2020 Lincoln Navigator Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

The Lincoln Navigator stands apart from many vehicles because of its size and grandeur. Not only is it a capable full-size SUV with three rows of seating, but it's also a luxury vehicle that's packed with features.

There are five trims on the Navigator, starting with the trim that's aptly named the "Standard." The Reserve and Reserve L are the mid-level options, followed by the Black Label and Black Label L. The "L" attached to two of the trims indicates a longer wheelbase.

Under the hood of the Navigator is a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter engine. It's quite strong, with 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. This power gives the SUV a towing capacity of up to 8,700 pounds when properly equipped. People can use the Navigator as they would a truck for hauling cargo.

The engine works in conjunction with a ten-speed transmission that gives the vehicle solid responsiveness. If a driver ever wants to take greater control of shifting gears, he or she can use the paddle activation feature. The standard configuration of most of the trims is rear-wheel drive, though four-wheel drive is available on all trims.

Various drive modes can be selected to optimize performance given certain conditions. The Normal mode would likely be the most commonly used, and the Excite and Conserve modes would be chosen whenever someone wants to either enhance performance or efficiency, respectively. Slippery and Deep Conditions are other modes that can come in handy at times. Slow Climb is a drive mode that is included if the Navigator is set up to have four-wheel drive and has they heavy-duty trailer tow package. It can be very effective at ensuring the right amount of power is being delivered to each wheel.

2020 Lincoln Navigator Standard vs Reserve Trim Levels. What is the difference?

These two models have several things in common, especially on the exterior. For instance, they have body-color bumpers and rear spoilers in addition to having chrome inserts on their door handles. LEDs are found in the fog lamps and daytime running lamps as well as in the headlamps that come with an automatic on/off function. They both have power-deployable running boards, which come illuminated in the Reserve.

Lincoln Embrace is a cool feature that lets the SUV welcome people as they approach it. When the Navigator detects the presence of a key fob getting closer, a welcome mat is projected, and soft illumination helps people find their way to the door handle.

A difference between the two is that the Reserve has the Panoramic Vista Roof. It's an expansive component, seemingly stretching the entire width of the roof. With power controls, it can be opened up to let in fresh air. A shade can cover it on the hot days in which letting in sunlight isn't optimal. The wheels are also upgraded on the Reserve from 20-inch versions to 22-inch ones.

Inside the cabin, even on the Standard, there are premium elements everywhere. The climate system has three different zones and controls that the back-seat passengers can reach. Ambient lighting and various storage compartments make it easy to keep track of things.

While the Standard has 10-way power front seats, the Reserve has seats that can be adjusted in up to 24 different ways. Plus, the Reserve's seats are leather-trimmed, and the front passenger's and driver's seat have memory functions that are very convenient. This is in contrast to the Standard, which only has memory on the driver's seat. On the Reserve, there is the option to upgrade to 30-way power-adjustable seats with massage.

In the middle row, the trims come standard with two heated captain's chairs. On the Standard, there's a pass-through between the chairs, and there's a console between the chairs on the Reserve. Both come with the option to get a heated 40/20/40 split bench if anyone needs an additional seat and room for eight total passengers.

The technology in the Lincoln Navigator is enviable. These trims come with the SYNC3 system and a 10-inch LCD screen, which can recognize swipes and touches. Navigation is built-in, and drivers can use voice commands to look up directions. Music is played over a 14-speaker Revel audio system, and SiriusXM Satellite Radio and HD Radio are supported.

The Navigator can act as a 4G Wi-Fi hot spot so people can always stay connected through various devices. The SUV has multiple charging ports along with a wireless charging pad. Plus, it's compatible with "Phone as a Key" technology, meaning that a driver's smartphone can be used to unlock the vehicle and even start the engine. This requires downloading a specific app and linking a device to the Navigator. This adds to the ways in which one can access the vehicle; it also comes with a keyless entry keypad and a remote keyless entry system.

Keeping passengers safe are numerous mechanisms in the Standard and the Reserve. They have pre-collision systems that can warn people about potential accidents and apply brake pressure to prevent collisions from occurring. They have blind spot detection, warnings that can activate if the Navigator is getting too close to other objects while reversing, and programs that can keep the vehicles in their lanes.

In this regard, there are a few ways in which the Reserve outshines the Standard. It has an optional head-up display so drivers can keep their attention focused on the road as they get information things like about vehicle performance, it has adaptive cruise control that can bring the vehicle all the way to a stop, and it has a 360-degree camera. In contrast, the Standard only has the option of having adaptive cruise control, and it just has a rearview camera.

