1 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 Few sedans qualify for land-yacht status these days 2 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 So, living large in size, comfort and image 3 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 means cruising in something 4 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 like this. 5 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 I am Tom Voelk with Driven for the New York Times. 6 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 Lincoln's Navigator established the Luxo SUV segment for 2015. 7 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 The bow and stern get a new look, 8 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 changes that pro-athletes, rappers and 9 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 well-heeled suburbanites will easily fathom. 10 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 Navigator is not a car based crossover 11 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 it's a full on SUV built on the same architecture as Ford's F-150 pick-up 12 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 but not the new generation - 13 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 you know the one with the aluminum panels? - 14 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 It will be a couple of years until an all new flagship arrives 15 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 This refresh was needed to compete with the all new Escalade. 16 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 Last year's V8 is gone, replaced with this more powerful 3.5 liter eco-boost V6. 17 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 It's turbo charged, there's 380 horse power and 460 pound-feet of torque. 18 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 It tugs up to 9.000 pounds. 19 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 There are 6 cogs in the gearbox 20 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 This one rolls with four-wheel drive. 21 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 Built like a freighter. 22 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 Navigator moves like a cutter off the line. 23 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 There's a nice growling. You would swear there's a V-8 under the hood. 24 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 It feels every inch it's size 25 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 when trolling crowded urban streets and parking garages 26 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 The ride quality is firm, not soft or mushy. 27 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 Driving dynamics are more crisp than you might imagine. 28 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 This is a full sized truck based SUV after all. 29 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 However, it has the optional adaptive suspension. 30 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 Bundled with the Reserve package 31 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 it's 7.150 bucks. 32 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 The big issue with Navigator: 33 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 No amount of money will buy adaptive cruse control, 34 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 lane departure warning, lane keep assist and automated parking. 35 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 They simply aren't available. 36 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 Fuel economy? I saw about 21 miles / gallon on a 150 miles highway excursion 37 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 closer to 12 in the city. 38 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 The Reserve package adds more than that fancy suspension 39 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 the beefy instrument panel at the wheelhouse gets cut and sewn leather. 40 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 Seats and door panels are upgraded and if you're unfamiliar with Ziricote wood, 41 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 this is what it looks like. 42 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 These are a crowd pleaser. 43 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 That and the terrific THX sound system hit the high water mark 44 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 but the gage cluster looks phished from the Ford, 45 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 same with the user interface. 46 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 At the very least there should be new graphics. 47 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 The cabin seats 8 when these captain's chairs are swapped for a bench. 48 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 The midrow is far from steerage, there should be no complaints. 49 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 Access to the way back can happen here 50 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 or 51 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 embark in a more civilized manner. 52 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 The 3rd row has belts for three. 53 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 Space is decent back here. 54 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 Foot, knee, leg and head room are not going to be a problem 55 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 The cushions -- a little on the short side. 56 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 Lincoln crows best in class room back here. 57 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 There are cup holders. 58 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 I'll point out that the doors lack storage options. 59 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 Navigator is a big rig. 60 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 You would expect a large cargo hold. 61 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 Uh, nope! 62 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 Go with the L model that adds nearly 15 inches of length if you're going to stash large coolers behind the 3rd row. 63 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 The load floor is quite high. 64 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 Of course, dropping the seat backs helps. 65 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 Navigator would have swallowed up to 18 packs 66 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 if I would have brought one more out. 67 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 Starting at just under 63 grand I highly suggest splurging for the Reserve package. 68 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 That pushes this one close to 73. 69 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 Navigator set sail with attitude, 70 99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999 but with fewer features than its competitors it faces a headwind.