The Lincoln Navigator has been around since 1998, and regardless of the 2008 financial crisis the rise of gas prices, the gentle giant has always sold pretty well. With the arrival of the latest generation, the Navigator popularity has literally exploded. Newer technologies, aluminum body panels, a fresh and modern style were all it needed to make the American SUV the success it is today.
However, things might be different for 2022 because there's a new player in the big American SUV game with the Jeep Grand Wagoneer, an exciting and capable vehicle. Of course, it is a Jeep, and as far as we know, Jeep isn't a luxury brand, but the Grand Wagoneer is just going to change that. And I'm not even talking about the Cadillac Escalade that has been entirely refreshed and is better than ever. All that to say, competition is becoming severe for the Navigator. However, Lincoln has more than one trick in its hat.
The Update We Were Waiting For
Many little things have been added to the Lincoln Navigator for 2022, with the most significant being a semi-autonomous system. We have wanted in the Navigator for a long time since the new Cadillac Escalade offers the SuperCruise. For the Navigator, this system is called Co-Pilot Assist 2.0 with ActiveGlide. Even if this system allows you to remove your hands from the steering wheel, it doesn't mean you can read a book or take a nap on the back seat. ActiveGlide is watching you make sure you can take the control back quickly. Also, you have to be advised this system fully works only on specific roads. Lincoln says there's about 200 000 km available for now, and more will be added in the future.
Comfort definitely is a priority for Lincoln, and the 2022 Navigator proves it with nothing less than 30 different adjustments for the front seat. Also, new in 2022, the 2nd row now offers massage seats. The 2022 Lincoln Navigator gets new starlight across all the instrumentation, even for the rear seats. The American manufacturer says this new theme is more pleasant and offers a more relaxed experience overall.
The SUV receives a new 13.2 digital dashboard, and the infotainment system still uses Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with Alexa from Amazon. In addition to all that, the 2022 Navigator now offers Amazon Fire TV.
A Cosmetic Refreshes
Some exterior elements have been updated to give the Navigator a refreshed look, even if it still uses the same platform. The big American SUV gets new headlights and a slightly different front bumper. These are subtle change, but it makes the Navigator appears more elegant and fancier. A similar modification has been done to the rear end, so the Navigator offers a well-balanced design.
Nothing New Under the Hood
The Cadillac Escalade and the Jeep Grand Wagoneer use big V8s, where the Lincoln Navigator uses a turbocharged V6. Even if it has 2 cylinders less than the competition, this engine still is really powerful with 440 hp and 510 ft-lb of torque. The motor is also coupled with a 10 speeds automatic transmission and gets a 4WD even in its base version here in Canada. To be honest with guys, I know a V6 doesn't sound like a V8 and that for many persons, this is a deal-breaker. However, this engine is excellent, and Lincoln and Ford have had good success with it. For the sound, the exhaust is so quiet now that you'll barely notice the difference, and the power delivery is incredible. Of course, it would be fantastic if Lincoln could offer a second mechanical option for the Navigator, but this 3.5 liters Ecoboost V6 is an excellent engine overall.
We don't know the 2022 Lincoln Navigator prices yet, but it should remain pretty close to now. Don't expect any changes to the current lineup since the next Navigator generation should arrive in 2023 or 2024.
Jean-Sébastien Poudrier
