Makes›Lincoln›Navigator

Lincoln Navigator

23 model years from 2005 to 2027, compared on size, efficiency, safety and reliability.

Lincoln Navigator
Pictured: 2019 Lincoln Navigator 'Reserve', front 8.29.20. Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Model years
2005–2027
Class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
Latest engines
3.5L 6-cyl turbo
Best MPG
13–19 combined, by year
Latest rating
★★★★★ (2025)
Recalls
50 campaigns, all years
Most complaints
2019 (85)
Fewest problems
2015
Interest
12,987 Wikipedia views / 30 days

The 2026 Navigator in brief

The 2026 Lincoln Navigator is a standard SUV offered with a 3.5L 6-cyl turbo engine and part-time 4-wheel drive.

It measures about 210 inches long and 80 inches wide on a 122-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 5,928 lb (4dr SUV).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 17 MPG combined (15 city / 22 highway), 15% worse than the 2026 standard SUV average of 20 MPG, for an estimated $3,950 a year in fuel.

It has 2 recall campaigns on file.

The Lincoln Navigator has 23 model years in our data, from 2005 to 2027, classed as Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD.

Its most efficient year was 2023 at 19 MPG combined; across all years the best version ranged from 13 to 19 MPG.

Owners most often report problems with the power train (101), electrical system (85), engine (59).

Buying used? 2016 has the fewest problems in our data, and 2018 is the year to avoid.

2022 has the most recalls (14); all years together count 50 campaigns and 466 owner complaints.

How the 2005 Navigator compares

The 2005 Lincoln Navigator is a SUV - offered with a 5.4L 8-cyl engine and rear-wheel drive.

It measures about 208 inches long and 80 inches wide on a 119-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 5,774 lb.

About the Lincoln Navigator

The Lincoln Navigator is a full-size luxury SUV marketed by the Lincoln Motor Company brand of Ford Motor Company since the 1998 model year. Sold in North America, it is based on the Ford Expedition. It is the heaviest production Lincoln, the Lincoln with the greatest cargo capacity, and the first non-limousine Lincoln to offer seating for more than six people.

From the Wikipedia article "Lincoln Navigator", licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

2026 Navigator pros & cons

Full 2026 details →

What's good

Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.

Watch out for

  • Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 17 MPG combined, 15% below the 2026 standard SUV average of 20 MPG.

Best and worst years to buy used

NHTSA recalls and complaints for 10 model years since 2015; use it alongside a pre-purchase inspection. How we calculate this →

Compare head to head

Compare the Navigator with any other car →

Navigator changes by model year

  1. 2025
    • Now crash-tested by NHTSA: 5 stars overall
  2. 2018
    • New body dimensions: 2.3 in longer, wheelbase +3.5 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
    • Best combined MPG up from 17 to 19
  3. 2017
    • Now crash-tested by NHTSA: 5 stars overall
  4. 2015
    • Engine added: 3.5L 6-cyl turbo
    • Engine dropped: 5.4L 8-cyl
    • Best combined MPG up from 16 to 18
  5. 2011
    • All-wheel or four-wheel drive now available
  6. 2009
    • Best combined MPG up from 14 to 16
  7. 2007
    • Lightest version 227 lb heavier

Years without a measurable change are left out.

Show all 23 model years side by side
YearLatest enginesBest MPG / rangeLengthWeightOverallRecallsComplaints
20273.5L 6-cyl turbo18 MPG––Not rated10
20263.5L 6-cyl turbo17 MPG209.8 in5,928 lbNot rated20
20253.5L 6-cyl turbo17 MPG209.8 in5,928 lb★★★★★613
20243.5L 6-cyl turbo18 MPG209.8 in5,856 lbNot rated716
20233.5L 6-cyl turbo19 MPG209.8 in5,856 lbNot rated87
20223.5L 6-cyl turbo19 MPG209.8 in5,856 lbNot rated1421
20213.5L 6-cyl turbo18 MPG209.8 in5,856 lb★★★★★1233
20203.5L 6-cyl turbo19 MPG209.8 in5,856 lb★★★★★1332
20193.5L 6-cyl turbo19 MPG209.8 in5,856 lb★★★★★1085
20183.5L 6-cyl turbo19 MPG209.8 in5,856 lb★★★★★1252
20173.5L 6-cyl turbo17 MPG207.5 in6,069 lb★★★★★532
20163.5L 6-cyl turbo18 MPG207.5 in6,069 lbNot rated425
20153.5L 6-cyl turbo18 MPG207.5 in6,069 lbNot rated421
20145.4L 8-cyl16 MPG208.3 in6,005 lbNot rated016
20135.4L 8-cyl16 MPG208.3 in6,005 lbNot rated012
20125.4L 8-cyl16 MPG208.3 in6,005 lbNot rated311
20115.4L 8-cyl16 MPG208.3 in6,005 lbNot rated08
20105.4L 8-cyl16 MPG208.3 in6,005 lbNot rated011
20095.4L 8-cyl16 MPG208.3 in6,069 lbNot rated06
20085.4L 8-cyl14 MPG208.3 in6,069 lbNot rated015
20075.4L 8-cyl14 MPG208.3 in6,069 lbNot rated016
20065.4L 8-cyl13 MPG208.3 in5,842 lbNot rated023
20055.4L 8-cyl13 MPG208.3 in5,774 lbNot rated011
Best combined MPG by model year — Lincoln Navigator
2005: 13 MPG2006: 13 MPG2007: 14 MPG2008: 14 MPG2009: 16 MPG2010: 16 MPG2011: 16 MPG2012: 16 MPG2013: 16 MPG2014: 16 MPG2015: 18 MPG2016: 18 MPG2017: 17 MPG2018: 19 MPG2019: 19 MPG2020: 19 MPG2021: 18 MPG2022: 19 MPG2023: 19 MPG2024: 18 MPG2025: 17 MPG2026: 17 MPG2027: 18 MPG20052008201120142017202020232026max 19 MPG

Alternatives to the 2026 Navigator

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2026 Land Rover Range Rover23 MPGNot rated5
2026 Lexus LX20 MPGNot rated1
2026 BMW X723 MPGNot rated2
2026 Infiniti QX8018 MPGNot rated2
2026 BMW XM14 MPGNot rated0
2026 Lexus TX27 MPGNot rated5

Most common owner-reported problems

Power Train101
Electrical System85
Engine59
Unknown Or Other57
Seat Belts33
Service Brakes32
Suspension20
Fuel/Propulsion System19
Owner complaints by model year — Lincoln Navigator
2005: 112006: 232007: 162008: 152009: 62010: 112011: 82012: 112013: 122014: 162015: 212016: 252017: 322018: 522019: 852020: 322021: 332022: 212023: 72024: 162025: 132026: 02027: 020052008201120142017202020232026max 85
Check your VIN for open recalls ↗

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Lincoln. How we calculate this →