Best Lincoln Navigator Model Years (Ranked) in 2027
By Kory White · Updated Oct 2026 · 5 min read
Direct answer
The 2021 Lincoln Navigator is the best Navigator model year, with the 2022 at #2 and the 2020 at #3. All three are fourth-generation (U554) models with the twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 and 10-speed automatic; the 2021 is rated at 450 hp versus 440 hp for the refreshed 2022.
5.4-liter DOHC V8 with 300 hp and 355 lb-ft, 4-speed automatic
The oldest Navigator here, with no NHTSA recalls listed
Pick by what you want
Best overall
2021 Lincoln Navigator (U554)
Best tech
2022 Lincoln Navigator (U554)
Best value fourth generation
2019 Lincoln Navigator (U554)
Best third generation
2016 Lincoln Navigator (U326)
Best V8
2014 Lincoln Navigator (U326)
The ranking
1
2021 Lincoln Navigator (U554)
Answrs VerdictThe best Navigator year.
Engine: 450-horsepower twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 with 510 lb-ft, 10-speed automaticBase price when new: $76,705 (Standard, RWD)New for 2021: First Special Edition Package for the Black Label: black roof, black mesh grille and 22-inch, 12-spoke black wheelsEPA fuel economy: 16 city / 22 highway / 18 combined mpg (2WD)NHTSA recalls: 12 recall campaigns listed for the 2021 Navigator
The 2021 Navigator has the 450-horsepower twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 with 510 lb-ft and a 10-speed automatic, and it started at $76,705 for the Standard RWD model. For 2021 the Black Label got its first Special Edition Package, with a black roof, black mesh grille and 22-inch black wheels.
Go ifThe 450 hp fourth generation at its last pre-refresh price
Skip ifYou want hands-free ActiveGlide and the 13.2-inch screen (2022)
Why #1 over #2: It is rated at 450 hp versus 440 hp for the 2022, and NHTSA lists 12 recall campaigns for it versus 14.
2
2022 Lincoln Navigator (U554)
Answrs VerdictThe tech pick.
Engine: Twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 rated at 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft, 10-speed automaticBase price when new: $76,710 (Standard, RWD)New for 2022: Refresh with ActiveGlide hands-free highway driving, a 13.2-inch SYNC 4 screen, a 12-inch digital cluster and standard adaptive pixel projector headlightsEPA fuel economy: 17 city / 23 highway / 19 combined mpg (2WD)NHTSA recalls: 14 recall campaigns listed for the 2022 Navigator
The refreshed 2022 Navigator added ActiveGlide hands-free highway driving, a 13.2-inch SYNC 4 screen, a 12-inch digital cluster and standard adaptive pixel projector headlights. Its twin-turbo V6 is rated at 440 hp and 510 lb-ft, and it gets 19 combined mpg (2WD).
Go ifThe newest tech: hands-free highway driving and the big 13.2-inch screen
Skip ifYou want the 450 hp rating and fewer listed recalls (2021)
Why #2 over #3: It adds ActiveGlide hands-free driving and the 13.2-inch SYNC 4 screen the 2020 lacks.
3
2020 Lincoln Navigator (U554)
Answrs VerdictThe safety-tech year.
Engine: 450-horsepower twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6, 10-speed automaticBase price when new: $77,120 including $1,295 destination (Standard)New for 2020: Lincoln Co-Pilot360 (Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Detection, Lane-Keeping System), Phone As A Key, power running boards, heated and ventilated front seatsEPA fuel economy: 16 city / 22 highway / 19 combined mpg (2WD)NHTSA recalls: 13 recall campaigns listed for the 2020 Navigator
For 2020 Lincoln rolled Co-Pilot360 driver assists into the Navigator, including Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Detection and a Lane-Keeping System, and made Phone As A Key, power running boards and heated and ventilated front seats standard. It started at $77,120 including destination.
Go ifThe first Navigator year with Co-Pilot360 driver assists across the line
Skip ifYou want the fewest listed recalls in this generation (2019)
Why #3 over #4: It adds Co-Pilot360 with Automatic Emergency Braking, Phone As A Key and ventilated front seats as standard.
4
2019 Lincoln Navigator (U554)
Photo: HJUdall / CC0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe value U554.
