traditional gauge cluster)
- Google-based infotainment with customizable widgets
- Apple CarPlay + Android Auto
- Available massaging front seats
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Premium sound system
- Wireless charging pad
- USB + USB-C ports
- Large center console with additional storage
- Minimalist steering wheel controls
- “Rejuvenate” mode (massage, climate, lighting, and relaxation features)
From a comfort standpoint, it’s really nice. The seats are comfortable, the materials feel high-end, and there’s a lot of attention to detail. I do think some of the tech is a little overcomplicated, but once you get used to it, it does feel like a pretty cool space to be in.
Actually Usable Space
This is a true full-size third row. It’s not just for occasional use—kids and even adults can sit back here comfortably, which makes it much more realistic for families.
Strong Amenities for Kids
You’ve got ceiling vents, cupholders, and available heated seats, which honestly makes this feel more comfortable than a lot of third rows.
Easy Enough to Access
The second row can still tilt and slide forward with a car seat installed, so getting back here is actually doable, even with multiple kids.
Second Row
This is where I’ve always liked the Navigator, and that still holds true. From a car seat standpoint, it’s very functional—it just depends how you set it up.
- LATCH (lower anchors): located on the second row outboard seats (driver and passenger side)
- Top tether anchors: available in all second row seating positions, including the middle seat
That setup gives you solid flexibility for both rear-facing and forward-facing installs.
From a space standpoint, this is a big win:
- Great room for rear-facing seats: I can fit a rear-facing seat behind a tall driver without an issue
- Wide seats: installs don’t feel cramped, and you have more flexibility than a midsize SUV
Now, if you’re thinking about multiple car seats:
- Captain’s chairs vs. bench matters:
- Captain’s chairs make access to the third row much easier
- Bench gives you the option for three kids across, but it depends on your car seats
One of the biggest functional wins here:
- Car seat–friendly tilt: the second row can slide and tilt forward even with a car seat installed, so you can still access the third row
Overall, this is a really strong second row for car seats. It’s spacious, the anchors are where you want them, and it actually works well for families using multiple row
Third Row
Full LATCH Setup Back Here
- Lower anchors (LATCH): on both third row seats
- Top tether anchors: on both third row seats
This is a big win. Not every SUV gives you full LATCH in the third row, so having both lower anchors and tether anchors on each seat gives you a lot more flexibility.
Works Well for Car Seats
This is a really solid spot for forward-facing car seats. I can get a secure install back here and feel good about it, especially since I’m not limited to just one position.
Actually Usable Space
This is a true full-size third row. It’s not just for occasional use—kids and even adults can sit back here comfortably, which makes it much more realistic for families.
Strong Amenities for Kids
You’ve got ceiling vents, cupholders, and available heated seats, which honestly makes this feel more comfortable than a lot of third rows.
Easy Enough to Access
The second row can still tilt and slide forward with a car seat installed, so getting back here is actually doable, even with multiple kids.
Trunk
The trunk is one of the standout features on the Navigator, especially if you’re looking at the L.
Strong Cargo Space (Especially the L)
You get a really generous amount of space back here, and with the Navigator L, it’s even more noticeable. There’s plenty of room for strollers, sports gear, groceries—whatever your day looks like.
Split Tailgate = Game Changer
The split tailgate is one of my favorite features. The top opens like a normal liftgate, and the bottom folds down, which makes loading easier and gives you a place to sit, set things down, or keep items from falling out.
Flexible Storage Setup
There’s a built-in cargo shelf system that you can move around depending on what you need:
- Use it as a second level for storage
- Flip it into a table for snacks or tailgating
- Or turn it into a seat back for extra seating
Easy Everyday Use
Everything back here just feels practical. It’s easy to access, easy to load, and designed in a way that actually works for real life.
Overall, this is one of the more functional trunks in this category—especially if you go with the Navigator L.
Safety
Safety is one of those areas where the Navigator just feels really solid. You’re getting all the core features you’d expect in a full-size luxury SUV, plus some helpful driver assist tech that makes everyday driving easier.
Standard Driver Assistance Features
- Forward Collision Warning + Automatic Emergency Braking: helps detect vehicles and can step in if needed
- Blind Spot Monitoring + Lane Keeping Assist: adds awareness on the highway
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert + Parking Sensors: especially helpful in tight spaces and parking lots
- Rearview camera + available 360° view: gives you a better sense of everything around the car
Advanced Driving Tech
- Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go
- Hands-free highway driving (BlueCruise): can assist with steering, braking, and acceleration on certain roads
- Lane change assist + driver attention features: designed to reduce fatigue on longer drives
Car Seat Safety Setup
- Top tether anchors: available in all rear seating positions (second + third row)
- LATCH (lower anchors): on the second row outboard seats and both third row seats
Seat Belt Pretensioners
- Located in the front seats (driver and passenger)
These automatically tighten the seat belts in the event of a crash to help keep you securely in position and reduce forward movement.
I’ve always liked the Navigator from a car seat standpoint, and that still holds true here. It’s a really functional setup overall, but there are a few things I noticed that are important to think through depending on your family.
From a hardware standpoint, this is exactly what I want to see:
- Lower anchors (LATCH): second row outboard seats + both third row seats
- Top tether anchors: in all rear seating positions (second + third row)
That gives you real flexibility to spread car seats across rows instead of being locked into just one area.
Where I was a little surprised is the second row. For a full-size SUV, it actually feels a bit tighter than I expected. Rear-facing seats will fit, but the clearance isn’t as generous as something like an Expedition.
- Rear-facing installs: doable, but a little tighter than expected
- Rear entertainment screens: stick out and can interfere with installs and feel close to your kids
If you’re choosing between configurations, I would lean captain’s chairs here.
- Captain’s chairs: easier third row access and more functional overall
- Bench seat: not ideal for three-across with most car seat setups
The third row is where this car really shines.
- Full LATCH setup back here: both seats have lower anchors and tether anchors
- Great for forward-facing seats: you’re not limited to just one position
- Actually usable space: this is a true third row, not just a backup
Accessing that third row is also doable in real life.
- Car seat–friendly tilt: the second row can slide and tilt forward even with a car seat installed
- It is power-operated, so it’s a little slower, but it works for everyday use
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