Lincoln has revealed a refreshed 2022 Navigator that sees no drivetrain or electrification upgrades, but gains a smattering of thoughtful technology, including a hands-free advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) option. The full-size, 3-row, 7-seat SUV maintains its sole 3.5L twin-turbo V-6 powertrain (440 hp/510 lb-ft; 328 kW/691 Nm) coupled to a 10-speed automatic, and will continue to be available in rear- or all-wheel-drive in standard (122.5 in/3112 mm) or long-wheelbase (131.6 in/3343 mm) “L” versions. The 2022 Navigator remains at its manufacturing site at Ford’s Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville, KY, and is expected to begin arriving in Lincoln dealerships by early 2022.

According to its chief engineer, the goal for the upgrades to Lincoln’s SUV was to make its extensive technology set more accessible, as many consumers have started to blanche at the myriad of tech in luxury vehicles. “What we sometimes see in other vehicles is that there are too many things, too many choices, too many switches,” noted Mike Kipley, Navigator chief program engineer. “In our observations, customers of those products often don't use the available technologies because they're overwhelming.”

Amazon Alexa functionality is now standard on the Navigator, allowing voice-controlled queries, and the cloud-enabled Sync 4 infotainment system permits wireless smartphone connection for Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and dedicated Sync apps. A larger (13.2-in) center-console display improves legibility, Phone As A Key will let you start and drive the Navigator with just a smartphone, and a new camera-based Trailer Reverse Guidance feature should ease towing duties. Over-the-air (OTA) software updates will add new features and aide preventative maintenance scheduling.

“We’ve added thoughtful technology we know our clients will appreciate, helping to make their journey as effortless and enjoyable as possible,” Kipley said. “These additions give them more ways to personalize their Navigator based on their needs and lifestyles.”

New hands-free ADAS
The 2022 Navigator will be the first Lincoln to feature hands-free driver-assist technology. The camera- and radar-based system is dubbed ActiveGlide (Ford vehicles so equipped currently sport the copyright-contested BlueCruise label). The optional feature enables hands-free operation on 130,000 miles (209,000 km) of prequalified sections of divided highways in North America, and uses a driver-facing camera in the instrument cluster to monitor driver eye gaze and head position to help ensure pilot engagement. Blue light cues appear in the digital cluster and head-up display (HUD) to indicate when the system is active.

Pixel projector headlamps, segment-first second-row massaging seats and an available 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system are also new on Navigator along with a revised adaptive suspension setup. The active dampers are fed data from 12 sensors incorporating chassis movement, steering, acceleration and braking inputs, and a forward-facing camera can read the road 500 times per second. The camera input can prompt suspension adjustments up to 100 times per second to reduce impacts from road imperfections.