The Lincoln Navigator holds a special place in my heart, evoking memories of my college days when it served as my luxurious chariot, effortlessly transporting me and my belongings. Now, as a parent needing a spacious and sophisticated SUV, the 2023 Lincoln Navigator 4×4 Black Label Edition reignites that same sense of awe and admiration. Stepping behind the wheel, I couldn’t help but marvel at how far this iconic SUV has come since my college days. With a starting price of $109,255 for the Black Label Edition, it certainly commands attention. For every dollar spent is justified by the exceptional driving experience it delivers. The Navigator exceeded all expectations, impressing not only me but also my family who joined me for the ride.
The 2023 Lincoln Navigator Rolled Out the Red Carpet
Approaching the 2023 Lincoln Navigator felt like stepping onto the red carpet at a glamorous event. The sleek Chrome Caviar Dark Gray Metallic exterior exuded sophistication, setting the stage for a luxurious experience. As I approached the SUV with the key fob in hand, I couldn’t help but feel like a VIP, thanks to the welcoming gesture of the illuminated running boards and glowing door handles. It was as if the Navigator knew me inviting me to explore its opulent interior. The attention to detail was evident, from the illuminated running boards to the reflective Lincoln logo projected on the ground, elevating the experience to another level. However, amidst the luxury, I learned a valuable lesson about the running boards’ functionality; while they facilitated easy entry into the large SUV and assisted in securing my 4-year-old into her car seat, I also discovered the importance of watching out for them to avoid unpleasant encounters—ouch!
The 2023 Lincoln Navigator Accommodates Everyone Even Petite Drivers
As a petite woman standing at 5’3”, I’ve always had a soft spot for larger vehicles like the Lincoln Navigator. The commanding presence on the road and enhanced visibility provide a sense of security that I appreciate. Lincoln has gone above and beyond to ensure that the Navigator caters to drivers of all sizes. The adjustable seats, telescoping steering wheel, and innovative adjustable foot pedals were particularly noteworthy. Whether I was running errands or embarking on a road trip, the Navigator’s seats cradled me in comfort and support, making every journey a pleasure.
What You Should Know
- Full-size SUV with seating capacity for 8 (7 with captain’s seats)
- Four (4) sets of LATCH anchors and 6 tethers
- Available long wheel-base trim for more cargo space
- Towing capability up to 8,300 lbs.
- 3.5L Twin Turbo V6 Engine
- 335 horsepower
- Fuel economy: 16 city | 22 highway | 18 combined
- WiFi capability
- Semi-automated driving
- Warranties: Basic 4 years / 50,000 miles |Corrosion 5 years | Powertrain 6 years / 70,000 miles |Maintenance 4 years / 50,000 miles
Confident Cruising: Unleashing the Advanced Safety Features of the 2023 Lincoln Navigator
Driving the Navigator felt like piloting a luxury aircraft, albeit one built for the road. The plethora of features and driving aids, including the head-up display (HUD) and surround-view cameras, made maneuvering this large SUV a breeze. The HUD projected essential information like speed, outside temperature, and turn-by-turn directions – directly onto the windshield, allowing me to keep my eyes on the road where they belonged. Initially skeptical of automated driving, I was pleasantly surprised by the ActiveGlide hands-free driving system in the 2023 Lincoln Navigator. ActiveGlide offers a semi-automated driving experience that prioritizes safety and control, unlike fully autonomous systems. This feature struck a balance that resonated with me – it allowed me to remain in control while still benefiting from advanced driving aids.
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One of the most reassuring aspects of the ActiveGlide system is its emphasis on driver attention. Despite the technology’s semi-automated nature, drivers must maintain focus and be prepared to resume control if necessary. Similar to Lincoln BlueCruise, ActiveGlide includes a driver attention monitor that tracks the driver’s eye movements. If attention is diverted from the road for more than a few seconds, a warning prompts the driver to refocus their attention – a crucial safety feature that instills confidence.
Additionally, the system provides alerts when manual intervention is required, such as taking control of the steering. This proactive approach ensures that drivers are always prepared to react, minimizing potential risks. Even in challenging conditions like driving in the snow, I never felt unsafe with ActiveGlide at the helm, a testament to its reliability and effectiveness.
Overall, my experience with the ActiveGlide hands-free driving system was a revelation. It is seamlessly integrated into the driving experience, providing an extra layer of safety and convenience without compromising control. Whether cruising down the highway or navigating through adverse weather, ActiveGlide proved to be a dependable companion, enhancing both comfort and peace of mind on the road.
Elevating the Journey: Unparalleled Comfort and Entertainment
Embarking on a road trip in the Navigator is an experience like no other, one that has evolved significantly from the days of shuttling back and forth to my college dorm. It’s come a long way, now boasting a plethora of amenities meticulously crafted to ensure maximum comfort and enjoyment for passengers of all ages. As someone who values both luxury and practicality, I found the Navigator to be the perfect companion for long journeys, offering many amenities designed to elevate the road trip experience.
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One standout feature is the Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, which was a hit among my family members. With access to streaming services like Prime Video, Peacock, and Netflix via available WiFi, each second-row passenger could indulge in their favorite shows or movies, effectively putting an end to any potential squabbles over entertainment choices. The inclusion of two sets of headphones and two Amazon Fire TV remotes further enhanced my kids’ in-car entertainment experience, ensuring that everyone was thoroughly entertained throughout the journey.
Of course, comfort is paramount during extended drives, and the Navigator doesn’t disappoint. The tri-climate controls ensure that each passenger can customize their environment to suit their preferences, while vents in all three rows guarantee optimal airflow throughout the cabin. Additionally, the abundance of charging options – including wireless phone charging, five USB ports, four power ports, and a household-style outlet – ensures that devices remain powered up and ready for use, even on the longest of road trips.
