I Spent a Day with the 2025 Lincoln Navigator Black Label and Here’s How It Went
First Impressions
I spent a full day behind the wheel of the 2025 Lincoln Navigator Black Label, and from the moment I started it, I could tell Lincoln is serious about delivering quiet power and modern comfort. This SUV doesn’t just move, it glides, and it does so with confidence that fits its size and price tag.
Powerful and Smooth Performance
Under the hood, the Navigator keeps its twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. The moment I pressed the accelerator, I could feel the power. It doesn’t roar or jerk forward but pulls strongly and smoothly.
The 10-speed automatic transmission shifts cleanly and keeps the engine in its sweet spot, whether cruising on the highway or moving through traffic. Despite its large size, the Navigator feels quick and composed.
Ride and Handling
The ride quality tells a mixed story. The fully independent suspension and adaptive damping system work well on smooth pavement. The SUV stays steady, and the cabin remains impressively quiet. But on rougher city streets, some firmness creeps in. It’s not uncomfortable, but you can feel the truck-based structure underneath.
SUVs like the BMW X7 or Mercedes-Benz GLS still offer softer, more cushiony rides, but the Navigator’s stability makes up for it on long drives.
Inside the Cabin
Inside, Lincoln has created a space that feels more like a first-class lounge than a car interior. The massive 48-inch panoramic display is the star here. It stretches across the dashboard and looks stunning. The system runs on Google Built-in, so features like Google Maps, Assistant, and Play Store work seamlessly.
Everything feels natural and responsive. The design is clean and futuristic, and I liked how you can split the screen to view multiple functions at once.
Comfort and Practicality
The materials feel every bit as premium as you’d expect from a six-figure SUV. The semi-aniline leather seats are soft and supportive, while the wood trim and stitching give a handcrafted touch. The second row is comfortable, but I did notice that legroom in the third row isn’t as generous as it could be for such a large SUV.
My only real complaint inside is that some basic features, like air vents and seat settings, are buried in the touchscreen menus instead of having physical buttons.
The split rear hatch is another thoughtful touch. You can open the top glass on its own or fold the lower part down like a mini tailgate. Cargo space is generous, and storage compartments are conveniently placed.
Technology and Driving Features
On the road, Lincoln’s BlueCruise hands-free driving system deserves praise. I tried it on the highway, and it worked smoothly, holding the lane and adjusting speed with ease. It takes some of the stress out of long drives, especially when traffic builds up.
The steering is light and easy, making the Navigator feel smaller than it really is, though it doesn’t give much feedback from the road.
Design and Road Presence
Visually, the 2025 Navigator Black Label stands out. The redesigned front end with its full-width light bar and glowing Lincoln badge gives it a bold and upscale look. It feels unmistakably American, big, confident, and elegant. Everywhere I drove, people noticed it.
Final Thoughts
Starting at around $117,000, the Black Label trim is expensive but offers serious luxury, technology, and capability. It’s built for those who want comfort and power in one refined package.
After spending a full day with it, I’d say the 2025 Lincoln Navigator Black Label is one of the most complete American luxury SUVs on the market. It combines strong performance, a tech-rich interior, and an unmistakable road presence. A softer suspension would make it nearly perfect, but as it stands, it’s still a powerful, luxurious, and impressive ride.
