By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com / Lincoln Media Site
For 2015 the Lincoln Navigator offers a fresh interpretation of the classic vehicle that created the full size luxury SUV segment.
Exterior
The 2015 Lincoln Navigator exterior design changes are accentuated by the execution of Lincoln’s split-wing grille. The more refined appearance complements enhanced power and hauling capabilities that Navigator customers demand, the sleek front end includes a newly designed hood, including a more rounded front end, and more than 200 LED lights.
The vehicle also features a more refined rear end, with a power up/down tailgate and a jewel like LED tail lamp that extend the width of the vehicle. This is another characteristic that aligns the 2015 Navigator with the new Lincoln design DNA. Other accents, such as a newly designed chrome-tipped exhaust pipe and puddle lamps, add elegance.
Interior
Interior updates include a new instrument panel styling with updated cluster gauges, a center stack that incorporates the SYNC with MyLincoln Touch driver connectivity system with enhanced buttons, knobs, and refreshed seat trim.
Navigator offers buyers second-row options that include two captain’s chairs, with or without a center console, or a fold-flat bench. Due in part to a patented independent rear suspension, which allows for true fold-flat, PowerFold third-row seats, extended-length and standard wheelbase Navigator models deliver segment-leading third-row and total cargo volume.
Extended-length models provide 128.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the first row, 86.3 behind the second row and 42.6 behind the third row. Standard-wheelbase models also deliver 103.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the first row, 54.4 behind the second row and 18.1 cubic feet behind the third row.
Reserve Package
The Reserve Package represents the height of Lincoln Navigator comfort, featuring ultra-luxurious leather on all three rows of seats, hand-wrapped and hand-stitched leather door trim, center console and glove compartment, and a leather and wood-trimmed steering wheel. Floor mats are also upgraded.
On the exterior, the Reserve Package features 22-inch polished aluminum wheels, as well as two-tone Tuxedo Black lower bodyside panels, and Tuxedo Black power running boards. Bright stainless power running boards are also available.
Reserve Package-equipped vehicles add Lincoln Drive Control with continuously controlled damping. The CCD system uses sensors that read road conditions and adjust the suspension accordingly to provide a smooth, luxurious ride.
A powerful, quiet ride with class-leading fuel economy
Under the hood of the Lincoln Navigator is a 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine that delivers outstanding power on demand while also providing best-in-class fuel economy for the standard wheelbase 4×2 model. The twin-turbocharged, direct-injected engine is rated at 380 horsepower at 5,250 rpm and 460 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,750 rpm.
The engine is mated to a six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission, which allows the driver to manually control gears if desired. Navigator is available in rear-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive configurations. An available Control Trac four-wheel-drive system enhances traction on slippery surfaces, helps improve handling on dry roads and enables off-road capability.
The standard-wheelbase 4×2 Navigator gets an EPA-estimated, best-in-class fuel economy rating of 16 mpg city, 22 mpg highway and 18 mpg combined. Standard-wheelbase 4×4 Navigator gets EPA-estimated 15 mpg city, 20 mpg highway and 17 mpg combined, while the extended wheelbase 4×2 model returns EPA-estimated 15 mpg city, 20 mpg highway and 17 mpg combined and the 4×4 configuration gets an EPA-estimated 15 mpg city, 19 mpg highway and 16 mpg combined.
Summary
The new Lincoln Navigator delivers both power and beauty; it’s got the new Lincoln design DNA on the exterior, a redesigned instrument panel and a new Reserve option with 22-inch wheels along with the 3.5L EcoBoost engine. With the addition of EPAS and CCD to Navigator’s class-leading independent rear suspension and a strong brake system, the Navigator is surprisingly nimble for such a large vehicle.
The manufacturer’s suggested retail price starts at $65,055.00, the one I drove included the Reserve Equipment Group Package and Power Moonroof, and it came in at $73,895.00 including destination and delivery charges.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com
