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Buy a new Lincoln Navigator or save big with a used Lincoln Navigator? Our experts help you decide which model year is the best buy.
New vs Used Lincoln Navigator
netcarshow.com | Shop Lincoln Navigator on Carsforsale.com
The Lincoln Navigator first entered the luxury SUV scene in 1998 and over two decades later it’s still going strong. It’s always been a favorite and our experts gave the 2020 Lincoln Navigator high marks.
We want to know which is a better choice: a new or used Lincoln Navigator. Today we’ll look at a 2018 Lincoln Navigator and a brand-new 2022 Lincoln Navigator to see if it’s worth forking over thousands more.
If you’re a used car newbie, our article, What to Look for When Buying a Used Truck, is a great place to start.
Specs
The 2018 Lincoln Navigator has a 450-horsepower turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine. Two- and four-wheel drive options are available, and all models come with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The standard-wheelbase, rear-wheel drive gets and estimated 16 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway, while the four-wheel drive Navigator gets 16 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway.
The 2022 Navigator is also powered by a turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, but it has slightly less umph at 440 horsepower. It is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive models get an estimated 17 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway, while four-wheel-drive models get 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.
Driving and Performance
Despite its size and weight, the 2018 Navigator boasts a quick and responsive drivetrain. The steering requires minimal effort but provides little feedback, while braking is just what you’d expect for this class—the pedal is light and easy, but slam on the brakes and you’ll noticeably lurch forward. The Navigator handles as well as any SUV of this size can around town. Towing is where it’s at for the Navigator with a maximum capacity of 8,300 pounds.
The 2022 model is no different and delivers power and get-up-and-go speed. It can go 0-60 mph in just 6.1 seconds and steering is effortless but still numb. Much like the 2018 version, it handles well but can feel a little unrefined at highway speeds. The newer models can tow slightly more maxing out at 8,700 pounds.
Comfort and Interior
The 2018 Navigator is about as comfortable as they come with available 30-way power seats that will suit just about every shape, size, and comfort need. Seats are soft and supportive and upper trim levels feature open-pore wood, premium leather, and massage functions. Second row captain’s chairs offer plenty of comfort and space for adults and even the third row can easily accommodate average-sized adults.
Wide doors and power running boards on the 2018 Navigator make entry and exit a breeze even for the smallest passengers. It’s no surprise the Navigator made our list of the Best SUVs for Passengers. You’ll also find plenty of cargo space whether the back two rows are in use or not. With all rows folded down you’ll get 103.3 cubic feet of space and an impressive 120.2 cubic feet on the L models. Large center consoles and spacious cubbies ensure that all the small items have a place as well.
The interior of the 2022 Navigator is almost identical to the older model, boasting comfortable and highly customizable front seats and spacious second and third rows. There is the option of massaging second row seats and the massaging units on the front seats have been improved from older models.
Trims and Features
You can find a 2018 Lincoln Navigator on carsforsale.com for around $60,000 to $64,000, while higher trims and low-mileage models will be slightly more. 2018 models are available in four trim levels: Premiere, Select, Reserve and Black Label.
Rear-wheel drive is standard for the first three trims with the option of four-wheel drive. The Black label gets standard four-wheel drive. The base trim has a standard wheelbase, while the Select, Reserve, and Black Label models have the option of an extended wheelbase (Navigator L).
All 2018 models come standard with leather upholstery on the first and second rows (vinyl on the third row), eight-way power-adjustable and heated front seats, driver-seat memory settings, power-folding and heated second-row captain’s chairs, front and rear parking sensors, and LED headlights.
Standard tech and safety features include a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, a 14-speaker surround-sound audio system, six USB ports, navigation, voice controls, a rearview camera, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.
The Select trim gets power-folding running boards, upgraded leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, wireless charging pad, and a surround-view parking camera system. The Reserve adds 24-way power-adjustable front seats with ventilation, exterior welcome lights, and a panoramic sunroof.
The 2018 Select and the Reserve have an optional Technology package that includes a head-up display, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and intervention, forward collision mitigation with automatic braking, automatic high beams, and an automated parking system, as well as the option of a Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow package. Black Label models include those two packages as standard and get upgraded leather upholstery, additional chrome exterior trim, a 20-speaker stereo system, and ambient interior lighting.
A new Lincoln Navigator starts at $78,965 and increases to $111,010 with the highest trim level. 2022 models are available in three trims: Base, Reserve and Black Label. All models are available with an extended wheelbase. Rear-wheel drive is standard with the option of all-wheel drive on most trims, and the Black Label has standard four-wheel drive.
All 2022 Navigators come with leather upholstery in the first two rows, heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, navigation, a Wi-Fi hot spot, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, satellite radio, five USB ports, wireless device charging, and a 14-speaker premium audio system.
Standard safety and tech features for the 2022 Lincoln Navigator include a rearview camera, automatic high-beam headlights, front and rear parking sensors, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Reserve adds 24-way power-adjustable front seats, a panoramic sunroof, a surround-view parking camera system, adaptive cruise control, automatic parking assist, and the ActiveGlide partially automated driving system.
Optional features for the Reserve include 30-way power-adjustable front seats, and first- and second-row massage functionality. The Black Label adds 30-way power-adjustable front seats with massage functions, four Black Label interior trim themes, and a 28-speaker audio system.
Here’s Our Pick
2018 Lincoln Navigator – netcarshow.com | Shop Lincoln Navigator on Carsforsale.com
Fortunately for the car buyer, Lincoln hasn’t made many significant updates to the Navigator in several years. That makes the decision a no-brainer for us. Yes, you will get more standard safety features when buying a 2022 model, but if you can find a good deal on a used Navigator equipped with a Technology package it’s a win that will save you thousands in the end. So next you must decide: Which Matters More Age or Mileage?
