The 2025 Lincoln Navigator is one of the best full-size luxury SUVs on the market today, thanks in part to its innovative new features implemented with each model year.
While we’re still waiting for a major generational change with the Navigator, Lincoln has added a surprising amount of new stuff to this year’s model that set it apart from others in its segment. Here are the six best novel tweaks you’ll find on the 2025 Lincoln Navigator.
A redesigned exterior set the 2025 model year apart from previous generations
Lincoln
The exterior has received a total redesign, with a new front grille and integrated lightbar. A tapered roofline with integrated rails leads to the back, where you’ll find a set of full-width tail lamps reminiscent of the lightbar up front.
The badging, grille, and lights all perform a welcome sequence when the Navigator is unlocked, a feature we’ve seen on other luxury vehicles but one that never gets old. Lincoln’s luxury barge rides on standard 22-inch wheels, although certain trims will allow you to upgrade to 24-inch ones if you prefer.
The Navigator’s new split gate enhances its cargo capabilities
Lincoln
Arguably, the most useful feature of the 2025 Lincoln Navigator is the new split gate at the rear. Instead of lifting the entire rear gate to access the area behind the third row, you can split it in two like the station wagons of yore.
When opened, the lower section of the split gate can be extended to enhance the SUV’s cargo space. It provides a stable surface for loading heavy items, helping prevent damage to the vehicle, or can be used as a seat or work surface for camping and tailgating. If you’re carrying longer items, the longer tailgate can serve as a cargo area extension—just be sure to secure everything properly before hitting the road.
The infotainment displays got upgrades too
Lincoln
Like its Nautilus sibling, the Navigator’s front passengers benefit from a panoramic display that extends the length of the dashboard. Widgets can still run where you want them to on the 48-inch display, but the new “Pano Mode” allows both driver and passenger to see individual apps, videos, and games while the vehicle is in Park.
Alongside the panoramic display, the “digital scent” feature has also made its way across from the Nautilus. Simply load a cartridge into the armrest, and the cabin will fill with the relaxing scent of your choice, complemented by specific sounds and visuals from the infotainment system.
The Navigator’s second-row passengers can live in luxury
Lincoln
The second row of an SUV is often a little neglected in terms of creature comforts. Yes, it’s not as bad as the third row, but its inhabitants are usually still forced to watch the people up front enjoy ventilated seats, massages, and better infotainment systems.
The 2025 Navigator aims to address that. The second row has received a much-needed upgrade and now comes with power-adjustable, heated, ventilated, and massaging captain’s chairs. The second-row seats also feature a new “Power Pitch and Slide” feature that moves them forward with the push of a button for easier third-row access.
Lincoln did not forget about the third row, though
Lincoln
In addition to easier access, the third row has a reasonable amount of legroom and a few USB charging ports, keeping those passengers’ devices topped up as well. The third row even gets heated seats this time around, so while they’ve still drawn the short straw in terms of features, the passengers back there won’t be entirely miserable.
If the third row is empty, the cargo room multiplies exponentially. The 40/20/40 seat configuration also allows you to slot a narrow object, like skis, between two third-row passengers.
New driver’s aids enhance the overall driving experience
Lincoln
Cars are becoming far easier and safer to drive, with staggering improvements in driver aids over the last few years. Lincoln isn’t falling behind here and has incorporated several useful tools to make your time behind the wheel a bit easier.
The most notable driver aid is BlueCruise, which comes standard for the first time on the Navigator with an included four-year subscription. “Turn Signal View” allows the infotainment display to show the view from your outside mirrors, giving the driver a clear view of dangers when maneuvering or changing lanes without needing to turn their head.
Final thoughts
In recent years, we haven’t seen massive updates to SUVs in the Ford family. Usually, they get a facelift and an infotainment tweak or two, both of which have happened to the Navigator this year.
However, the full-sized options are having a pretty good year so far. The Explorer got some exciting new features, including a locking rear differential. The Navigator has a host of features that may cause you to opt for the new model instead of saving a few thousand by hunting down an unsold 2024 edition. The split-gate and BlueCruise are enticing features on their own, with the rest of the additions serving to further sweeten the pot.