2020 Lincoln Navigator Pros vs Cons

As a full-size SUV, the 2020 Lincoln Navigator is big and bold. It has a strong engine and durable frame, but at the same time, it has elegant features both inside and out. With high-end details placed all over the cabin, the Navigator has firmly cemented its spot amongst the luxury SUVs that have proven to be solid investments. This article outlines ten reasons why a consumer might want to buy a Navigator, and it goes over a few of the SUV's limitations as well.

What's New for 2020?

A few additions have been incorporated into the 2020 Lincoln Navigator. In terms of aesthetics, there are three new color schemes to choose from: Pristine White, Ceramic Pearl, and Infinite Black. These monochromatic color schemes are sleek and elegant, and they contrast the two-tone look that the brand has previously featured.

The more significant changes to the SUV are related to safety, technology, and convenience. The Navigator now comes with the Co-Pilot360 package of driver-assist features, giving people more peace of mind on the roads. Navigators now come with power running boards that extend and retract almost magically. 2020 model year vehicles have standard heated and ventilated front seats along with wireless charging. Additionally, as long as they've downloaded a specific app, drivers can turn their smartphones into keys that can unlock and start the engine.

Ten Reasons You May Like the 2020 Lincoln Navigator – The Pros

1. A Powerful Engine

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator offers only one engine on all five of its trims: a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter engine. It's a high-performer, capable of generating 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. These stats are impressive, and they give the Navigator an enviable position amongst others in its class. The engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission that provides smooth acceleration and optimal power delivery.

2. Ready to Tackle Terrain

Four-wheel drive is available on the 2020 Lincoln Navigator. It can boost traction, and having power sent to all of the wheels rather than just two can be key when driving in ice, mud, or snow. With adaptive suspension, the SUV can actively smooth things out when traveling over uneven surfaces. Over time, this can make a big difference in comfort, and it can prevent a driver from getting fatigued.

With various drive modes to choose from, people can optimize the vehicle's settings according to the conditions. Slippery, Deep Conditions, and Slow Climb drive modes can all come in handy when traveling off the pavement.

3. Towing Ability

When properly equipped, the 2020 Lincoln Navigator has best-in-class towing with a capacity of 8,700 pounds. This capacity illustrates the versatility of the Lincoln. It's elegant and classy, while still being able to haul a trailer to a work site.

A Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package is available to anyone who often hauls equipment or other cargo. The package includes a Class IV trailer and heavy-duty radiator. It also includes a trailer brake controller and trailer sway control so drivers can prevent unwanted motion.

To hook things up, Pro Trailer Backup Assist can be used. This system takes all of the guesswork out of backing up and can speed up the process significantly.

4. Long or Standard Wheelbase

With most vehicles, there's only one frame to choose from. With the 2020 Lincoln Navigator, there's a standard and long wheelbase. The standard wheelbase measures 122.5 inches, with the vehicle being 210 inches from end to end. The larger model has a 131.6-inch wheelbase, and it measures 221.9 inches in total length.

The configuration of the SUV affects cargo capacity. The standard wheelbase models - the Navigator, Navigator Reserve, and Navigator Black Label - have 19.3 cubic feet of dedicated cargo space behind the third row. The long wheelbase models - the Navigator Reserve L and Navigator Black Label L - have 34.3 cubic feet of space behind the third row. When the third row is lowered, capacity increases to 57.5 and 73.3 cubic feet, respectively. When the second row is lowered along with the third row, capacity expands to 103.3 and 120.2 cubic feet in the standard and long models.

5. Roomy in the Back

Second- and third-row leg room is a big advantage in the 2020 Lincoln Navigator. When the second-row seats are as far back as they can go, there's an impressive 42.3 inches of leg room. This amount of space is hard to find, even in other full-size SUVs. The third row gets 36.1 inches of leg room, and this can expand to 40.9 inches if the middle row is pushed all the way forward. This means that adults can be comfortable in any position in the vehicle.

6. Quality Sound

First of all, the Navigator actively blocks out outside noise, making for a more pleasant ride. The base models have a Revel Audio System, which comes with 14 speakers that can create a surround-sound experience.

Higher trims come with an enhanced Revel Ultima Audio System. This system includes 20 speakers to allow even more musical nuances to be picked up, and it also has a CD player. Across the board, SiriusXM Satellite Radio is standard.

7. Piano Key Shifter

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator has a piano key shifter rather than a traditional gear shifter. This allows for a more streamlined look and keeps clutter out of the front row. The sleek buttons are clearly marked and have been conveniently placed in the center console.

8. Advanced Technology

Wireless charging is an example of a feature that people can quickly get used to. Instead of fumbling for cords, people can simply place their compatible devices on the wireless charging platform to keep their batteries full of power.

With the Lincoln Connect system, the Navigator can act as a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot for up to 10 devices that could be up to 50 feet away. Plus, the "Phone as a Key" capability is included on the Navigator. When a smartphone has the proper app, it can be used as a key to unlock the vehicle and get the engine started.

9. Large Touchscreen

The 10-inch LCD touchscreen makes it easy to navigate through the infotainment system. Various apps and controls can be quickly accessed, and swipe capability makes the screen more user-friendly.

10. Comprehensive Driver-Assist Features

The Navigator is set up to keep an eye on the roads. It comes standard with Blind Spot Detection to make it easier to change lanes. Pre-Collision Assist is a system that can predict impending forward collisions and brake to avoid such situations. The Navigator also has headlamps that can automatically switch between high and low beams depending on what's ahead. Further, the SUV comes with a Lane-Keeping System that can take corrective action if drivers are veering out of a lane.

Reasons You May Not Like the 2020 Lincoln Navigator – The Cons

1. Fuel Economy is Less than Ideal

It's hard to find a full-size SUV that gets great mileage, and the Navigator certainly isn't one of those. It only gets an estimated 16 miles per gallon in the city. For highway driving, things improve just slightly to an estimated 22 miles per gallon.

2. A Hefty Vehicle

The large size of the Navigator makes it hard to miss. While this would be a major plus for many drivers, not all may want to be in charge of such a beast. Considering the SUV stands about 76 inches tall and is almost 94 inches wide, it might have a hard time fitting in a garage. These dimensions can complicate parallel parking and potentially perpendicular parking, though the mirrors can be folded in to gain a few inches in clearance.

3. The Price Tag

There's no question that the Navigator is a luxury SUV, and it has a price tag to match. For some, this cost may be hard to accept, considering the Ford Expedition is a very similar vehicle that's more affordable. However, many premium elements are included on the Navigator, and potential buyers should take into account the total package that the Lincoln offers.

4. Not Quite Rugged

While the vehicle can be equipped with four-wheel drive, it's not really intended to be driven on extended off-road adventures. It's lacking features like all-terrain tires and high and low 4x4 settings, but most consumers won't need these anyway.

How It Stacks Up to the Competition:

Given the twin-turbo engine under the hood of the 2020 Lincoln Navigator, the SUV can outpace several competitors in terms of horsepower. For example, it beats out the Cadillac Escalade and Infiniti QX80 in this regard. The Navigator, while not the most fuel efficient, does do slightly better than many others in the industry, including the QX80 and the Lexus LX.

Conclusion

If anyone is looking for a three-row SUV that has classic good looks, reliable under-the-hood components, and elegant details inside the cabin, the 2020 Lincoln Navigator is a vehicle to consider. It does well in many categories, and it feels like it's ready for the future, equipped with advanced technological features that are both fun to use and functional. The Navigator would be a great purchase because of its combination of prowess and poise.