2020 Lincoln Navigator — Carivo review carivo.co
SUV

2020 Lincoln Navigator

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $71,781–$92,967
Fuel Economy 14 MPG
Seating 8 passengers
Category SUV
Est. Annual Fuel $3,750/yr

Key Specifications — 2020 Lincoln Navigator

Seating Capacity8 passengers
Body StyleSUV
Base Price$71,781–$92,967

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2020 Lincoln Navigator

Our scoring places the 2020 Lincoln Navigator at 7.2/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.5/10, while Value at 6.5/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional suv — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.

Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability is the weak spot: 6.7/10, under the class average. Review the recall record on this page and price in extra maintenance headroom. The 8.5/10 safety score puts it near the top of the class on this dimension; the official trim-level results at nhtsa.gov are worth a final check.

Performance at 6.8/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Tech rates a reasonable 7.8/10: the essentials are covered and well executed, but rivals at the same price often include more as standard.

Priced from $71,781–$92,967, 14 MPG, seating 8, the Lincoln Navigator sits in the luxury tier of the suv market. The value score of 6.5/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 6 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.

Our take: The 2020 Lincoln Navigator is a passable suv but not a standout one. Weaknesses in performance and reliability and value hold it back from being a strong recommendation. It may suit buyers with specific needs it serves well, but we'd encourage comparing at least two or three higher-scored alternatives before deciding.

Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →

How It Ranks Among SUVs

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator ranks #1611 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 34% of the segment. Its 7.2/10 overall score is 0.2 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $71,781 starting price is about 99% above the segment's median of $36,079.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →

Which Navigator Year Should You Buy?

Smart-money pick: the 2017 Lincoln Navigator scores 7.0/10 — within striking distance of the 2020's 7.2 — and starts roughly $7,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2026 7.3/10$84,017 Read review →
2025 7.3/10$84,017 Read review →
2024 7.3/10$81,570 Read review →
2023 7.3/10$79,122 Read review →
2022 7.2/10$76,675 Read review →
2021 7.2/10$74,228 Read review →
2020 (this review) 7.2/10$71,781
2019 7.1/10$69,334 Read review →
2018 7.0/10$66,887 Read review →
2017 7.0/10$64,440 Read review →
2016 7.0/10$61,993 Read review →
2015 6.9/10$59,546 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2020 Lincoln Navigator

✓ What it does well

  • Top-tier safety scores across crash tests and driver-assistance tech
  • Modern, intuitive tech suite with wireless connectivity and up-to-date ADAS
  • Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well

✗ Where it falls short

  • Reliability scores are mid-pack; some owners report higher-than-expected maintenance needs
  • Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
  • Fuel economy at 14 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly
  • Premium price bracket — make sure the score justifies the outlay vs. segment alternatives

NHTSA Recalls — 2020 Lincoln Navigator (12 on record)

The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Seats / Mid/rear assembly
23/06/2020 · 20V366000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The attachment bracket for the driver's side second-row seat headrest may not have been sufficiently welded to the seat frame. As such, these vehicles…
Electrical system / instrument cluster/panel
08/05/2020 · 20V262000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with camera-only Pre-Collision Assist feature. Vehicles built with the optional radar-plus-camera Pre-Collision Assist system are not affected.…
Visibility / Windshield wiper/washer / Linkages
14/04/2022 · 22V250000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 F-150, Expedition, 2020-2022 Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, and 2020-2021 Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The windshield wiper arms may break, causing the windshield wipers to fail.
Equipment / Other / Owners/service/other manual
09/06/2023 · 23V420000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2023 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with third-row seating; and 2019-2023 F-Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 SuperCab vehicles. The owner's manual does not include…
Back over prevention / sensing system / camera
25/08/2023 · 23V598000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Lincoln Aviator, 2018-2021 Lincoln Navigator, 2022-2023 Ford Transit, and 2021 Ford Bronco vehicles. The rearview camera, or 360-degree view camera if equipped, may not display a rearview image when…

Showing 5 of 12 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.

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