Overview:
This week we’re looking at the Lincoln Navigator 4X2, much like the Ford Excursion and in direct competition with Cadillac’s Escalade, in my opinion. Both are luxury cars equipped with all the things carmakers do to pamper us. I surely liked it as much as the Escalade and they are priced the same.
I’m not into big, but if you’re in the market for this class luxury vehicle to pull your boat to the river or hunter jumpers to the horse show it’s just what the doctor ordered.
Handling & Performance:
Rides like a well-equipped tank with soft suspension and lots of horsepower. On the other hand, it burns fuel at the same rate. You don’t buy one of these to zip around town. But if you’re on the road to a recreation spot with a good-sized family, this is ticket. I love it but couldn’t bring myself to use up all the resources for just the two of us. Optionally, Navigator can be equipped with an on-demand 4WD with a ground clearance of over eight inches, making it possible to take this luxury vehicle across almost any terrain and through almost any conditions. But I bet you’ll never need to do that. I like the speed sensitive power steering because I like to feel the road at highway speeds.
Styling:
Navigator joins the fast-growing luxury SUV market and is an elegant addition. The optional 17-inch aluminum chrome wheels add a nice sporty touch. Manufacturers finally got rid of the boxy square cornered design of the past decade or so and the softer lines are a welcomed change for most of the folks I’ve talked with.
Fit and Finish:
As expected from Lincoln, the Navigator comes standard with a luxurious interior, including leather upholstery, walnut accents, and dual bucket seats in the second row. An optional second-row split-bench seat increases seating capacity to eight. In addition to all the elegant touches, they are well assembled. American car makers have come a long way in this area, thanks to the mindful Japanese quality leaders for the past generation.
Conveniences:
Ford equips this Lincoln with a number pad under the door handle for keyless entry but I think it is an appendage, especially if you have the ever-handy remote keyless entry key fob.
Cost:
At a base retail price of $47,765 the Navigator 4WD and is pricey. But if you want the extra luxury, it is competitive with similar carmakers.
Recommendation:
Depending on your preference of manufacturer you’ll likely find GM’s Cad Escalade the closest to this Ford product. On balance, I lean toward the Standard of Excellence in Cadillac, but some folks wouldn’t own anything but a Ford product.
The Competition:
AM General Hummer $75,987-94,529, Cadillac Escalade $49,290, Chevrolet Tahoe $24,941-27,857, Ford Expedition $30,140-40,695, GMC Yukon Denali $46,150-47,650, Infiniti QX4 $34,150-35,550, Land Rover Range Rover $62,000-68,000, Lexus LX 470 $61,405, Mercedes M-Class $35,800-65,900, Toyota Land Cruiser $52,895.
Good News:
Speed sensitive power steering, 30-gallon fuel tank, lots of comfortable seating, elegant wood and leather steering wheel, authentic wood trim, nice lighted running boards, great for towing those rec vehicles.
Bad News:
Keypad on doors is a waste of money, terrible gas consumption – you need the 30-gallon fuel tank.
Standard Equipment:
5.4 liter 300 horsepower V8, 4 speed automatic trans, front and side air bags, power 4-wheel disc brakes, anti theft system, remote keyless entry with keypad on door, speed sensitive power steering, climate control, load leveling air suspension, power adjustable pedals, HD trailer tow package, 30 gallon fuel tank, bucket seats first and second row and third row fold-up bench seat, real wood trim, integrated illuminated running boards,
Gas Stats:
12 City and 17 Highway MPG.
Pricing:
12 City and 17 Highway MPG.
