WASHINGTON — When you think Lincoln Navigator, you might think two things: “Huge SUV” and “Do they even make that anymore?” I really wanted one of these when they first came out in the ’90s, but more recently it looked a little strange, with nothing but grills on the front. But for 2015, Lincoln tones down the styling a bit and makes it more Lincoln and less in your face.
The V8 is no longer offered, but that’s fine, since it just wasn’t as powerful as the new engine — a twin turbo V6 lifted from the Ford trucks. The torque from this engine is stout: It really moves this large SUV. If you drive with the windows down, you can hear the turbos working away. Don’t worry, though — with the windows up you still have the quiet Lincoln ride. The six-speed automatic works well and has nearly seamless shifts, but it’s lacking a few gears when it comes to the competition. A few extra gears could also help with fuel economy: I could only muster 14.7 mpg in a week of driving; the sticker says 17 mpg.
The styling is toned down a bit from the previous Navigator. There is still a large grill up front, but it’s not so over-the-top. This is a large vehicle, and though it hasn’t really drastically changed in years, it still has a commanding look. It’s still a bit of understatement when compared to the Cadillac. I drove the top-of the-line $72,900 Reserve trim level, which adds large 22-inch wheels that look good and give a bit more curb appeal.
Both the chrome trim and brake lights that go across the back end seem to break up the size a bit and add some flair. The power running boards that pop down when you open the door are a nice feature and help keep a clean look.
The interior was also updated to some degree. The seats are very comfortable and are both heated and cooled upfront. The leather- and wood-trimmed steering wheel looks nice but also seems very large, and the grab handle for the driver’s seat was a little distracting for me — almost at my eye level. The materials used throughout the cabin are nicer, but a few hard plastics remain, though mostly out of sight. There is good space for people — seven in my tester. The second row had two captain’s chairs and a bench for three in the third row with decent space. It’s just not as nice as the second row.
After a week of driving, I found myself slowing down a bit and taking it easy with this large SUV. I might have even started talking to myself a bit and rubbing a few fingers together. The Navigator is best enjoyed as it’s intended: a big quiet machine that pampers you with a large, quiet cabin. The Navigator is now a less costly option in an expensive large luxury SUV class, and with its updates, it can now justify the cost of entry.
