2022 Lincoln Navigator: A Subtle Wind of Change
The Lincoln Navigator is sailing towards its 2022 model year with discreet aesthetic and technical tweaks. We’re a long way from a complete update from which this flagship Lincoln brand could greatly benefit, as it recently did for its main rival, the Cadillac Escalade. But these few strategic changes will keep the Navigator afloat until its next overhaul.
The Car Guide sat down (virtually) with Lincoln’s designers and engineers to discuss what the 2022 Lincoln Navigator has in store.
- Also: Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator Owners Need to Watch for Fire Risks
- Also: 2022 Lincoln Corsair Grand Touring: PHEV Tech Finally in Lincoln’s Small SUV
A Few Aesthetic Iterations
A slightly modified front grille flanked by standard adaptive pixel projector headlights are among the most important physical tweaks on the 2022 Navigator. Newly redesigned 3D taillights are also on the menu. While the Navigator’s physique gets only limited modifications in Canada, it’s important to mention that the U.S. market will get new Black Label themes, which offer a little more latitude in terms of personalization.
Decreased Power, And More Predictable Driving Dynamics
Under the hood, a few horses were left behind for the 2022 model year. The twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine that developed 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque in the outgoing Navigator now delivers 440 horsepower with the same torque. Trimming only ten horsepower shouldn’t be cause for concern, however, because a cavalry of this magnitude at 5,500 rpm is unlikely to see a big difference, especially in a vehicle of this size.
According to the brand's representatives, the power delivery should be more linear thanks to this change. When we asked Lincoln them if consumption would benefit from this horsepower reduction, we were told that the official fuel consumption ratings would be released at a later date.
Because the Lincoln Navigator has often been criticized for its somewhat choppy ride, engineers added the Road Preview feature to the adaptive suspension. No less than a dozen sensors, including a forward-facing camera, gather copious amounts of data per second and adjust the suspension calibration accordingly to ensure a more comfortable ride.
A Bigger Screen and Semi-Autonomous Driving Technology
Lincoln recently announced that it was adapting its own version of the Blue Cruise semi-autonomous driving system that is gradually spreading through the Ford catalogue – a system which uses similar to GM's Super Cruise. The Lincoln Navigator thus geared with "ActiveGlide,” which allows the Navigator to navigate the road hands-free over a little over 200,000 kilometres of predetermined road sections across North America. The system studies the road conditions, but also driver attention in order to properly function, or shut down if the essential factors are not gathered.
Inside the cabin, the infotainment screen has gotten bigger and now measures 13.2 inches. It houses the SYNC 4 system which has already shown to be more intuitive in some Ford models. A new Revel Audio Ultima 3D surround sound system is also on the menu, and it no longer has only 20 speakers like it did in the outgoing model, but a total of 28!
On the passenger comfort side, the Navigator boasts an improved massage system available for the front seats, but also for the second-row seats. For those rear passengers, massage functions as well as heating, ventilation and audio controls can be adjusted via a new 5.8-inch digital display housed in the centre console.
Exact pricing and Canadian availability specifications for this slightly revamped Lincoln Navigator will be revealed at a later date.