Adaptive suspension is feature on the Reserve and higher trims. This type of suspension is enhanced by having 12 sensors that are continuously taking in information related to the road and vehicle performance. All of this data allows the Navigator to make adjustments that can factor in bumps in the road, rocky terrain, and so on. The benefits of adaptive suspension might not be noticeable on paved roads in town, but they can lead to a much more comfortable journey if the SUV ever goes on more adventurous drives.

2020 Lincoln Navigator Reserve vs Reserve L Trims. What is the difference?

These trims are nearly identical. In addition to having all of the features previously mentioned, they also come with a convenient hands-free tailgate and active noise control to give the cabin a quiet atmosphere. Piano key shifters are a little touch that add a lot to the elegance of the Navigator.

The way in which they differ is in their lengths. The Reserve measures 210 inches, and the Reserve L measures 221.9 inches. Maximum cargo capacity, with all the back seats lowered, is 103.3 cubic feet in the Reserve and 120.2 cubic feet in the big brother, the Reserve L. Another way to illustrate the difference is that the Reserve has 19.3 cubic feet behind its third row, and the Reserve L has 34.3 cubic feet in this area. Second- and third-row leg room are the same in the two trims.

Since the L weighs more than its counterpart, it has a slightly lower towing capacity, of 8,100 pounds.

2020 Lincoln Navigator Reserve L vs Black Label. What is the difference?

The Black Label represents the best of what's available from Lincoln. Like the Reserve and Reserve L, it has signature LED lighting and automatic high beam headlamps. It actually comes standard with tow hooks and four-wheel drive. One of the design elements that makes it unique is the illuminated Lincoln Star displayed in the front grille.

For extra durability, the Black Label has a heavy duty radiator. Since Lincoln assumed that many of the Black Label customers would use their SUVs to their full potential, it included more rugged components like electronic traction assist and a trailer brake controller on these models. Hill Descent Control keeps speed from increasing too much when the SUV is navigating down hills.

Additionally, the Black Label comes standard with a trailer back-up assist function, which is an option on the Reserve L (and Reserve). It takes a lot of the uncertainty out of backing up with a trailer, and it reduces the difficulty by assisting with steering. All a driver has to do is rotate a knob to control the direction of the trailer, and the Navigator will handle the steering on its own.

Both trims ride on 22-inch wheels; the difference lies in their details. 12-spoke aluminum wheels with tarnish dark painted pockets are standard on the Reserve L, and the wheels are upgraded to 21-spoke versions with ebony painted pockets on the Black Label.

It's hard to do better than what the Navigator has as standard in terms of its materials. For example, all trims have genuine wood trim on the door panels and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. However, there are special available themes that can only be incorporated into the Black Label. The Yacht Club theme has blue leather and whitewashed wood, the Destination theme has French seams and warm colors, and the Chalet theme looks right at home on a five-star ski resort. Even if a theme is not selected, this trim will have Black Label floor mats.

Seats on the Black Label use Perfect Position technology. They're leather trimmed and can be power-adjusted in 30 ways, and they have a massage function that can relieve tension. Both trims have the same heated captain's chairs in the middle row. They have a PowerFold feature so they can be quickly adjusted.

The sound system on the Black Label is upgraded from the Revel audio system with 14 speakers. It has a remarkable 20 speakers, giving the passengers an unparalleled listening experience. It's a little comical that a CD player has become an upgrade, but that's the case in this instance. The Black Label has the ability to play CDs while the others do not.

2020 Lincoln Navigator Black Label vs Black Label L Trims. What is the difference?

Again, the L trims are simply longer versions of their counterparts. They are ideal if anyone has a lot of cargo to carry and really needs that additional space in the back.

Which Trim to Choose?

With a high-end SUV like the 2020 Lincoln Navigator, consumers will have to consider cost as they make their decisions.

While the Black Label is certainly impressive in so many regards, the fact remains that it's quite expensive. It can be worth it if someone wants to have the extra features that come with the Black Label, especially those that are related to capability and luxury.

At the other end of the spectrum is the Standard. It doesn't have every bell and whistle that the other trims may have, but it definitely has quite a bit. Because of its comprehensive technology and safety package, along with the fact that it has three comfortable rows of seating with plenty of versatility in the back, it would make sense for many Navigator fans to get the Standard.