Engine: 450-horsepower twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 with 510 lb-ft, 10-speed automaticBase price when new: $73,205 (base)Generation: Fourth generation (2018-2024 model years): aluminum body, nearly 200 lb lighter than the previous NavigatorEPA fuel economy: 16 city / 23 highway / 19 combined mpg (2WD)NHTSA recalls: 10 recall campaigns listed for the 2019 Navigator
The 2019 Navigator is a fourth-generation model with an aluminum body, nearly 200 lb lighter than before, and the 450 hp twin-turbo V6 with a 10-speed automatic. It started at $73,205 and NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns, the fewest of the fourth-generation years here.
Go ifThe cheapest way into the 450 hp, 10-speed fourth generation
Skip ifYou want Co-Pilot360 driver assists on every trim (2020)
Why #4 over #5: Its 450 hp V6 and 10-speed automatic beat the 2016’s 380 hp EcoBoost V6, and it rates 19 combined mpg versus 18.
5
2016 Lincoln Navigator (U326)
Photo: HJUdall / CC0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe best U326.
Engine: 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 with a claimed 380 hp and 460 lb-ftBase price when new: $63,195 plus $1,195 destinationNew for 2016: SYNC 3 infotainment replaced MyLincoln TouchEPA fuel economy: 16 city / 22 highway / 18 combined mpg (2WD)NHTSA recalls: 4 recall campaigns listed for the 2016 Navigator
For 2016 SYNC 3 replaced the old MyLincoln Touch system. The 2016 has the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 with a claimed 380 hp and 460 lb-ft, started at $63,195 plus destination and rates 18 combined mpg (2WD).
Go ifA third-generation Navigator with SYNC 3 and the 380 hp EcoBoost V6
Skip ifYou want the 450 hp fourth generation
Why #5 over #6: It rates 18 combined mpg versus 17 for the 2017, and NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns versus 5.
6
2017 Lincoln Navigator (U326)
Photo: Navigator84 / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe final U326.
Engine: 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 with 380 hp and 460 lb-ft, 6-speed automaticPrice when new: MSRP $63,195-69,135Infotainment: SYNC 3 with an 8-inch touchscreen, voice controls and navigationEPA fuel economy: 15 city / 21 highway / 17 combined mpg (2WD)NHTSA recalls: 5 recall campaigns listed for the 2017 Navigator
The 2017 is the last third-generation Navigator. It has the 380 hp, 460 lb-ft turbocharged V6 and SYNC 3 with an 8-inch touchscreen, voice controls and navigation, with an MSRP of $63,195-69,135.
Go ifThe last third-generation Navigator, with SYNC 3
Why #6 over #7: It has SYNC 3 with an 8-inch touchscreen, which replaced the MyLincoln Touch system the 2015 uses.
7
2015 Lincoln Navigator (U326)
Photo: Anorak Cline / CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe first EcoBoost.
Engine: 3.5-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 with 380 hp and 460 lb-ft, 6-speed automaticBase price when new: $62,475Refresh: EcoBoost V6 replaced the V8; new grille, HID headlamps with LED running lights, LED taillights and standard 20-inch wheelsEPA fuel economy: 16 city / 22 highway / 18 combined mpg (2WD)NHTSA recalls: 4 recall campaigns listed for the 2015 Navigator
The 2015 refresh replaced the V8 with a 380 hp, 460 lb-ft EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 and added a new grille, HID headlamps with LED running lights, LED taillights and standard 20-inch wheels. It started at $62,475.
Why #7 over #8: Its 380 hp EcoBoost V6 beats the 2014’s 310 hp V8, and it rates 18 combined mpg versus 16.
8
2014 Lincoln Navigator (U326)
Photo: MercurySable99 / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe last V8.
Engine: 5.4-liter V8 with 310 hp and 365 lb-ft, 6-speed automaticTowing capacity: 9,000 lbsCarryover: Same features as the 2013, with no cosmetic changes; the last year with the original third-generation front endEPA fuel economy: 14 city / 20 highway / 16 combined mpg (2WD FFV)NHTSA recalls: 0 recall campaigns listed for the 2014 Navigator
The 2014 is the last V8 Navigator: a 5.4-liter with 310 hp and 365 lb-ft, a 6-speed automatic and 9,000 lbs of towing capacity. It carried over the 2013 with no cosmetic changes, and NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns.
