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The Lincoln Navigator might be a hulking SUV, but it’s a hulking SUV that has plenty to offer. From its spacious interior to its long list of luxury amenities, the Lincoln Navigator doesn’t make any compromises. But as lavishly appointed as the new Lincoln Navigator may be, can you expect it to go the distance? Let’s find out. 

How reliable is the Lincoln Navigator?

A black 1998 Lincoln Navigator full-size luxury SUV model driving past bushes as the sun sets
1998 Lincoln Navigator | Ford Motors/Newsmakers via Getty Images

Unfortunately, this year’s new Navigator gets some pretty mixed reliability ratings. According to some experts, this year’s model earned an average predicted reliability rating J.D. Power, on the other hand, gave the Navigator a ‘Great’ quality and reliability rating. As for Repair Pal? Well, they gave the Navigator an ‘Average’ reliability rating. 

So what do these mixed reliability ratings mean for the Navigator? Well, overall, such mixed scores show that while the Lincoln Navigator may not be the most reliable SUV out there, it’s also not the least reliable SUV on the block. But if you’re a stickler for reliability? Then such mixed scores could be a letdown.  

Is the Lincoln Navigator expensive to maintain?

2021 Lincoln Navigator driving down a city street
2021 Lincoln Navigator | Lincoln

But there is some good news. As it turns out, the luxury three-row SUV isn’t all that expensive to maintain. In fact, Repair Pal reports that the average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Navigator rings in at $1,089. Compare that to an average of $1,127 for luxury full-size SUVs, and the Navigator is on par with its segment. 

And when it comes to those pesky repairs? Repair Pal explained that while owners of luxury full-size SUVs bring their vehicles to a repair shop for unscheduled repairs an average of 0.7 times per year, Lincoln Navigator owners bring their vehicles to a repair shop for unscheduled repairs an average of 0.4 times per year. Not bad, right?  

2021 Lincoln Navigator parked
2021 Lincoln Navigator | Lincoln

How many miles can you put on a Lincoln Navigator?

So how many miles can you expect to get out of a Navigator? As it turns out, quite a few. In fact, according to this study from iSee Cars, the Navigator is one of the longest-lasting SUVs available. After analyzing 15.8 million cars sold in 2019 to find out which models were most likely to reach 200,000 miles, iSee Cars determined that 2.6% of Navigator models sold in 2019 were able to reach 200,000 miles. According to iSee Cars, that makes the Navigator SUV the longest-lasting full-size luxury vehicle in its study.

While the Navigator may not get the highest reliability ratings, it isn’t all that expensive to maintain. And the odds are pretty good that if you buy a Navigator, it’ll reach that 200,000-mile mark. But before making any final decisions? Well, we recommend taking the Navigator out for a spin. After all, getting behind the wheel for a test drive is the best way to find out whether or not a vehicle is a good fit for you.