The 2025 Lincoln Navigator isn’t just luxurious, it’s clever—and it fits right into mom life. So much so, my kids want me to buy one.
When the Lincoln Navigator Black Label arrived, the first thing I noticed was the beautiful Sunset Copper paint job, paired with a blacked-out grille, black wheels, and black-shadowed headlights. It’s big enough to land a plane on, but I was so distracted by its regality, I didn’t notice it right away. But, as it turned out, I wasn’t the only one impressed by the Lincoln Navigator’s aura.
My kids literally said, “Mommy, this is SO much better than your car!” And honestly? I couldn’t argue with them. When you’re comparing my 2024 Acura MDX Advance to a $118,000 Lincoln Navigator Black Label with heated seats in all three rows, massaging seats that’ll lull you to sleep, and TVs in the headrests… well, yeah, it’s supposed to be better.
But the real question is: does this luxury SUV justify that six-figure price tag for real families? After driving one for a week, my kids still talk about it. As a mom, there are a few things that make it worth its weight in gold.
This story is 100% human-researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience, and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks.
The Lincoln Navigator is a Delightful Conversation Starter
Testing the Navigator Black Label as a mom of two felt like stepping into a different world entirely. Lincoln has been on a roll with the improvements they’ve made to their cars, ensuring luxury from the moment you walk up to the car and during the drive. Of course, this updated Navigator didn’t disappoint.
While I genuinely enjoy my Acura MDX, which has heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and comfortable seats for long road trips, the experience in the Navigator is undeniably more elevated, and it should be for a luxury SUV at that price point. We received countless compliments on our test car’s Sunrise Copper Metallic paint.
On our way to see Bad Guys 2 at the Regal in Union Square, a woman stopped me to say how much she loved the color. She mentioned her daughter has a Navigator, but she’d never seen this particular shade. I have to agree, the Sunrise Copper Metallic is absolutely gorgeous.
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The Interior Was Both Beauty and Brawn
The panoramic dashboard spans across the entire front of the SUV, creating this minimalist, ultra-luxury aesthetic that had me in awe. It’s all touchscreen, displaying everything from navigation to climate controls with animated weather visuals that actually correspond to real conditions. During an actual thunderstorm, we watched lightning and rain effects play across the screen.
It wasn’t just beautiful, either. It was functional. Everything I needed was easy to find or adjust. It did mean, though, that everything in this car is touchscreen-controlled, from adjusting mirrors to steering wheel height to gas pedal position. It takes some getting used to, but the system is intuitive once you adapt.
Aside from the technology, the Lincoln Navigator has some of the most comfortable seats I’ve ever experienced. Add the massaging function for both first and second-row passengers, and you’re essentially driving a spa on wheels. My oldest was excited to experience this feature, and honestly, massaging seats instantly makes driving in traffic less stressful. If you know about New York City or Long Island traffic, you know how much this is a godsend.
READ MORE: The Tech in the 2025 Lincoln Navigator Will Wow You, Until You See These New Luxury Details
The Rear Passengers Enjoy the Ultimate Luxury Experience
Lincoln does an exceptional job ensuring everyone in the car has a luxury experience, not just the driver. Typically, third-row seats are cramped afterthoughts, but my 14-year-old (5’1″) chose to sit back there to escape her little sister’s occasional pestering and reported that the seating was genuinely comfortable with good cushioning and room. Plus, it’s heated back there.
We had this car during a heatwave, and yes, she still used the heated seats. I’m not sure what’s up with teens wearing hoodies in summer heat, but apparently heated seats in 90-degree weather make perfect sense to them. Can someone explain this phenomenon? For me, ventilated seats spared my legs from the hot leather, and I very much appreciated.
The second-row headrest TVs require Wi-Fi, but once connected, passengers can sign into their streaming accounts to watch their favorite shows. As a mom who’s done her share of long road trips, this feature is pure gold for keeping kids engaged, especially if they don’t have their own devices.
Kids can control the climate and music from the second row, which is both a gift and a curse. My daughter played a trick on us during one drive, turning the A/C on and off while I was driving. My husband and I thought the car was doing its own thing, automatically adjusting because it sensed the cabin was too hot. Nope, just teenage mischief. The third row also has its own climate touchscreen controls.
READ MORE: Want a Hidden Gem That Whispers Quiet Luxury? Take the 2025 Lincoln Aviator For a Spin
The Lincoln Navigator’s Digital Scent Technology Isn’t Just a Gimmick
Lincoln offers three digital scent options, and you can control whether it diffuses continuously or just for short periods. Lincoln sells cartridges that you can buy and replace when they run out. There are three scents to choose from: Ozonic Azure, Violet Cashmere, and Mystic Forest. Violet Cashmere, my family’s favorite, uses violet, grapefruit, and golden citrus to help relax and calm. Ozonic Azure is a cleaner smell, with patchouli, freesia, and spice to help you focus, while Mystic Forest is earthy, with notes of patchouli, amber, and yuzu.
The best part is that it’s not overwhelming or intoxicating; it provides just the right amount of fragrance in the air. Perfect for setting a mood, whether you’re commuting and need to focus, stuck in traffic and need to relax, or to cover up the smell of a forgotten snack.
READ MORE: Art and Diffused Fragrance Tell the Story of Lincoln’s Automotive Evolution
The Navigator is No Slouch When it Comes to Space and Storage
The 440 HP twin-turbo V6 delivers solid performance while averaging 17 MPG combined. For families, the Navigator offers seating for seven with ISO Fix/LATCH car seat installation in both second and third rows. The car seat detection system and customizable child locks (you can choose which side to activate) show thoughtful family-focused engineering. The split tailgate is a game-changer for everyday loading, and the automatic running boards gave my 5-year-old the independence to get in and out on her own safely.
