Lincoln Navigator History
The full-size SUV that created the luxury-SUV segment in 1998 — Lincoln's flagship and one of its best-known vehicles.
Photo: “2018 Lincoln Navigator, front left.jpg” by Mr.choppers / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. Cropped to 16:9.
History
Launched for 1998 as a luxury-trimmed version of the Ford Expedition, the Navigator effectively created the full-size luxury SUV segment, beating the Cadillac Escalade to market. It was an instant success, at one point making up around 40% of the US luxury-SUV market.
The second generation (2003–2006) added a long-wheelbase Navigator L to rival the Escalade ESV, and the third generation (2007–2017) brought independent rear suspension and power-folding third-row seats. The current fourth generation (2018–present) switched to an aluminum body and turbocharged EcoBoost V6 power, with a lavish interior that revived the Navigator as Lincoln's true flagship.
Generations
First generation · UN173
The original Expedition-based luxury SUV that launched the segment.
1998 Photo: “1998 Lincoln Navigator 3.5L BioFuel.jpg” by Calreyn88 / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped to 16:9.
Second generation · U228
Refined drivetrain and the first long-wheelbase Navigator L.
Third generation · U326
Bigger chrome grille, independent rear suspension, and power-folding third-row seats.
2016 Photo: “16 Lincoln Navigator Reserve.jpg” by HJUdall / Wikimedia Commons — CC0 1.0. Cropped to 16:9.
Fourth generation · U554
Photo: “2018 Lincoln Navigator, front left.jpg” by Mr.choppers / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. Cropped to 16:9.
Aluminum-bodied, EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 redesign with a luxury interior that re-established the flagship.
2018 Photo: “2018 Lincoln Navigator, front left.jpg” by Mr.choppers / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. Cropped to 16:9.
2019 Photo: “2019 Lincoln Navigator 'Reserve', front 8.29.20.jpg” by Kevauto / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped to 16:9.
2020 Photo: “20 Lincoln Navigator Black Label.jpg” by HJUdall / Wikimedia Commons — CC0 1.0. Cropped to 16:9.
2023 Photo: “23 Lincoln Navigator L Black Label.jpg” by HJUdall / Wikimedia Commons — CC0 1.0. Cropped to 16:9.
Body styles
- SUV
Related models
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