Article content One of the major themes of contemporary concept vehicles is the “lounge on wheels” notion, and Lincoln has propelled that idea into production with its all-new fifth-generation 2025 Navigator Reserve. During the global reveal of the full-size premium four-wheel-drive SUV in Monterey, California this evening, the vast majority of the talking points focused on cabin creature comforts, from improved seating for all three rows to the “immersive” 48-inch panoramic display; and from the newly reshaped steering wheel to Lincoln Rejuvenate, something press notes refer to as a “spa on wheels.” No mention of powertrain, transmission, or other mechanical bits that get the hulking sport-ute up to speed or slowed down.
For the record, and after some post-presentation digging, it seems there are no real changes on that front, apart from new twin turbochargers, required to keep the power ratings the same as the outgoing model after some updated emission tweaks. So, the tried-and-true 3.5-litre V6 still pumps out 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque.
The rear suspension also received some small updates to accommodate the optional 24-inch wheels, the largest ever to roll on a Navigator in the model’s 26-year history. The dimensions of the Navigator are also unchanged. What’s new on the 2025 Lincoln Navigator Reserve? The biggest updates to the 2025 Lincoln Navigator Reserve are found in the cabin and on the tailgate.
The latter, for the first time ever in a Lincoln, is a split gate designed to assist in loading and unloading cargo; to serve as a place to sit while you put on your golf shoes; or as a venue to kick back a tailgate party. The lower portion is rated to hold up to 227 kilograms (500 lbs). And Lincoln has gone one further in the now-seemingly-ubiquitous kick-to-open feature, with the two parts of the tailgate opening by simply sensing the key fob in a designated area behind the vehicle for four seconds.
Pretty cool idea, and one I’m sure will be copied by other manufacturers in the coming years. Lincoln designers also put a lot of thought into the three-row seating. The front row still gets a 24-way power adjustable driver’s seat; and a 22-way power adjustable passenger seat.
Both are heated, ventilated, and come with massage functionality. Optional second-row seats offer power adjustments, heat, ventilation, and massaging captain’s chairs. And with a touch of a button, they fold and slide forward for third-row access.
A semi-powered second-row bench seat is also optional. Way back in that third row there is now a class-exclusive 40/20/40 folding bench seat, with seating for two or three. Fold the centre piece down and it provides an ideal pass-through for long objects like skis.
There are audio and climate controls for second-row passengers; and up to 14 USB ports, including four in the second row and four in the third row. What is the Lincoln Navigator Digital Experience? Another upgrade to the cabin is a 48-inch video screen that runs the length of the dashboard and provides what the automaker calls the “Lincoln Digital Experience.” First shown in the Lincoln Nautilus , the panoramic display provides navigation, climate, and media information; and is operated using Google Assistant, the default voice command system, and and by steering-wheel thumb controls.
There’s also an 11.1-inch touchscreen that serves as a control panel. The massive display screen is bookended by two speakers that are part of a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System.
A new feature in Lincoln Digital Experience in Navigator is something called Pano Mode, which plays video and gaming apps to either side of the panoramic display when the vehicle is in park. That’s certainly “lounge” worthy. And speaking of Google, Google Maps is the default navigation system, providing real-time traffic updates, road conditions, dynamic and eco-friendly routes, and points of interest.
What changes are there to the exterior of the 2025 Lincoln Navigator Reserve? The biggest update to the exterior is found up front, with a new grille design and headlamp array; and around the back, with a full-width taillamp and 3D badging. The roofline is a little more tapered than the outgoing model, and new integrated roof rails provide a cleaner profile. There’s also very little chrome on the exterior, replaced by very sharp satin aluminum accents.
Or, if you prefer, the Jet Appearance Package offers unique 22-inch high-gloss Ebony black aluminum wheels, and black exterior accents on the belt molding, grille, front bumper fascia, roof rack and Lincoln badging. While 22-inch wheels are standard, there are those aforementioned 24-inch high-gloss Luster Nickel aluminum wheels as an option. What is Lincoln Rejuvenate? Here’s where that “lounge on wheels” concept really takes shape.
While in park, hit the Lincoln Rejuvenate icon on the touchscreen and for the next five to 10 minutes, your Navigator turns into a multi-sensory experience. The driver’s seat slides rearward, reclines, warms slightly, and begins massaging. The steering wheel moves up and away, and calming visuals fill the centre stack and panoramic display, complete with ambient lighting and soothing sounds as a subtle fragrance fills the cabin.
(The standard Lincoln Digital Scent feature is class-exclusive in the all-new Navigator SUV.) As to the modes, there’s Waterfall Meditation, to start, where virtual water cascades across the panoramic screen to provide the serenity of a waterfall. That comes standard on all 2025 Navigators.
Two other available modes are Aurora Borealis, that first displays a mountain-side lake as the sun rises, shifting to ribbons of green light flowing across the night sky; and Elements, an abstract journey featuring the classic elements of water, earth, air, and fire. All three modes are developed from a partnership with Calm audio, the leading app to help you sleep more, stress less, and live mindfully, as well as to provide you a growing library of digital, evidence-based mental health programs. All Navigator owners receive a complimentary one-year subscription to Calm.
Does the 2025 Lincoln Navigator Reserve have hands-free driving? The 2025 Lincoln Navigator Reserve comes standard with the latest version of BlueCruise, Lincoln’s in-house system that assists with braking, accelerating, and steering. It now enables a smoother drive and more time in hands-free mode on average, and includes new features such as Lane Change Assist, which allows a driver to switch lanes hands-free with a tap of the turn signal stalk when the path is clear; and In-Lane Repositioning, which helps provide more space by subtly shifting away from vehicles in adjacent lanes. Navigator owners have access to BlueCruise for four years at vehicle purchase.
How much can the 2025 Lincoln Navigator Reserve tow? One of the appeals of the Navigator over the years has been its towing ability, and the 2025 Lincoln Navigator Reserve doesn’t disappoint with an available Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package that increases towing capacity to 3,946 kg (8,700 lbs) without the need for a load-leveling bar. It’s also equipped with Pro Trailer Backup Assist, which helps in the manoeuvring of a trailer into tight spots; and Trailer Hitch Assist, which aids in connecting a trailer to the vehicle. How much is the 2025 Lincoln Navigator Reserve, and when will it be available? No pricing has been released for the built-in-Kentucky 2025 Lincoln Navigator Reserve, but that should be available when orders open up in November.
Expect to see the all-new Navigator in Canadian dealerships in the spring. Sign up for our newsletter Blind-Spot Monitor and follow our social channels on X , Tiktok and LinkedIn to stay up to date on the latest automotive news, reviews, car culture, and vehicle shopping advice..
