2025 Lincoln Navigator L Review
Today we’re taking a look at the 2025 Lincoln Navigator L, which is the extended wheelbase version of the classic Navigator. It’s been fully redesigned for 2025, and I couldn’t wait to see if Lincoln finally got the balance right between luxury and family-friendly functionality.
I’ve always liked the Navigator from a car seat and usability standpoint. It’s one of the easiest full-size SUVs to work with, but when it came to styling and interior wow factor, it never quite lived up to the price tag.
With the 2025 redesign, Lincoln is clearly trying to step it up with bolder styling and tons of tech! But at $126,000, it really has to deliver! In this tour, I’m walking through everything you need to know: the updated exterior, the super high-tech interior (yes, there are a lot of screens), car seat setup, third-row comfort, and the new features that actually make sense for families. Let’s get into it.
If you're new here—welcome! I'm Kelly, The Car Mom. I'm a mom of four, a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician, and I review cars with real families in mind. I’ve been driving the 2025 Lincoln Navigator L for the past week, and I have a lot of thoughts to share. Let’s dive in.
Looking for more high-end family car options? Check out my post: Best Luxury Family Vehicles for a full guide to help you find the best fit!
2025 Lincoln Navigator L Highlights
Redesigned for 2025 with updated exterior and sleek new interior
Tons of tech, including massive customizable screens and built-in massage + meditation modes
Strong car seat setup with lower anchors and tethers in the second and third rows
More trunk space compared to the standard Navigator, thanks to the extended L model
Usable third row for kids, car seats, and adults
Split tailgate with convertible shelf keeps items secure and works as a table or seatback for family outings
Not sure if you need the extra cargo room? I break down the pros and cons in this post: Regular vs. Extended Wheelbases: Which Size Vehicle Is Right For Your Family?
2025 Lincoln Navigator L Exterior
This new design is fresh, bold, and even a little sporty. We love to see it! Here’s what stood out to me:
I toured the matte gray color with a soft, satin finish (not your typical glossy luxury paint)
Black trim + shiny chrome accents make the overall look feel super high-end
Sleek, narrow headlights and cool detailing in the Lincoln badge for a modern front end
Back end still isn’t my favorite—it tapers off instead of squaring up; I’d love a boxier rear to match the size of the vehicle
Bottom line: This is a major improvement over the last generation. The styling matches the price tag—and while the back still isn’t my favorite look, I like the direction Lincoln is heading.
2025 Lincoln Navigator L First Row Features
As soon as you step inside, you get that wow moment, but honestly, that’s what you'd expect from a luxury SUV at this price point (starting around $103,000). And Lincoln really delivers. The cabin feels modern and upscale, with a sleek design that leans more minimalist than flashy.
It’s not overly busy or cluttered, which I loved. The layout is clean and calming, but still feels special. Here are a few first-row features that stood out:
High-end materials – Two-tone leather paneling, chrome detailing, and soft-touch surfaces give it a polished feel.
Smart storage – A spacious pass-through under the center console, multiple cupholders, and thoughtful compartments make daily use easy.
Unique details – Yes, the volume knob sparkles. It has this fun, starry look that adds just a little personality.
Overall, the front row feels luxurious and practical, but it’s the tech that really takes center stage. Let’s get into that next.
Breaking Down The Infotainment System
The Navigator L is packed with tech, like, really packed. There are three massive screens up front: one behind the wheel that works as your digital dash, one in the center for navigation and media, and another down low that handles climate controls, seat settings, and more. It looks super sleek and definitely gives off that high-end vibe you'd expect at this price point.
What to Know About the Tech Controls:
Everything runs through a screen—from adjusting mirrors to moving the steering wheel and even aiming the air vents.
Very few physical buttons, which can be frustrating if you’re trying to make quick changes.
I found myself tapping and swiping more than I wanted to, and sometimes wasn’t even sure which screen to use.
The customization options are impressive, but the interface could be more intuitive—especially for a car in this price range.
Here’s What I Liked:
Meditation mode with the Calm app support –
Built-in YouTube streaming (when parked)
Massaging seats with adjustable recline
Is all of that worth six figures? That’s up to you. But I personally wish they had simplified the interface instead of trying to out-tech everyone else.
2025 Lincoln Navigator L Second Row
I had the captain’s chairs in my test vehicle, and there are definitely some things to love here. The seats themselves are super comfortable, and having their own climate zone is a nice touch. There’s also a clean design to the center console and good storage throughout.
That said, there are a few misses. The space between rows isn’t as generous as I expected—especially in an extended-wheelbase SUV. And those built-in rear entertainment screens? They take up room and interfere with rear-facing car seat installs. I wish they were optional, not standard.
This row is comfortable and well-equipped, but limited legroom and standard rear screens create avoidable challenges for car seats.
2025 Lincoln Navigator L Car Seat Setup:
2 full sets of lower anchors in the second row
Car seat tilt for third-row access (it’s powered, but slow)
Tether anchors in all 5 rear seating positions
In The Third Row:
Two sets of lower anchors
Three top tether anchors across the third row
With the amount of space and well-placed anchors and tethers, I think the 2025 Lincoln Navigator L is very car seat friendly and a great option for families.
How About The Lincoln Navigator Third Row?
This is a solid third row. It’s roomy enough for adults, the seats recline, and there are ceiling vents, heated seats, and cupholders, everything you want for real passenger comfort.
What makes it stand out compared to other third rows in this luxury SUV category is how intentionally it's designed. A lot of third rows feel like an afterthought: tight legroom, low seatbacks, no airflow, and definitely not adult-friendly. But in the Navigator, it actually feels like a space someone wants to sit in, not just where the last kid ends up.
There’s also thoughtful detail here that families will appreciate: seatbacks recline (which isn’t always the case in full-size SUVs), and the air vents are overhead rather than just under the seat, so airflow actually reaches back passengers. The heated seats are a rare third-row bonus, and having both lower anchors and three top tethers across the third row gives you real flexibility for car seats.
TLDR: Overall, this is one of the most usable third rows I’ve tested—whether you’ve got big kids, car seats, or even adults in the back, it truly works.
Trunk Space Details
This is where the Navigator L really shines. The extended length gives you a deep and wide trunk—perfect for strollers, sports gear, groceries, luggage, you name it. Compared to other full-size SUVs in this luxury category, like the Escalade ESV or Yukon XL, the Navigator L holds its own with competitive cargo space behind the third row (around 36 cubic feet). It’s one of the few that actually feels usable without needing to fold seats down.
And one of my favorite new additions? The split tailgate. It helps keep things from sliding out when you open it all the way, which is such a small but smart design feature for busy families. Lincoln also added a convertible shelf that doubles as a table or seatback, perfect for tailgates, picnics, or snack breaks at soccer practice.
Bottom line: The extra length of the Navigator L makes a real difference here. This trunk is big, practical, and thoughtfully designed for real life.
Is the 2025 Navigator L Right for Your Family?
The 2025 Lincoln Navigator L is big, bold, and filled to the brim with luxury features. It’s functional, has a strong car seat setup, and the third row is genuinely adult-friendly. The trunk space and new tailgate design are standout features.
But it’s not perfect. The tech is a little overdone, and the price point is steep, especially when you consider resale value and complexity. Still, if you’re looking for a luxury family SUV and you’ve got the budget for it, the Navigator L absolutely deserves a test drive.
To read more about how to find the perfect SUV for your family, check out my post: Full-Size SUV Showdown: The List of Best SUVs for Families
What do you think about the 2025 Lincoln Navigator L? Would it work for your family? Let me know in the comments! And to keep up with all the latest on the blog, check out my recent posts: