2023 Lincoln Navigator — Carivo review carivo.co
SUV

2023 Lincoln Navigator

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $79,122–$105,377
Fuel Economy 17 MPG
Seating 8 passengers
Category SUV
Est. Annual Fuel $3,088/yr

Key Specifications — 2023 Lincoln Navigator

Seating Capacity8 passengers
Body StyleSUV
Base Price$79,122–$105,377

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

About the 2023 Lincoln Navigator

Our scoring places the 2023 Lincoln Navigator at 7.3/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.5/10, while Value at 6.6/10 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: 6.8/10, 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. The cabin tech earns 8.1/10 — infotainment, smartphone integration, and driver-assistance are all close to the best this class offers.

Priced from $79,122–$105,377, 17 MPG, seating 8, the Lincoln Navigator sits in the luxury tier of the suv market. The value score of 6.6/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 3 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.

Our take: The 2023 Lincoln Navigator is a passable suv but not a standout one. Weaknesses in reliability and performance 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 2023 Lincoln Navigator ranks #1384 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 44% of the segment. Its 7.3/10 overall score is 0.1 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $79,122 starting price is about 119% 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 2020 Lincoln Navigator scores 7.2/10 — within striking distance of the 2023's 7.3 — 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 (this review) 7.3/10$79,122
2022 7.2/10$76,675 Read review →
2021 7.2/10$74,228 Read review →
2020 7.2/10$71,781 Read review →
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 — 2023 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 17 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly
  • Premium price bracket — make sure the score justifies the outlay vs. segment alternatives

NHTSA Recalls — 2023 Lincoln Navigator (8 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.

Power train / Axle assembly
24/02/2023 · 23V128000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 F-150, Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The front axle pinion may not have been heat-treated, which can cause it to fracture.
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…
Equipment / Other / Labels
08/11/2024 · 24V852000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these…
Service brakes, hydraulic / Foundation components / Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
09/05/2025 · 25V314000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Navigator and Expedition vehicles. The front brake lines may contact the engine air cleaner outlet pipe and become damaged, possibly resulting in a brake fluid leak and reduced brake function.
Back over prevention / Software
09/05/2025 · 25V315000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco, F-150, 2021-2024 Edge, 2022-2025 Escape, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, F-600, 2022-2024 Expedition, 2022-2025 Transit, 2021-2023 Mach-E, 2024 Ranger, Mustang, 2021-2023 Lincoln Nautilus,…

Showing 5 of 8 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.

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