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2022 Lincoln Navigator Trim Levels, Configurations & Comparisons.

2022 Lincoln Navigator Trim Levels, Configurations & Comparisons: Base vs Reserve and Black Label

Compare the 2022 Lincoln Navigator Trims - Base vs Reserve and Black Label.

Although it was only released for its fourth generation in 2018, this generation of the Navigator quickly rose to the top of the ranks as a best-in-class large luxury SUV. While the recently redesigned Mercedes-Benz GLS has set the Navigator back a notch, it still remains one of the top vehicles to buy in this segment. With the 2022 Navigator's redesign in place, it is safe to say that Lincoln is out to reclaim their crown.

Is the 2022 Navigator a brand-new vehicle? Well, no. But Lincoln has given it enough nips and tucks to make it feel like more than just a mid-cycle refresh. The front and rear styling cues give a different aesthetic to the vehicle's exterior. Lincoln has added ActiveGlide, its version of a semi-autonomous driving system. You can also enjoy a smoother ride quality since the car's road-sensing camera can communicate info about the road's surface to the vehicle.

The Navigator's rear seats are a major improvement over those on the outgoing line-up. There are now more options for adding creature comforts. There is a massaging function that can be added to the second row of seats, as can ventilation on the outboard seats. A newly implemented digital control module allows passengers in the back to adjust their seats and the climate control system. Even the rear seat entertainment system receives some tweaks, now coming with compatibility for Amazon Fire TV, making it easy for occupants to stream their favorite shows and movies. And those up front get to enjoy a larger touchscreen display, which sizes at 13.2 inches.

The thing about the Navigator is that it gives you a respectable number of ways to customize it to your liking. There are three main trim levels to choose from: the Base, Reserve, and line-topping Black Label. The Reserve trim opens up package options for the Luxury and Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow packages. The former gets standardized on the Black Label, while the latter is still optional. There is also a sleek Special Edition package that you can get for the Black Label.

So, just how are you going to design your 2022 Lincoln Navigator? Which trim level is going to present you with the best deal? Which options - if any - should you tack on? Just how much room in your budget do you have for more features? Let's take a look.

Compare the Base vs Reserve Trims. What is the difference?

Up first on the 2022 Lincoln Navigator's line-up we have the Base trim, which is also known as the Standard. This is the only trim level on which you cannot opt for the longer wheelbase. Otherwise, you get a body-colored rear spoiler, chrome roof rack side rails, and running boards with a power deployment function. However, if you go for the mid-tier Reserve trim level, they come with illumination. Both trim levels have door handles with chrome inserts, bright belt molding, and a bright-toned dual exhaust system. Also, both trim levels have standard LED daytime running lights, LED fog lamps, LED Lincoln signature lighting, automatic high-beam headlights, and adaptive pixel projector headlights. There are standard sideview mirrors, active grille shutters, LED taillights and back-up lights, and the Lincoln Embrace welcoming system. While the panoramic sunroof is optional on the Base trim level, it does come standard on the higher trim levels.

Inside of the Base trim, you get the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0, which equips a slew of driver aids, including a rear-view camera, auto high-beams, pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, the blind spot information system with a rear cross-traffic alert function, and the lane keeping system. The Vision aspect of this system - which is standard on the Reserve trim - adds a head-up display. Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 Towing is not available on the Base but is optional on both the Reserve and Black Label.

Design-wise, you will find a lot of refined surfaces. There are genuine wood accents, a multi-functional steering wheel wrapped in leather, coat hooks in the second and third rows, carpeted floor mats for the first two rows, a 12-inch Configurable LCD Display with the instrumentation cluster, ambient interior lighting, ActiveGlide (standard on the Reserve), and a frameless auto-dimming rear-view mirror. Also, the power-adjustable pedals have a memory function, as does the power tilting and telescoping steering wheel. The front visors have illuminated vanity mirrors, and the power windows come with one-touch up/down and the global open/close feature. A hands-free liftgate, universal garage door opener, locking glove compartment, and intelligent access with push-button start are standard features. Enhanced active noise control keeps the cabin well muted, and there is an option for illuminated first and second row belt buckles starting on the Reserve trim level.

The front windshield wipers have a rain-sensing capability, and a wireless charging pad is standard equipment for your smartphone. Hill start assist is standard while hill descent control is an option across the board. There is also an embedded modem with 4G LTE WIFI hotspot capability. Lincoln Connect and Phone As a Key are also included with both trims.

