Overall, we think highly of the 2021 Navigator. A 450-horsepower engine and 10-speed transmission provide athletic speed, while cabin accommodations are at first-class standards. This is Lincoln at its new best.
The Lincoln Navigator has been one of our favorite large luxury SUVs ever since its redesign in 2018. Offering a luxurious interior, excellent passenger comfort, many upmarket features and a monstrous 8,700-pound maximum towing capacity, the Navigator can do just about anything you ask of it, and do it in style.
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*Current MSRP for base vehicle. Excludes destination/delivery fee plus government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any retailer processing charge, any electronic filing charge, and any emission testing charge. Optional equipment not included. Starting A, Z and X Plan price is for qualified, eligible clients and excludes document fee, destination/delivery charge, taxes, title and registration. Not all vehicles qualify for A, Z or X Plan.
So impressive is the Navigator that we don't shy away from comparing it to more expensive SUVs from Mercedes-Benz and Land Rover. Then there's the Navigator's longtime rival, the Escalade. Redesigned for 2021, the Escalade boasts improved comfort and new technology features. With the revamp, these two domestic luxury utes are more closely matched than they've been in a while. What should you choose? Read our Expert Review to learn more about the Navigator and get our in-depth evaluation.
Edmunds Expert Rating
edmunds TESTED
by the Edmunds Experts
Great
8.4
out of 10
We drove the 2021 Lincoln Navigator on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.
Performance
8/10
How does the Navigator drive? Considering the size and weight of the Navigator, it's surprisingly good at providing strong performance and stress-free driving. The engine is quick and responsive, the steering is low-effort, and body roll is kept in check when you go around turns. The V6 is plenty strong and gets you up to speed in a hurry. Our test Navigator covered 0-60 mph in just 6.1 seconds. That's moving!
Large vehicles tend to nose-dive or squirm around when you jam on the brakes suddenly, and the Navigator is no exception. That said, braking performance is perfectly adequate for the class. The Navigator also feels composed around town and even on tight roads. We wouldn't go so far as to call it sporty. But for the amount of comfort it provides, it's not the clumsy behemoth you'd expect it to be.
Comfort
8/10
How comfortable is the Navigator? Wind and road noise is pretty minimal, and only a small amount of ambient noise sneaks through. The suspension is great at softening sharp bumps or pavement changes. But on continuously undulating surfaces, there can be a lot of body movement, which borders on uncomfortable.
The front seats have a huge number of adjustments, more than really seem necessary. It takes a while to find a setting you like. But once you do, you'll be sublimely comfortable. The seat heaters and coolers are effective too.
Interior
8.5/10
How’s the interior? The Navigator's interior is huge. The large doors, well-placed grab handles and retractable step rails make getting in and out a breeze, while the second row's ability to tilt and slide allows excellent access to the third row. Adjustable pedals and a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel extend the range of driver comfort.
A lot of controls require some time to become familiar with, but ultimately they're easy to use. Visibility is decent for a vehicle this size, but there are still blind spots, mainly at the front due to chunky windshield pillars. Cameras help you maneuver in tight spaces, with the 360-degree camera system particularly helpful.
Technology
8.5/10
How’s the tech? The Navigator embraces the latest technology, with an excellent infotainment interface, superb sound-system quality, comprehensive driving aids and ample device-charging options. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot are icing on the cake.
We were impressed with the easily configurable, immersive experience offered by the 20-speaker Revel stereo in our test vehicle. A number of driving aids are included as standard equipment including blind-spot detection, lane keeping assist, and forward collision detection with automatic emergency braking. Adaptive cruise control is one of the optional aids. It's well tuned and worth getting if you spend a lot of time in traffic.
Storage
8.5/10
How’s the storage? If it's space you want, it's what you'll get, even without the extended-wheelbase Navigator L model. There's 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.5 cubes behind the second row, and 103.3 cubes with the rear seats folded. All the rear seats fold flat electronically. The second-row center console sits higher than the seat bottoms, though, which prevents a fully flat load area.
