2021 Lincoln Navigator

Lincoln is Ford’s luxury brand, and most Lincoln models are fancier, quieter versions of existing Ford SUVs. The Lincoln Navigator, for example, is based on the Ford Expedition, and the Lincoln Corsair is based on the Ford Escape. Some models are available as hybrids. Lincoln SUVs tend to come with standard leather seating surfaces, large screens, and sound deadening. That interior quality paired with lively powertrains have earned some models Consumer Reports’ recommendation. Lincoln stopped building sedans when it discontinued the Continental and MKZ in 2020. As a brand, for new and used car reliability, road-test scores, and owner satisfaction ratings, Lincoln tends to be average.

Redesigned for 2018, the Navigator ups the ante over its Ford Expedition sibling, with more luxury and showmanship. The cabin is quiet, elegant-looking, and full of high-tech features. There is a bit of rocking feeling at low speeds, but the ride improves and is more comfortable on the highway. Handling, however, is cumbersome, even for a large SUV. The twin-turbo V6 generates 411 hp on regular fuel, and is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This combination easily moves the Navigator down the road and is capable of towing 8,300 pounds. The front cabin is roomy, but the standard seats are uncomfortable, and the push-button gear selector is fussy to use. Rear passengers are pampered with heated seats, a variety of connectivity features, and a hospitable third-row seat. Rear-wheel drive is standard, with four-wheel drive optional. 2020 brought lots of standard safety equipment. A refresh for 2022 adds Lincoln's Activeglide advanced active driver assistance system as well as an updated 13.2-inch center display running Ford's latest Sync 4 infotainment system.