Lincoln's Sync 4 infotainment system is standard issue on the Navigator. It comes with the new 13.2-Inch LCD touchscreen, and you can also utilize the Lincoln Way App from your smartphone. There is a pinch-to-zoom function integrated into the navigation system, and the 14-speaker Revel Audio System comes equipped with HD Radio. On the Reserve, you can opt for the Revel Ultima 3D Audio System instead for enhanced, premium sound quality. Alexa Built-in is optional while SiriusXM capabilities are standard with subscriptions after the trial period is up.

Seating does differ from trim to trim. The Base has Lincoln's soft touch seats with comfort 10-way power adjustability for the front seats with power lumbar and driver's seat memory included. On the Reserve, you get Perfect Position 24-way power-adjustable front seats with chic leather seating surfaces, power thigh extenders, and power head restraints. You can opt for Perfect Position 30-way front seats on the Reserve trim. The front seats on the Base and Reserve are both heated and ventilated, as are the second row of seats. On the Reserve, the front passenger's seat gains memory features. The second row has standard tilting and sliding, and you can opt for captain's chairs on the Reserve. The third row's standard build is a 60/40 PowerFold split bench seat with a power reclining ability.

As far as power and handling specs go, you get roll stability control with AdvanceTrac, side-wind stabilization, Lincoln drive modes, auto hold, electric power-assisted steering, and road preview with the adaptive suspension. a 3.5-L twin-turbo V6 is the standard engine, and it is paired up with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) is the standard drivetrain, but all-wheel drive (AWD) is an option. 20-inch 14-Spoke bright machined aluminum wheels are standard on the Base trim while the Reserve has 22-inch wheels.

Compare the Reserve vs Black Label Trims. What is the difference?

The Black Label trim level comes with a rather impressive slew of upgrades over the Reserve trim. The exterior is outfitted with a Lincoln Black Label signature front grille with an illuminated Lincoln star placed in its center.

Inside of the Black Label, you will see more upgrades. The illuminated belt buckles become standard, as does the head-up display. Hill descent control comes standard with the AWD drivetrain. The Revel Ultima 3D Audio System becomes standard equipment too. Also, the list of accessories expands to include unique Black Label carpeted floor mats. The 30-way power-adjustable front seats are standard.

In terms of power and performance upgrades, you do get the Electronic Traction Assist (eLSD) as standard on the Black Label since this trim level only comes with AWD. You cannot order it with RWD at all. Also, this trim adds special ebony-painted pockets to its 22-inch wheel design. Of course, if you opt for the Special Edition package, you will get treated to its black exterior trim elements and special set of wheels.

If you plan on doing any towing with the Navigator, you will want to think about equipping the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow package. As an option on the Reserve and Black Label trims, this package helps boost maximum towing capability and convenience by equipping a Class IV hitch with trailer pin connectors. It gives you low-range gearing if you have selected AWD. Also, there are trailer backup assist (which can help you position the Navigator's hitch close enough to the trailer), a trailer brake controller (which provides for remotely adjusting the trailer's brakes), and trailer sway control (which assists in lessening the sway caused by high crosswinds as you drive).

Remember that, on the Reserve, the Luxury package can be optionally equipped. This is what gives you the 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Sound System and 30-way power-adjustable front seats. And, of course, it is made standard issue on the Black Label trim level.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator crams a lot of luxury features into one neat package. And Lincoln is certainly going all-out this year in order to retrieve their crown from Mercedes. But with so many great trim levels and options available, what should you pick? How do you get the most bang for your buck on the Navigator?

Here is what we recommend you consider doing. First, while the Base trim is definitely appealing with its lower price tag, the Reserve adds a plethora of features that are easily able to justify the extra cost. The newly added ActiveGlide driving system is something you will likely want to have once you have given it a try during a test drive. The surround-view parking system will also likely come in handy on this massive SUV. The standard panoramic sunroof is also quite a luxurious add-on.

Also, getting the Reserve unlocks the towing package, which beefs up this SUV's max towing capacity to one that is quite reasonable for anyone looking to haul a camper or trailer around. You also get the ability to switch away from the bench-style second row of seats and snag the captain's chairs, which will, of course, allow for more accessible pass-through to the third row of seats.

Now, you can stick with the regular wheelbase, but the L (long) wheelbase has some benefits to it. With the L, you will get nearly 12 inches of additional length, quite a bit more in terms of cargo volume, and a fuel tank capacity that increases from 23 up to 27 gallons. While we'll let that be your call, we do think that the standard wheelbase is going to be long enough for the average buyer - and the cargo space is quite generous too.

 
Previous Year Trim Configurations:

2021 Lincoln Navigator Trime Levels