The Navigator provides 22.9 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 107 cubic feet with rear seats folded. The Navigator L increases these figures to 36.1 and 121.6 cubic feet, respectively, which is a reasonable amount for most families.
The Navigator has clever storage spaces, too. There’s an inconspicuous second-row center console storage box that’s perfect for hiding valuables like iPads when you leave the car. It’s so well-hidden that I didn’t even notice it—my observant 14-year-old pointed it out. My Mulberry purse fit perfectly in the front center console storage, though my husband kept trying to sneak his wallet in there before I could claim the space.
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What $118,490 Gets You (And the Alternatives)
The Lincoln Navigator lineup offers two different levels of luxury:
Navigator Reserve (base model) starts at $99,995 and includes most luxury features with captain’s chairs or bench seating options.
Navigator Black Label starts at $116,495 and adds premium paint options, 30-way front seats, heated third-row seats, rear entertainment, and exclusive design themes, like Chalet, Central Park, and Invitation. All of those features are standard on the Black Label edition, but optional or not available on the Reserve. Our test model included the $2,000 Sunrise Copper Metallic paint, bringing the total to $120,490.
Reserve buyers get Lincoln’s standard ownership experience, while Black Label unlocks concierge services, complimentary maintenance, and lifestyle benefits. Lincoln is also limiting production on the Black Label models, making it sort of a rare gem.
Both trim levels come in an extended “L” option that extends the wheelbase for more space.
Black Label Member Privileges:
4-year/50,000-mile premium maintenance plan that covers all recommended service, parts, and labor.
Remote new vehicle delivery, so your new Lincoln can be delivered directly to your home.
Remote service pickup and re-delivery, meaning the dealership will pick up your Lincoln for service and return it afterward (within a 50-mile radius).
Anytime car wash—you get complimentary washes at participating dealerships.
Travel collection, which is access to curated luxury travel experiences and partner hotels, simply for being a Black Label owner.
Lincoln Access Rewards: 70,000 welcome points (valued at about $350), which can be redeemed toward service, accessories, or even future vehicles.
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Mom-Real Talk: Does the Price Point Make Sense?
Let’s be real about the math here. Financial experts recommend spending no more than 10-15% of your monthly take-home pay on car payments, with total car expenses remaining below 20% of your monthly income. This guideline exists to protect families from becoming car-poor, having a beautiful car but struggling with other financial goals.
At $118,490, you’d need a household income of roughly $300,000+ to comfortably afford this car without compromising other financial priorities. This isn’t about gatekeeping luxury; it’s about making informed financial decisions that don’t compromise your family’s long-term financial well-being for short-term automotive satisfaction.
The Navigator Black Label makes sense for established families who genuinely spend significant time on the road: think frequent long-distance travel, daily lengthy commutes, or those who view their car as a mobile office and entertainment center. If you’re using these luxury features daily and can comfortably afford the payment, insurance, and maintenance costs, then the investment can be justified. If you’re like the majority of car buyers who are struggling to pay off a $60,000 Toyota 4Runner, it just doesn’t.
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Compared to the Lincoln, My Acura Puts Up a Fight
While the Navigator offers a smoother ride and significantly more horsepower, my MDX is more efficient and handles better thanks to its lighter weight. The Acura, while powerful in its own right, emphasizes a more performance-oriented driving experience with superior handling and agility, something I noticed immediately when switching between the two cars. The Lincoln was cozy, but its size and weight were very apparent when cornering.
Interior-wise, while I thought the seats in my Acura were comfortable, the Navigator’s seating is on another level entirely. However, my 2024 Acura MDX Advance actually has better ambient lighting options; sometimes the more expensive option isn’t superior in every detail. It’s a reminder that luxury isn’t always about spending more; sometimes it’s about choosing the right features for your priorities.
What We Loved About the Lincoln:
Massaging seats in first AND second rows— lifesavers during stress-filled traffic jams
Digital scent diffusion (violet was clearly the crowd favorite based on usage levels)
Hidden second-row storage is perfect for iPads and keeping little hands from “discovering” things
Third-row passengers get heated seats and charging ports (my teenager approved)
Power deployable running boards that made my five-year-old feel like a big kid
Tri-zone climate controls with third-row vents keep everyone comfortable
48-inch panoramic display with animated weather visuals that honestly made checking storms approaching oddly entertaining
Ability to install up to four car seats for large families
What You Need to Know:
Fuel economy isn’t great, at 17 MPG combined (15 city/22 highway)—luxury comes with a hefty cost at the pump
Size requires confidence in parking and maneuvering through traffic despite cameras
Price point firmly in luxury territory
All driver controls embedded in a screen require a fairly steep learning curve
Premium fuel is recommended for optimal performance, which costs more.
READ MORE: The 2025 Lincoln Aviator: More Luxury for the Money
Final Verdict: Are Those “Better Than Your Car” Comments Justified?
The Navigator Black Label absolutely lives up to its luxury promises for families. It’s designed for families who spend considerable time on the road, value cutting-edge technology, and don’t mind being early adopters of automotive luxury. Every feature feels intentionally designed for real family use, not just showroom appeal.
My kids’ honest assessment? Completely justified. When you’re comparing comprehensive luxury features, entertainment systems, and comfort that extends to every passenger, the Navigator delivers an experience that’s genuinely “better” than most family cars.
The question isn’t whether the Navigator Black Label is luxurious; it is. The question is whether your family’s lifestyle and budget align with this level of automotive luxury. For families who can comfortably afford it and will use these features regularly, the Navigator Black Label offers a compelling case for why, sometimes, kids know exactly what they’re talking about.
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