Nothing says American luxury quite like a full-size SUV and the Lincoln Navigator has been leading that charge for decades.The company is now upping the ante with the 2022 Navigator, which features updated styling as well as a host of new technologies.Key among them is the all-new ActiveGlide semi-autonomous driving system, which allows for hands-free operation. Essentially Lincoln’s version of BlueCruise, the system uses an assortment of cameras and radar sensors to enable the model to drive itself on more than 209,215 km of pre-mapped highways in North America. Since drivers don’t need to keep their hands on the wheel, there’s a camera in the instrument cluster which monitors their eye gaze and head position to ensure they’re paying attention to the road ahead.
Sticking with the tech theme, there’s an all-new SYNC 4 infotainment system which has twice the computing power of the previous system as well as a larger 13.2-inch display. Besides being more powerful, the system is more intuitive and customizable. Other highlights include natural language voice recognition technology and support for wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. That’s just the tip of the iceberg as the Navigator benefits from over-the-air updates and Amazon Alexa integration. Thanks to the latter, drivers can use Alexa to play music, get directions, check traffic, find parking spaces and manage smart home devices. This integration is a two-way street as the Lincoln Way app for Alexa will enable owners to remotely start their Navigator as well as lock/unlock doors from the comfort of their home.
The partnership with Amazon extends to entertainment as the 2022 Navigator offers two 10.1-inch displays with Fire TV. This means users will be able to stream movies, music and TV shows on the go. The system comes with wireless headphones, two Alexa voice remotes, and built-in storage to watch shows even without an active internet connection. Elsewhere, there’s a 12-inch digital instrument cluster and a “re-imagined” head-up display. Second-row passengers will also find a new 5.8-inch display for adjusting climate and audio settings as well as the newly standard heated and ventilated seats. Customers can even upgrade to Active Motion massaging second-row seats.
While the Navigator comes nicely equipped, buyers can upgrade to luxurious Black Label editions. The lineup has been expanded for 2022 as new Central Park and Invitation themes join the popular Chalet and Yacht Club offerings. As the name suggests, the Central Park theme draws inspiration from the New York landmark which is an “organic oasis” amid a sea of skyscrapers. The park-like atmosphere extends to the SUV via a Manhattan Green paint job and Urban Green leather with perforations that showcase an “architectural skyline perspective.” Buyers will also find dark walnut open-pore wood trim with lasered accents that mimic the park’s pathways. If you’re not a fan of the urban jungle, the Invitation theme provides a “sense of intrigue.” It features Venetian black leather seats with brandy stitching as well as Pergola-inspired perforations. They’re joined by open-pore Khaya wood with laser etched geometric accents.
Moving outside, the Navigator features an updated design that follows in the footsteps of the Aviator. While the changes are barely noticeable at first glance, the model has been equipped with a new front end that features a revised grille as well as slimmer headlights. The rear end also sees a minor refreshening as there are new taillights with a cleaner and more minimalist aesthetic. According to the company, they “fade from the center out upon welcome and out to center upon farewell, creating a depth that gives the LED lights a more dynamic look and enhances the overall welcome of Lincoln Embrace.”
Power comes from a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 440 hp and 691 Nm of torque. This is curiously 10 hp less than last year’s model, but it’s connected to a familiar 10-speed automatic transmission which can be paired to an optional all-wheel drive system. While there’s no word on why the engine’s output has been reduced, the 2022 Navigator gains an Adaptive Suspension with Road Preview technology. The system uses a forward-facing camera and 12 sensors to read the road 500 times per second and make up to 100 adjustments per second to keep the ride comfortable.
The 2022 Lincoln Navigator will arrive at dealerships early next year and pricing will be announced closer to launch.
