What chassis is the Lincoln Navigator built on?
The Lincoln Navigator sits on Ford's full-size, body-on-frame chassis that’s shared with the Ford Expedition. In practical terms, this means the Navigator uses a traditional truck-based platform rather than a unibody crossover, aligning its durability, towing capability, and ride characteristics with Ford’s large-SUV family.
Platform lineage and current configuration
The Navigator’s chassis has long stood alongside Ford’s Expedition. Since the current generation launched for the 2018 model year, Lincoln has kept the Navigator on the Expedition-based platform, which underpins both models’ structure, suspension geometry, and towing capabilities.
Key platform characteristics
The following highlights describe how the chassis shapes the Navigator today:
- Shared platform with the Ford Expedition, forming the base for both SUVs.
- Body-on-frame construction known for ruggedness and towing capacity.
- Powertrain integration designed to accommodate Ford’s EcoBoost V6 engines and related drivetrains common to the Expedition family.
- Structural rigidity that supports a premium interior while maintaining traditional SUV durability.
In practice, this shared chassis means parts compatibility across the two models and a familiar framework for service and aftermarket support, with Lincoln tuning focusing on luxury, ride quality, and quiet cabin refinement.
Practical implications for buyers
For consumers, the shared platform translates into strong towing capability, substantial interior space, and confident on-road and light off-road performance, underpinned by a chassis designed for heavy use rather than nimble city driving. Lincoln’s luxury tuning—quiet cabin, premium materials, and advanced electronics—complements the rugged base.
Summary
Answer in brief: The Lincoln Navigator is built on Ford's full-size, body-on-frame chassis shared with the Ford Expedition. Across the current generation, this shared platform underpins its size, towing, and durability, with Lincoln adding luxury and refinement on top of the rugged framework.