There is also an abundance of in-cabin storage for everyone's personal effects, with tons of cubbies of varying sizes and a deep console bin. The anchors for car seats are slightly tucked away in the seat creases, which make them a little hard to access, but the top tethers are easy to get to and there's plenty of space to fit a rear-facing car seat.
Need to tow something? A properly equipped Navigator can manage up to 8,700 pounds (8,300 pounds if you get the 4WD). This is one of the highest capacities in the large luxury SUV class.
Fuel Economy
7/10
How’s the fuel economy? Based on the EPA estimate of 18 mpg combined (16 city/21 highway), the Navigator should be one of the more efficient vehicles in the class. But we averaged 18.1 mpg over 1,700 miles of mostly highway driving on premium fuel (our high was 20.0 mpg). We saw low figures as well when doing mostly city driving, so we think the EPA figures are likely mildly optimistic for real-world driving.
Value
7.5/10
Is the Navigator a good value? The Navigator looks and feels like it's worth the money, especially from the inside. Design has brought Lincoln a long way. The floating center console, touchscreen arrangement and wrapped dash elevate the Navigator's appeal to new heights. And when compared to others in the segment, the Navigator stands out as a smart choice overall. Considering what you get for the money, the Navigator undercuts the competition.
Lincoln offers a four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, comparable to other luxury brands, though its six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty is above average, just like Cadillac's. Owners who opt for the Black Label trim receive a pretty extensive list of benefits and features, including free car washes and vehicle pickup and drop-off for complimentary maintenance covered for four years/50,000 miles. Owners of non-Black Label cars get two years/20,000 miles of free maintenance and six years/70,000 miles of roadside assistance.
Wildcard
9.5/10
The Navigator is the first vehicle in a long time that's made us excited about the Lincoln brand. It's awesome on many levels. It's comfy, quick and surprisingly stylish. It's not sporty, but no one is really expecting vehicles of this size to be. There's road presence without being overly garish.
*Current MSRP for base vehicle. Excludes destination/delivery fee plus government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any retailer processing charge, any electronic filing charge, and any emission testing charge. Optional equipment not included. Starting A, Z and X Plan price is for qualified, eligible clients and excludes document fee, destination/delivery charge, taxes, title and registration. Not all vehicles qualify for A, Z or X Plan.
2021 Lincoln Navigator trim level differences
The Lincoln Navigator is available in three trims levels: Base, Reserve and Black Label. Each is powered by a turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 (450 horsepower, 510 lb-ft of torque) and comes with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Compare the 2021 Lincoln Navigator trim levels in-depth.
Which Navigator trim does Edmunds recommend?
The base Navigator is hard to pass up, but we think a handful of features on the Reserve make it worth the extra money. For example, the surround-view parking camera system and adaptive cruise control are very useful add-ons. There's also a giant panoramic sunroof standard on this trim level. You'll also need to opt for the Reserve if you want to unlock the Navigator's maximum towing capacity via the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow package.
The 2021 Lincoln Navigator has a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic warranty and 11 recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5, ranks it #6 out of 20 among Luxury Fullsize SUVs. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Reliability Rating by RepairPal
3.5 out of 5 stars3.5/5Above Average
#6 out of 20 among Luxury Fullsize SUVs
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
$671/yr
vs. $735/yr for Average Luxury Fullsize SUV
Frequency
1.57x/yr
vs. 1.83x/yr for Average Luxury Fullsize SUV
Severity
11.5%
vs. 16.5% for Average Luxury Fullsize SUV
powered by RepairPal
Recalls
11 recalls found
Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
Recall Number:
26V344000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
26S34
Manufactured from:
2017-05-15 to
Number of vehicles affected:
419967
Defect Description:
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The seat belt pretensioner in the driver and/or front passenger seat may inadvertently lock the seat belt, which will not allow the belt to retract or extend.
Defect Consequence:
Seat belts that do not retract or extend can fail to restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Corrective Action:
Dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt retractors as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, are expected to be mailed June 8, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in August 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S34. This recall replaces and expands previous NHTSA recalls 24V099 and 25V197. Vehicles previously inspected or repaired under the prior recalls will need the new repair completed.
