WEBVTT 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 Few sedans qualify for land-yacht status these days 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 So, living large in size, comfort and image 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 means cruising in something 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 like this. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 I am Tom Voelk with Driven for the New York Times. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 Lincoln's Navigator established the Luxo SUV segment for 2015. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 The bow and stern get a new look, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 changes that pro-athletes, rappers and 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 well-heeled suburbanites will easily fathom. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 Navigator is not a car based crossover 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 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 but not the new generation - 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 you know the one with the aluminum panels? - 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 It will be a couple of years until an all new flagship arrives 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 This refresh was needed to compete with the all new Escalade. 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. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 It's turbo charged, there's 380 horse power and 460 pound-feet of torque. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 It tugs up to 9.000 pounds. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 There are 6 cogs in the gearbox 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 This one rolls with four-wheel drive. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 Built like a freighter. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 Navigator moves like a cutter off the line. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 There's a nice growling. You would swear there's a V-8 under the hood. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 It feels every inch it's size 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 when trolling crowded urban streets and parking garages 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 The ride quality is firm, not soft or mushy. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 Driving dynamics are more crisp than you might imagine. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 This is a full sized truck based SUV after all. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 However, it has the optional adaptive suspension. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 Bundled with the Reserve package 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 it's 7.150 bucks. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 The big issue with Navigator: 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 No amount of money will buy adaptive cruse control, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 lane departure warning, lane keep assist and automated parking. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 They simply aren't available. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 Fuel economy? I saw about 21 miles / gallon on a 150 miles highway excursion 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 closer to 12 in the city. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 The Reserve package adds more than that fancy suspension 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 the beefy instrument panel at the wheelhouse gets cut and sewn leather. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 Seats and door panels are upgraded and if you're unfamiliar with Ziricote wood, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 this is what it looks like. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 These are a crowd pleaser. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 That and the terrific THX sound system hit the high water mark 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 but the gage cluster looks phished from the Ford, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 same with the user interface. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 At the very least there should be new graphics. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 The cabin seats 8 when these captain's chairs are swapped for a bench. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 The midrow is far from steerage, there should be no complaints. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 Access to the way back can happen here 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 or 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 embark in a more civilized manner. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 The 3rd row has belts for three. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 Space is decent back here. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 Foot, knee, leg and head room are not going to be a problem 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 The cushions -- a little on the short side. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 Lincoln crows best in class room back here. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 There are cup holders. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 I'll point out that the doors lack storage options. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 Navigator is a big rig. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 You would expect a large cargo hold. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 Uh, nope! 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. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 The load floor is quite high. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 Of course, dropping the seat backs helps. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 Navigator would have swallowed up to 18 packs 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 if I would have brought one more out. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 Starting at just under 63 grand I highly suggest splurging for the Reserve package. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 That pushes this one close to 73. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 Navigator set sail with attitude, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 but with fewer features than its competitors it faces a headwind.