WE LIKE Phenomenal interior, excellent powertrain, confident demeanor
WE DON’T LIKE Suspension tuning needs polish
“With the new Navigator, it feels like Lincoln’s glory days of the ’50s and ’60s are back,” Christian Seabaugh said. “This Navigator is a refreshing take on what luxury could and should be. It leaves the sport-luxury stuff to the Europeans and instead focuses on a confident, easygoing, cool luxury. The Navigator is simultaneously understated yet elegant, retro yet modern, comfortable yet capable. It’s the best American luxury car of the last 30 years, full stop.”
There was no dissent in the ranks. “You will never mistake a Lincoln Navigator for anything from Europe, Japan, or Korea,” Stefan Ogbac said. “The interior is its defining aspect, especially in the Black Label trim, which really gives it a sense of panache and sophistication without copying anyone.”
“Every time I think there’s going to be some obstacle or condition that will show the weakness of this vehicle, it surmounts it with ease,” Rechtin marveled.
Motor Trend has never been shy about calling out suboptimal Lincolns. But the Navigator shut down our criticisms. Almost.
Judges expressed disappointment in the ride quality. The Navigator soaked up large bumps and potholes admirably, but cracked, broken pavement had a tendency to send shivers up the chassis, unbecoming of such a luxurious vehicle. The rear end suffered from a secondary body movement, an odd wavelike movement in the chassis following an otherwise flawless handling of a large impact. An air suspension was suggested to remedy these blemishes.
Powered second-row captain’s chairs and more infotainment controls on the second-row center console would also be a plus.
Far from the lumbering brute it once was, the Navigator might now be the lead vehicle to redefine Ford’s luxury brand.
READ ABOUT 2019 SUV OF THE YEAR CONTENDERS:
- BMW X2
- BMW X3
- BMW X4
- Cadillac XT4
- Ford EcoSport
- Ford Edge
- Hyundai Santa Fe
- Infiniti QX50
- Jaguar E-Pace
- Jeep Cherokee
- Lexus RX L
- Mercedes-Benz G-Class
- Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
- Nissan Kicks
- Subaru Ascent
READ ABOUT 2019 CAR OF THE YEAR CONTENDERS:
- Buick Regal
- Ford Mustang
- Ford Transit Connect
- Hyundai Accent
- Hyundai Elantra
- Honda Clarity
- Kia Forte
- Lexus ES
- Lexus LS
- Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
- Nissan Altima
- Toyota Avalon
- Toyota Corolla Hatchback
- Volkswagen Jetta
2018 Lincoln Navigator | |
Base Price/As tested | $73,850/$98,920 |
Power (SAE net) | 450 hp @ 5,500 rpm |
Torque (SAE net) | 510 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm |
Accel, 0-60 mph | 6.8 sec |
Quarter-mile | 15.2 sec @ 91.7 mph |
Braking, 60-0 mph | 132 ft |
Lateral Acceleration | 0.74 g (avg) |
MT Figure Eight | 28.4 sec @ 0.61 g (avg) |
EPA City/Hwy/Comb | 16/21/18 mpg |
VEHICLE LAYOUT | Front-engine, 4WD, 7-pass, 4-door SUV |
ENGINE/TRANSMISSION | 3.5L twin-turbo DOHC 24-valve V-6 /10-speed automatic |
CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) | 6,176 lb (49/51%) |
WHEELBASE | 122.5 in |
LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT | 210.0 x 78.8 x 76.3 in |
ENERGY CONS, CITY/HWY | 211/160 kW-hrs/100 miles |
CO2 EMISSIONS, COMB | 1.08 lb/mile |
The post Lincoln Navigator: 2019 Motor Trend SUV of the Year Finalist appeared first on Motor Trend.
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