2020 Lincoln Navigator L Reserve

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator is the company's largest and grandest model, with loads of chrome and seating for up to eight. While some of the parts it shares with the lesser Ford Expedition are obvious, Lincoln gives the Navigator enough exclusive content to feel truly luxurious. Its effortless acceleration and lofty towing capacity are delivered courtesy of a powerful 450-hp twin-turbo V-6 powertrain. Unfortunately, its uncouth ride on uneven roads diminishes the comfort level. Even so, the big Lincoln is packed with cutting-edge technology and is available with extremely comfortable seats. While the 2020 Navigator is neither fuel efficient nor totally refined, its flashy exterior and extravagant features rise above these shortcomings; it's still one of the best SUVs out there. Lincoln gives the Navigator lineup improved standard features and updated packages for this year. Every model now has standard adaptive dampers, power-operated running boards, heated and ventilated front seats, automatic high-beams, the latest Sync infotainment software, and the owner's smartphone now can be used as a key. All but the base models now have illuminated power running boards. The paint-color palette drops Ingot Silver, Ruby Red, and White Platinum in favor of Pristine White, Red Carpet, and Silver Radiance. Likewise, Lincoln's suite of driver assists—called Co-Pilot360—now includes automatic high-beams, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking, and a backup camera with a camera washer. There's also a new Monochromatic package available on the Navigator Reserve that brings unique exterior styling. We think the mid-level Navigator Reserve represents the best combination of luxury and value. The long-wheelbase L version has more cargo space and passenger versatility for an extra premium if you need the room; regardless of which model, we'd also choose the all-weather capability of all-wheel drive. Every Reserve has desirable features such as heated and ventilated front seats, a head-up display, power-adjustable steering wheel, and a host of driver-assistance technologies. The only other options we'd recommend are the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow package that maximizes the Navigator's towing ability. The Luxury package also orders up Lincoln's excellent 30-way power seats and a fancy 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system. The 2020 Navigator has only one engine-and-transmission combination, but with 450 horsepower, one is all it needs. We found the Navigator to be responsive and genuinely speedy, and the 10-speed automatic shuffles through gears adeptly enough to avoid perturbing dozing passengers. At our test track, the standard-wheelbase Navigator and long-wheelbase model had equally quick acceleration. However, straight-line performance is where the Navi's performance potential begins and ends. Steering feel is numb and its sheer bulk prevents it from being a vehicle that encourages enthusiastic driving. But the most serious problem with our test vehicles was their ride quality. Wearing optional 22-inch wheels, the Navigator was sometimes jittery, and sharp impacts were followed up by bouncing rebounds—the worst of both worlds. Unlike its V-8 competition, the Navigator employs a downsized, twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 and a 10-speed automatic transmission in the quest for better fuel economy. Despite its smaller engine, it's far from fuel efficient and proved unexpectedly thirsty during our real-world highway testing. Despite a highway-fuel-economy rating from the EPA of 21 mpg, our test vehicle delivered 18 mpg over the course of 200 miles.