Recall Number:
26V204000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
26S24
Manufactured from:
2021-10-25 to
Number of vehicles affected:
422613
Defect Description:
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, and 2022-2023 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, and F-600 SD vehicles. The windshield wiper arms may break, causing the wipers to fail.
Defect Consequence:
Windshield wiper failure can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
Dealers will inspect and replace the wiper arms, as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed April 16, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S24.Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on April 1, 2026.
Recall Number:
25V729000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
25SB7
Number of vehicles affected:
174853
Defect Description:
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, 2021-2023 F-150, 2022 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, and F-450 SD vehicles. The moonroof wind deflector clips may be inadequately attached to the moonroof frame, which can result in the wind deflector detaching from the vehicle.
Defect Consequence:
A detached wind deflector can become a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
Dealers will inspect and repair the moonroof wind deflector as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 3, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SB7. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning October 30, 2025.
Recall Number:
25V455000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
25S75
Manufactured from:
2021-07-01 to
Number of vehicles affected:
850318
Defect Description:
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Bronco, Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, 2021-2022 Lincoln Navigator, Mustang, F-150, and 2022 Expedition vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump may fail, which can result in an engine stall while driving.
Defect Consequence:
An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
The remedy is under development. Owner notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed July 14, 2025. Second letters will be sent once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S75.
Recall Number:
25V442000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
25S72
Manufactured from:
2019-04-25 to
Number of vehicles affected:
200061
Defect Description:
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.
Defect Consequence:
A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 28, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.
Recall Number:
24V852000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
24C39
Manufactured from:
2019-07-29 to 2024-09-13
Number of vehicles affected:
27678
Defect Description:
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Defect Consequence:
Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Corrective Action:
Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C39.
Recall Number:
23V598000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
23S48
Number of vehicles affected:
169277
Defect Description:
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Lincoln Aviator, 2018-2021 Lincoln Navigator, 2022-2023 Ford Transit, and 2021 Ford Bronco vehicles. The rearview camera, or 360-degree view camera if equipped, may not display a rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse.
Defect Consequence:
Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
Dealers will replace the rearview camera, and update the software and wiring as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed October 12, 2023. Remedy parts are anticipated 2nd Quarter 2024. Ford's number for this recall is 23S48.
Recall Number:
23V420000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
23C20
Number of vehicles affected:
691133
Defect Description:
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2023 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with third-row seating; and 2019-2023 F-Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 SuperCab vehicles. The owner's manual does not include instructions for adjusting or removing certain head restraints. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 202, "Head Restraints."
Defect Consequence:
Without instructions, the head restraints may be improperly adjusted, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Corrective Action:
Ford will mail the Owner's Manual addendums that describe how to adjust and remove the head restraints for the center seating positions, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C20.
Recall Number:
22V346000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
22S36
Number of vehicles affected:
66221
Defect Description:
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. An engine compartment fire may occur while driving or parked, even with the ignition in the "Off" position.
Defect Consequence:
A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.
Corrective Action:
Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures and other vehicles, until the remedy is performed. Dealers will inspect and replace the battery junction box, as necessary, and remove a ground wire. On models equipped with standard-duty radiator fan motors, dealers will also install an auxiliary electrical box with a wire jumper. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed May 25, 2022. Owners will receive a second letter once the remedy is available. Currently the remedy is available for vehicles equipped with heavy-duty radiator fan motors, and those letters were mailed July 21, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S36.
Recall Number:
22V250000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
22S26
Number of vehicles affected:
652996
Defect Description:
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 F-150, Expedition, 2020-2022 Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, and 2020-2021 Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The windshield wiper arms may break, causing the windshield wipers to fail.
Defect Consequence:
Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
Dealers will replace both front windshield wiper arms, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed on May 24, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available 3rd Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 21, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S26.
Recall Number:
21V805000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
21C26
Number of vehicles affected:
777
Defect Description:
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 Super Duty F-250, F-350, 2021 F-150, Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The front-door side impact pressure sensor modules may have been damaged during supplier assembly, which can cause the side impact air bags to not deploy properly in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 214, "Side Impact Protection."