But perhaps the pièce de résistance of the Navigator’s interior is the 28-speaker Revel audio system, available in the Black Label trim. Whether I was listening to my favorite tunes or tuning into the latest episode of the A Girl’s Guide to Cars podcast, the immersive sound quality transported me to a concert-like atmosphere right in the comfort of the Navigator’s cabin.
The true testament to the Navigator’s appeal, however, came from my 12-year-old and 4-year-old daughters, who couldn’t stop raving about their experience onboard. From endless entertainment options to unparalleled comfort, the Navigator left a lasting impression on them, with my oldest daughter even likening the experience to that of a celebrity. And I must admit, as I basked in the luxury of the Navigator’s interior, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of prestige and admiration for this remarkable vehicle.
The Cargo Capabilities of the Navigator
Navigating the spacious interior of the Navigator is a breath of fresh air, offering ample room for both passengers and cargo alike. As a mother, the generous space between my kids in the second row is a welcomed blessing, providing a sense of peace amidst the chaos of family travels.
However, like many three-row SUVs, the Navigator does encounter a common hurdle: limited cargo space when all seats are occupied. During my test drive, I delved into this aspect, discovering the intricacies of its storage capabilities. With a standard wheelbase, the Navigator boasts between 19.3 and 20.9 cubic feet of cargo room behind the third row, and between 57.5 and 63.6 cubic feet behind the second row. Folding down all seats unleashes a cavernous 103 cubic feet of cargo space, ideal for accommodating everything from college dorm move-ins to family camping excursions.
Yet, with the third row in use, I encountered a minor setback. Attempting to fit two carry-on luggage pieces and my daughter’s stroller proved to be a challenge, as the liftgate refused to close. Inevitably, I resorted to folding down the seats to accommodate our essentials—a small inconvenience but noteworthy nonetheless. Reflecting on my college days, I reminisced about the convenience of having the second row unoccupied during dorm moves, allowing for seamless transport of belongings.
Fortunately, Lincoln’s attention to detail shines through in the Navigator’s design, particularly in its user-friendly features. The ability to effortlessly fold down seats with the touch of a button speaks volumes about the vehicle’s practicality and convenience. Furthermore, I appreciated the inclusion of storage areas such as the large center console in the second row and the floating console in the front, which added to the Navigator’s overall functionality and organization.
Who is the Navigator For?
The 2023 Lincoln Navigator is designed for a diverse range of drivers, catering to various lifestyles and preferences. It’s ideal for upper-middle-class families seeking a blend of luxury and practicality, offering ample space for both passengers and cargo. Sports families and those requiring three rows and cargo space will find the Navigator particularly appealing, as it effortlessly accommodates their active lifestyle. Families with young children in car seats will appreciate the Navigator’s spacious interior and advanced safety features. Additionally, drivers who crave a daily dose of luxury and desire to feel like a superstar behind the wheel will find the Navigator perfectly suited to their needs. With its four-wheel drive capabilities and impressive tow capacity, the Navigator is also well-suited for drivers who require versatility and capability. Moreover, buyers looking to indulge themselves and their passengers with amenities like heated and ventilated massaging seats will find the Navigator to be the epitome of comfort and indulgence.
How Much Does a Lincoln Navigator Cost?
The 2023 Lincoln Navigator offers a range of trim levels to suit various preferences and budgets. The lineup starts with the Standard trim, with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) starting at $79,725, providing an entry point for those seeking luxury and comfort. Stepping up, the Reserve trim begins at $91,935, offering additional features. For those seeking the pinnacle of luxury, the Black Label trim, which I had the pleasure of test-driving, starts at $109,255, showcasing unparalleled luxury and refinement. Additionally, the Black Label L and Reserve L trims offer extended wheelbases and elevated levels of comfort, starting at $112,300 and $94,965 respectively. With such a diverse lineup, the 2023 Lincoln Navigator caters to a wide range of needs and desires, ensuring there’s a perfect fit for every driver.
Embracing Luxury Every Mile
My journey with the 2023 Lincoln Navigator has left an indelible impression on me. From its opulent interior to its advanced driving aids, every facet of this SUV exudes luxury and sophistication. It’s a far cry from the Navigator I relied on to shuttle my college dorm items back and forth, a testament to its evolution over the years. Whether chauffeuring my family on a cross-country road trip or simply running errands around town, the Navigator delivers a driving experience unlike any other.
As I reflect on my time with this SUV, I find myself eagerly envisioning future adventures with my loved ones in tow. It’s more than just an SUV—it’s a lifestyle; an embodiment of luxury that transcends mere transportation. Isn’t that what luxury is all about—creating unforgettable moments and savoring the journey every step of the way? With the Navigator, each mile becomes a cherished memory, enriching the tapestry of our lives with comfort, elegance, and boundless possibility.
Disclosure: Lincoln provided the Navigator for review purposes. All opinions are my own.
Kim is a Black millennial, working full-time in managed healthcare, all while juggling the roles of a wife and a hands-on mom to her two daughters, her rainbow babies. She is the proud owner of Beauty and the Bump NYC, a platform where she shares her perspective on all the things that bring joy to her life: family, travel, cars, food, and more.
Recognizing the need to create a dedicated space for her automotive content, Kim established WhatDrivesKim.com. Here, fellow millennial moms can find authentic and valuable insights into all things car-related. Kim’s goal is to provide the real deal on cars, helping moms make informed decisions about their vehicles.
As a contributor to A Girl’s Guide to Cars, Kim extends her passion for cars by offering helpful tips and car reviews from the unique perspective of a modern working mom. With Kim, you can trust that you’re getting practical and relatable advice about the world of automobiles.
