The full redesign of the 2018 Lincoln Navigator is huge step up from the previous model year in every single way! More power, more luxury, better design, better drivability, better technology – well I’m sure you get the point. The 2018 Navigator takes some design cues from the 2018 Lincoln Continental and scales it up for a full size SUV. The result makes for one of the top contenders for best full size luxury SUV, beating out the 2018 Infiniti QX80 and giving all the others a run for their money.
BOLD EXTERIOR
The nicely proportioned exterior shape of the 2018 Lincoln Navigator brings a bold presence to the road. One can overlook the boxy shape because of all the other eye-catching features like the sleek lines, refined chrome highlights, large luxury grille, jewel headlights, full width tail lights and massive wheels.
One of the many impressive features of the 2018 Navigator is that all the lights, both inside and out, are LEDs. These long lasting bulbs will probably never have to be replaced for the life of the vehicle. The exterior jewel headlights are super bright and the interior lighting is soft and pleasant.
Stepping up to the 2018 Lincoln Navigator is a very welcoming experience as it seems to come alive as you approach. A Lincoln logo is projected onto the ground and welcomes the driver, while an automatic folding door sill that raises and blends into the exterior while driving, lowers to allow for easy entry. An entire subtle lighting experience is initiated to make a great first impression, including a glowing Lincoln grille badge, side mirror lighting and backlit door handles all come together to welcome you into the vehicle where the interior ambient lighting takes over.
LUXURIOUS INTERIOR
While the exterior of the 2018 Lincoln Navigator plays the part of a full size luxury SUV, it is the interior that truly impresses with its refined elegance. The bright and modern interior blends versatility with a sleek and drool-worthy design. The premium materials and finishes like the leather’s double stitching, real polished wood trim and leather wrapped heated steering wheel all blend together for a seamless intriguing interior design.
By just looking at the exterior size of the 2018 Navigator, It probably goes without saying that it has a spacious interior for all passengers of all sizes in all rows. The seating is also very impressive as it offers 30 ways to adjust the various components of the seats to find the ideal sitting position. The seating is both plush and supportive and with 30 ways to fine-tune them they can perfectly adjust to any body type. The front seats even have the option of a massage feature to keep your body rested during long drives.
The ergonomic interior goes beyond just the seating and showcases the versatility with all the different storage spaces, including the huge space under the center console, which is made possible by eliminating a transmission shifter and replaces the gear selection with buttons on the dash.
Two other features that make the interior of the 2018 Lincoln Navigator truly impressive are the massive 10 inch touch screen display, which is straightforward and easy to control thanks to the Sync3 interface and the massive glass roof which really brings in the light and brightens the cabin.
PERFORMANCE & DRIVE
The 2018 Lincoln Navigator uses Ford’s eco-boost technology to squeeze out 450hp from the 3.5L twin turbo V6 engine, which is a huge step up from the previous model year, only outputting 380hp from an equally sized 3.5L V6 engine. The new twin turbo engine is paired with a 10 speed automatic with silky smooth gear changes, and two or four wheel drive. This transmission is packed full of technology and could be called a smart transmission since it takes inputs from many sensors to determine what you want and appropriately selects the gear to deliver the perfect performance you’re after.
A driving mode selector knob sits on the center console and controls the ideal combination of performance for each road condition by altering various driving settings automatically, like the steering and pedal response, traction control, 4WD, suspension settings and even the sound of the engine!
The 2018 Navigator is also equipped with all the latest driving technology to make for a safer and more comfortable ride. While it comes with all the usual tech features, it also features a heads up display projects important information onto the windshield, allowing you to keep your eyes on the road and an advanced blindspot warning system which goes one step further with trailer coverage, warning you if a vehicle is in the blindspot of either the vehicle or trailer.
The best in class towing capacity of the 2018 Lincoln Navigator allows it to pull up to 8,700 lbs. Add the optional Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package and get advanced towing technology including a backup assist feature that steers the vehicle for you when you direct the trailer and a traction assisting feature to redirect power to certain wheels throughout a turn with a trailer or while on a boat ramp.
You may be concerned about the manoeuvrability of the a vehicle of its size, but the 2018 Navigator has a great turning radius, a 360 camera, automatic reverse and parallel parking plus park-out assist making for manoeuvring that’s sometime easier than compact cars, despite the mammoth size of the Navigator.
Overall, passengers will find the ride extremely comfortable thanks to the plush and supportive seating, adaptive suspension to reduce the bumpiness and active noise control for a whisper quiet cabin that’s best in class.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The 2018 Lincoln Navigator successfully demonstrates what a full sized luxury SUV should be. With every imaginable feature and driving technology available, packaged with a powerful and responsive engine, spacious interior and top notch seats, the 2018 Navigator puts it all together seamlessly, making for one of the most refined driving experience available. This fully redesigned luxury behemoth may come with a hefty price tag, but it stays competitive with all the premium brands and offers much better value for money.