Go ifThe last V8 Navigator, with no NHTSA recalls listed
Skip ifYou want the EcoBoost V6 and better mileage (2015 onward)
Why #8 over #9: It tows 9,000 lbs versus 8,950 for the 2007 and rates 16 combined mpg versus 14.
9
2007 Lincoln Navigator (U326)
Photo: Bull-Doser / Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe budget U326.
Engine: 5.4-liter V8 with 300 hp and 365 lb-ft, 6-speed automaticTowing capacity: 8,950 lbsAll-new: Third generation launched with new styling, the T1 platform and a five-link independent rear suspension; the long Navigator L joined the lineEPA fuel economy: 12 city / 17 highway / 14 combined mpg (2WD)NHTSA recalls: 2 recall campaigns listed for the 2007 Navigator
The all-new 2007 Navigator brought new styling, the T1 platform, a five-link independent rear suspension and the long Navigator L. Its 5.4-liter V8 makes 300 hp and 365 lb-ft through a 6-speed automatic.
Go ifThe cheapest third-generation Navigator
Skip ifYou want standard SYNC and a rearview camera (added for 2009-2011)
Why #9 over #10: Its 6-speed automatic beats the 2004’s 4-speed, and it rates 14 combined mpg versus 13.
10
2004 Lincoln Navigator (U228)
Photo: Anorak Cline / CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe budget pick.
Engine: 5.4-liter DOHC V8 with 300 hp and 355 lb-ft, 4-speed automaticMade standard: Tire-pressure monitoring became standard for 2004; AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control was optionalChassis: Second generation with an independent rear suspension and rack-and-pinion steeringEPA fuel economy: 11 city / 16 highway / 13 combined mpg (2WD)NHTSA recalls: 0 recall campaigns listed for the 2004 Navigator
The 2004 is a second-generation Navigator with a 300 hp 5.4-liter DOHC V8, a 4-speed automatic and an independent rear suspension. Tire-pressure monitoring became standard for 2004, and NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns.
Go ifThe oldest Navigator here, with no NHTSA recalls listed
Skip ifYou want the 6-speed automatic (2005 onward)
How we ranked these
We ranked each Navigator model year on what it gives a used buyer today: engine power, standard equipment, EPA fuel economy and the number of NHTSA recall campaigns listed, using Lincoln announcements reported by Ford Authority, Wikipedia, fueleconomy.gov and NHTSA. Fourth-generation (U554) years rank first, then the EcoBoost and V8 third-generation (U326) years, then the second-generation (U228) 2004. Facts are taken from each maker's own published information; check the official site before you buy.
Questions people ask
What is the best Lincoln Navigator year?
The 2021 Navigator: the 450-horsepower twin-turbo V6 and 10-speed automatic, with a base price of $76,705, before the 2022 refresh raised prices on most trims.
Which years are the 4th gen Lincoln Navigator?
The fourth generation (U554) covers the 2018 through 2024 model years. It has an aluminum body and the twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 with a 10-speed automatic; the fifth generation started with the 2025 model year.
What changed on the 2022 Lincoln Navigator?
The 2022 refresh added ActiveGlide hands-free highway driving, a 13.2-inch SYNC 4 screen, a 12-inch digital cluster, a new head-up display and standard adaptive pixel projector headlights.
When did the Navigator switch from a V8 to a V6?
For 2015. The twin-turbo 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 with 380 hp and 460 lb-ft replaced the 5.4-liter V8 as the only engine.
EPA combined fuel economy (2WD) at a glance
2004 Lincoln Navigator (U228)13 mpg
2007 Lincoln Navigator (U326)14 mpg
2014 Lincoln Navigator (U326)16 mpg
2017 Lincoln Navigator (U326)17 mpg
2021 Lincoln Navigator (U554)18 mpg
2016 Lincoln Navigator (U326)18 mpg
2015 Lincoln Navigator (U326)18 mpg
2022 Lincoln Navigator (U554)19 mpg
2020 Lincoln Navigator (U554)19 mpg
2019 Lincoln Navigator (U554)19 mpg
EPA combined fuel economy (2WD), as published by each maker. Picks without a published figure are left off.
