The 2021 Lincoln Navigator Has A Boatload of Disappointments
The 2021 Lincoln Navigator is here, but we aren’t sure if that’s a good thing. You might be able to use the Lincoln Navigator to pick other options instead. The Chevy Tahoe or Cadillac Escalade may be more modern options to enjoy.
Disappointments with the 2021 Lincoln Navigator
The folks at AutoBlog got the opportunity to test the new Lincoln Navigator, and it left their team with some significant ups and downs to consider. For one thing, the Lincoln Navigator isn’t that old. It’s part of the last generation introduced in 2018, but it still managed to seem outdated.
But if you want a massive boat of an SUV that combines luxury, class, and power, then it could suit all of your needs. It has an MSRP of $76,185, so dealership markups may increase the price a little. So, for that price, there is a lot to consider.
What’s new for the 2021 Lincoln Navigator? Not much. The updates include some new paint colors like Asher Gray, Flight Blue, Green Gem, and Signature Navy. Also, the Lincoln Navigator Black Label trim now comes with the limited-slip differential and heavy-duty tow package.
1. The Lincoln Navigator has a rough ride
When you think about driving a luxury vehicle, then you probably daydream about a smooth ride and quiet interior. But the ride is bumpy over pavement, and wind noise is noticeable. Its body-on-frame car-like design and massive 22-inch wheels may be to blame.
On a positive note, it seems less cumbersome and boat-like to drive than competitors. It only has a 3.5-liter V6 engine, but it provides 450 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque. So don’t be fooled by rivals with V8 engines. The Cadillac Escalade only has 420 hp.
The 2021 Lincoln Navigator is pretty thirsty. It gets an EPA estimated 16 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway. But this isn’t the best or worst fuel economy. It can also accelerate from 0 to 60 mpg in 5.5 seconds, which is very fast for such a heavy SUV.
2. The 2021 Lincoln Navigator could have better tech
The Lincoln Navigator got the new 10-inch screen that Ford is putting in everything, but it awkwardly sits in the middle of the dash. If you spring for upper trim levels of the Navigator, interior colors will distract you from the outdated look.
The infotainment system is effective and functional, but it’s a far cry from the massive OLED screens found in the caddy. The screen is hard to reach from the driver’s seat and has no physical buttons.
However, there are physical buttons for the radio and climate control under the screen. In the rear seat, there is only one plug that’s like a household plug. So your passengers may have to fight over who gets to charge their devices.
3. The Lincoln Navigator may not be big enough
Wait, how is this possible? The Lincoln Navigator is HUGE. But it focuses on passenger space instead of cargo room. Each row has over 40-inches of legroom to enjoy, and in the second row, you’ll find massive captain chairs with a high ride height.
But behind the third row, there are only 19.3 cubic feet of cargo space to utilize. If you take your family on vacation, you might not have enough room for each passenger and their gear. You can also get the larger Lincoln Navigator L for more cargo space.