Defect Consequence:
An air bag that does not deploy properly during a crash increases the risk of injury.
Corrective Action:
Dealers will replace the driver and passenger front door side impact sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 3, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C26.
2020 Lincoln Navigator Black Label 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A)
After years of Navigators I became bored and bought a few different Suv's, until the new Navigator was announced. I ordered one immediately! Within the first month I knew something was really off about the car and the way it drove. I took it back to the dealer twice to only be told noting was wrong. Fast forward a year and the transmission totally fails and had to be replaced, only they … didn't totally replace it, they only did half. A month later it failed again, as did the engine. Now bow have been replaced and it still doesn't run well. It has a constant vibration that it never had before the total overhaul under the hood. Lincoln has a major problem with service. They may have built the best looking SUV out there, but if it doesn't run properly and they treat you horrible when you need service, it just isn't worth it. Even with the Black Label the service is embarrassing. They will need to step it up if they want to compete with the Escalade, Range Rovers, etc... So, in short I'd look elsewhere if you are contemplating this vehicle, I've had just about every luxury SUV out there and this one was by far the worst!
$80000 piece of junk
2 out of 5 stars
Mike, 12/30/2020
2020 Lincoln Navigator Reserve 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A)
Traded an Infinti for a Navigator what a mistake. 3 months in tailgate lift wouldn't work. Had to replace both actuators. Today couldn't unlock the doors with either key fob. 5 months old with less than 10000 miles. For this amount of money that should not be the case. Will never by another.
Broken and Confused
1 out of 5 stars
Mike K, 03/17/2021
2020 Lincoln Navigator Black Label 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A)
During the pandemic we bought a Motorhome and wanted to flat tow a vehicle behind it. The Navigator was a great option but I was really concerned about the reliability.
4 months later I have had the BlackLabel in the sho- for more than 15days and there are still several issues. The communication typically takes 24-48 hour from the dealership and more than 30days the BlackLabel … Concierge.
Issues to date; ~6,000miles
-Windshield wipers squeak (resolved)
-Seat squeaks(replacing the entire seat) waiting 2 weeks at this point.
-Navigation goes black and shuts off (Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that is designed to address the concerns related to your SYNC screen and Phone As A Key feature. That bulletin reference is TSB 20-2363 - this helped but did not resolve the known issue)
-the car smells like it is burning
-several other items that seem to be replaced to the navigation like blue tooth issues, windshield wipers going off with for no reason, volume controls not working, etc.
Decent Vehicle, Terrible Service and Support
1 out of 5 stars
Tim F, 04/07/2021
2021 Lincoln Navigator L Reserve 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A)
All the hype of owning a Lincoln and the service that comes with it falls through the cracks the moment you need help.
Lincoln offers to pick up your car for service to their nearest dealer. True? No, it is not true (at least in my case and I live in a populated 4 million resident metro).
Lincoln stands behind their cars with great service. True? No, it is not true. Called in … for service a few months ago and they said I would have to wait 6 MONTHS to be seen to fix a faulty rear seat entertainment screen on a brand new Navigator.
I called Lincoln for help and they said to talk to their internal 'Lincoln Play' team. The call transfers straight to voicemail for some 3rd party company that makes the screen. Did they return my call? Nope. Never. Not once.
A few months passed. I called Lincoln again for help. They said they would call the dealer. They called the dealer and the dealer said it would be a month and a half to be seen now and no, they would not pick up my vehicle as advertised.
They are now calling local Ford dealers to see if they can help with some measure of hope that a Ford service department can figure out a Lincoln proprietary issue. I appreciate the willingness for the Lincoln agent to help, but his hands are tied by their dealer network not being willing to provide any level of reasonable support.
Think I'm wrong? Give your local Lincoln service team a call first before you buy from them and ask how long it will take to be seen for your Lincoln. It might change your perspective on the service promised to you.
Currently, I am still waiting for support on both a seat belt issue that keeps unlocking itself and a rear entertainment system that only occasionally works.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2021 Lincoln Navigator, so we've included reviews for other years of the Navigator since its last redesign.