First Look: 2022 Lincoln Navigator

Lincoln has a lot to look forward to in the next few years, according to Michael Sprague, the brand’s North America director, including a fully electric vehicle next year, as well as a fully electrified lineup by 2030. With sales up 23 per cent and new orders more than doubled since last year, there’s no better time to take advantage of the gains.

And there’s no better way than starting off with introducing the new 2022 Lincoln Navigator. After all, says Sprague, “Navigator is the very definition of our brand.”

A huge part of Lincoln’s refresh strategy remained on the vehicle being likened to a “sanctuary experience.” The new look and advanced technological features “play a critical role in differentiating our brand,” said Joy Falotico, president, Lincoln.

The new Navigator, rocking an advanced 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 engine that offers 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, is expected to arrive in Canadian dealerships early next year, but what exactly can lovers of Lincoln (and luxury) look forward to?

New technology

The 2022 Navigator will offer ActiveGlide with Co-Pilot360, technology to assist with stop-and-go, lane centering, speed sign recognition, intersection assist, and active park assist.

On pre-determined routes and highways, a blue light will appear on the digital cluster, indicating the system’s advanced camera and radar are activated. At that point, Lincoln drivers can operate the Navigator hands-free, but must remain alert and focused, as advanced infrared sensors track head movement and ensure eyes stay on the road.

The intuitive tech continues with the Navigator SYNC 4 system that ensures updates for clients and wirelessly connects Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Lincoln Enhance installs wireless software updates that can manage preventative maintenance to reduce repairs, as well as improve performance.

Additional standard features include forward collision warning, post-collision braking, distance alert, dynamic brake support, pedestrian detection, auto-hold, hill-start assist, automatic headlamps, voice-activated touchscreen navigation, and phone as a key.

New interior and exterior design

The update also comes with signature exterior elements, including a more “commanding” front grille that Lincoln’s chief exterior designer, Earl Lucas, likens to the “king’s crown.” It’s balanced by strong and adaptive pixel projector headlamps that emphasize the modern fascia.

“We put the client at the centre of everything we do,” Lucas added, so when clients wanted more dynamic, Lincoln provided new 3D taillamps with sequential lighting that wraps around the vehicle.

On the inside, the Constellation visual design provides a harmonious experience throughout the vehicle. The interior also features a new and larger 13.2-inch centre stack screen, while Constellation is also showcased on the 12-inch configurable digital cluster and updated head-up display.

There is an upgraded massage system for the front row. Additionally, there are segment-first second-row seats that now come with massage capability, as well as standard heat and ventilation that can be controlled with a new 5.8-inch digital module. Currently, the second-row massage seats are only offered with the captain’s chairs, not the bench. The third row passengers don’t get the luxury of a massage, but there is power recline.

Additional upgrades via Lincoln Enhance include a 10.1-inch screen and wireless headphones, wireless streaming, 16GB of storage for pre-loading content, and multiple inputs including HDMI, USB Type C, and SD.

Unfortunately, Canada won’t see the Black Label trim (nor are there any plans to make it available north of the border) but our neighbours will receive two new themes: Central Park, which comes embellished with laser-etched Central Park pathways and a perforated skyline, offered in Manhattan Green Metallic paint; and Invitation, which features open-pore Khaya wood that expands across the instrument panel and centre console.