2023 Ford Expedition vs. 2023 Lincoln Navigator: Is the Luxury SUV Worth the Price?
Looking for a new three-row SUV with plenty of space? The 2023 Ford Expedition is technically the mass-market version of the luxury 2023 Lincoln Navigator sport utility vehicle. While both vehicles share many similarities, in theory, the Lincoln offers more advanced features than the Ford, more powerful performance, and a more luxurious interior. However, with the increased expense, it may not be the best option for everyone.
What the 2023 Ford Expedition and 2023 Lincoln Navigator have to offer
Edmunds thoroughly reviewed the 2023 Ford Expedition and the 2023 Lincoln Navigator. Both full-size SUVs have a lot to offer, but the MSRP ranges are very different. Is the Navigator worth more than the Expedition when it comes down to it? For a 2023 Expedition, the MSRP range is $52,905 to $84,670, while the 2023 Lincoln Navigator will run you between $77,635 and $109,120. The average cost paid for the Ford is $69,980, while the Lincoln is $93,005.
Beyond the cost, how else do these full-size SUVs compare? Below is a breakdown of some quick facts about the warranty, engine, and fuel economy to compare the two.
| Ford | Lincoln | |
| Starting MSRP | $70,165 | $92,525 |
| Average Price Paid | $69,980 | $93,005 |
| Basic Warranty | Three yr./ 36,000 mi. | Four yr./ 50,000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | Five yr./ 60,000 mi. | Six yr./ 70,000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | Five yr./ 60,000 mi. | Unlimited yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Engine Power | 400 hp @ 5,000 rpm | 440 hp @ 5,850 rpm |
| Engine Torque | 480 ft-lbs. @ 5,000 rpm | 510 ft-lbs. @ 3,000 rpm |
| Fuel Economy City/Hwy/Combined | 16 / 21 / 18 MPG | 16 / 22 / 18 MPG |
| Seating Capacity | 7 | 7 |
| Maximum Towing | 9,300 pounds | 8,700 pounds |
At this point, both SUVs seem pretty evenly matched. How do the costs of ownership compare?
Ownership costs for the Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator
Edmunds uses a tool to give information for the five-year cost to own. Looking at the five-year cost-to-own for the 2023 Ford Expedition, the true cost-to-own came in at $93,648 and had an average cost per mile of $1.25. For the 2023 Navigator, that amount came in at $110,731 and $1.48. Depreciation for the Ford was around $44,525, and $58,103 for the Lincoln.
Fuel cost was higher for the Expedition at $19,902 and $16,805 for the Navigator. One other interesting category was maintenance, which Edmunds estimates at $4,444 for Ford and $3,717 for Lincoln.
Both sport utility vehicles have plenty of standard equipment, like blind-spot warning, lane keep assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration gave the Expedition a five-star safety rating, but the Navigator didn’t get a full rating. It did receive high scores on many of the performed tests.
Luxury doesn’t come cheap, but it might be worth it for some
One of the most significant differences between the two SUVs is interior styling and materials. Inside the Navigator, more leather and features are noticeable off the bat. It offers large doors, retractable step rails, and tilting/slide seating in the second row. A 360-degree camera is helpful for parking and reversing the large SUV. The Expedition is certainly comparable in size, with plenty of room for passengers. The third row is easily accessible, but visibility is a bit compromised. The 360-degree camera is an available feature but doesn’t come standard.
You get more luxury with the 2023 Lincoln Navigator, but the 2023 Ford Expedition isn’t far behind. If you are brand loyal to Ford, there might be no reason to consider the Lincoln. On the other hand, luxury SUV drivers will probably appreciate the upscale features in the Navigator. For an extra $20,000, though, it might not be the right fit. It does have one of the best infotainment systems for 2023 if that is an essential feature for anyone.
