Lincoln Navigator History

Full-size luxury SUV · 1998–present

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 (1998–2002)

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 (2003–2006)

Refined drivetrain and the first long-wheelbase Navigator L.
Third generation · U326 (2007–2017)

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 (2018–present)

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.