Lincoln Lavishes High-Tech Luxury on ’22 Navigator

The Lincoln Navigator was among the first of what is now a large group of luxury SUVs. It has evolved over the years, from what was originally a nicer Ford Expedition into a totally different beast.

Though it’s still based on the Ford underneath, the Navigator brings ultra-luxury and an ultra-luxury price tag to buyers wanting more. Lincoln has announced updates to the vehicle for 2022 that include a slightly updated exterior, new tech and more premium features inside.

While the ’22 Navigator’s exterior design remains largely the same as that of its predecessor, Lincoln has added new lighting features and trim pieces.

The grille has been updated with a revised pattern and shape, while new adaptive pixel projector headlights are standard. The vehicle’s new taillights will offer a 3D effect using LED lights that can “dance” and create various lighting patterns.

Range-topping Navigator Black Label models will be offered with new design themes that add to the existing Chalet and Yacht Club designs. Central Park adds open-pore dark walnut wood trim, while Invitation brings dual laser-etched trim and open-pore Khaya wood across the instrument panel and center console. New wood trim options also are available for other Navigator trims, such as Santos Rosewood and Espresso Ash Swirl.

The ’22 Navigator will be the first Lincoln to offer ActiveGlide adaptive cruise control (pictured, below). The system wraps adaptive cruise, lane centering, speed sign recognition and stop-go tech into a package that allows hands-free driving on select divided highways across the country.

Lincoln Navigator 22 Glide Control

When activated, ActiveGlide shows a blue light in the gauge cluster, which notifies the driver that it’s safe to remove their hands from the wheel. A camera in the cluster monitors the driver for attention to help ensure they can take control of the vehicle when needed.

Several screens make their way into the new Navigator (pictured, below). A new, larger 13.2-in. (34-cm) infotainment touchscreen is standard and is joined by a 12-in. (30-cm) configurable gauge cluster and a 5.8-in. (15-cm) screen in the second row that allows passengers to control climate, audio and seat functionality.

Lincoln Navigator 22 screens

Updated SYNC 4 infotainment tech offers wireless connectivity for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as over-the-air software updates. Lincoln says the updates will add new features and provide preventive maintenance services to reduce the number of tech-related service trips to the dealership.

Lincoln says it worked to decrease noise levels and improve sound deadening in the new SUV – even making the massaging and ventilated seats quieter than before. The attention to detail extends to the Navigator’s chime sounds for things such as the doors and seatbelt warnings. Lincoln recruited the Detroit Symphony Orchestra to record six unique sounds for the vehicle that replace traditional electronic alerts.

Lincoln has not released pricing or specific on-sale dates but says the new Navigator will be built at its Kentucky Truck Plant. The vehicle is expected to start hitting dealers’ lots in early 2022.

Lincoln Navigator 22 rear