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