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The Lincoln Navigator is one of the most influential large luxury SUVs. It competes with the Cadillac Escalade a great deal in this regard. However, the Lincoln Navigator is an SUV that hasn’t changed with the times as much as many would like it to have. Here’s a look at why the 2023 Lincoln Navigator fails at being among the best large SUVs. 

It’s not the best large SUV because it only has one engine option

2023 Lincoln Navigator is not the best large SUV
2023 Lincoln Navigator | Lincoln

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator isn’t among the best large SUVs because it is lacking when it comes to engine options. According to Edmunds, the latest Lincoln Navigator has a turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine with a maximum output of 440 horsepower and a torque of 510 lb-ft. It’s rear-wheel drive and uses a 10-speed automatic transmission. The problem is that all trims offer the same performance. 

For comparison, the 2023 Cadillac Escalade is a bit more diverse when it comes to powertrain options. All trims have a 6.2-liter V8 engine, but the maximum outputs vary. They range from 420 hp on the base trim to 682 horsepower for the Cadillac Escalade V trim. However, the 2023 Lincoln Navigator is fast as it accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds. It takes the base 2023 Cadillac Escalade 5.8 seconds. But the Cadillac Escalade V does the feat in 4.4 seconds. 

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator interior technology does not match the price

2023 Lincoln Navigator interior
2023 Lincoln Navigator | Lincoln

One of the things that keeps this from being a contender for best large SUV is the interior. Sure, it’s pretty great regarding space and overall style of the cabin. However, the presentation does not match the hefty price tag. Again, for comparison, people feel like they are getting their full value from the 2023 Cadillac Escalade. However, the latest Navigator perhaps feels a tad bit dated.

Where the 2023 Lincoln Navigator may feel a bit dated is with its infotainment system compared to what the Escalade has. The Lincoln SUV has a 13.2-inch display. However, the Escalade has about 38 inches of total screen space. The latest Escalade also has a much better car sound system. Though beautiful and luxurious, there are many non-luxury SUV interiors that could beat the Navigator.

The Navigator is overall not the most reliable

The Lincoln Navigator has never been the best large SUV because of its reliability. Of course, it’s not the worst vehicle in this regard, but it’s also generally not the most trusted. However, it should be noted that the 2023 model is so far one of the best in the lineup, but this may not hold as years go on. The Lincoln Navigator is a huge investment, which means people need to be able to have confidence in it.

Overall, the latest Navigator is a solid large SUV. The problem is that it doesn’t live up to its iconic status as the beacon of luxury. For the most part, the Cadillac Escalade, one of its biggest rivals, comes out on top. There’s nothing fully wrong with the vehicle, but there’s a reason there isn’t a significant dialogue surrounding it.

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