Acceleration

4WD Luxury	4WD Ultimate w/nav. sys.	Class Average
5	5	5.1

Navigator feels brisk off the line and has better-than-adequate passing power. Smooth automatic transmission provides timely shifts.

Fuel Economy

4WD Luxury	4WD Ultimate w/nav. sys.	Class Average
2	2	2

Test 2004 4WD model averaged 14.6-16.0 mpg in mixed city/highway driving.

Ride Quality

4WD Luxury	4WD Ultimate w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	6	5.8

Steady, solid highway cruiser. The 4WD Navigators smooth out most pavement pretty well, aided by large tires and independent rear suspension. Still, some body drumming on railroad tracks and other rough stuff. No 2WD version made available for test.

Steering/Handling/Braking

4WD Luxury	4WD Ultimate w/nav. sys.	Class Average
4	4	3.4

Steering feel and precision almost carlike. Fine straightline stability and relatively tight turning circle. However, all but gentle curves trigger noseplow and body lean that bespeak a big, heavy truck. Little nosedive in simulated emergency stops, but test distances a bit long. Test models' brake-pedal action varied from touchy yet spongy to natural and easily modulated.

Quietness

4WD Luxury	4WD Ultimate w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	6	6

Satisfyingly refined. Wind rush noticed above 50 mph, but tire thrum is moderate. Engine sounds strained in brisk takeoffs and midrange passing sprints, but otherwise subdued.

Controls

4WD Luxury	4WD Ultimate w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	5	5.6

Interior ambience benefits from rich-looking leather and wood, plus stylish dashboard. But "brushed metal" panels are painted plastic, and, like some switchgear, feel cheap. Minor controls mostly handy, intuitive, but many markings are too small. No transmission-gear-selection indicator in main instrument panel. Power-seat switches difficult to reach with doors closed. Navigation system easy to read and reasonably easy to use.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

4WD Luxury	4WD Ultimate w/nav. sys.	Class Average
9	9	8.1

Ample space and support for even the largest occupants, though front-seat armrests would improve long-trip comfort. Tall build prevents driver from seeing much near the vehicle; standard obstacle-warning system partly compensates, as do large door mirrors that tilt down when selecting Reverse. Ultimate's optional power side steps help ease high step-in.

Room/Comfort (rear)

4WD Luxury	4WD Ultimate w/nav. sys.	Class Average
8	7	6.7

Available 2nd-row bench fits three adults, but all positions are narrowly defined by seatbelt buckles. Bench's middle section slides forward 11 inches for child-seat access, but there's no center armrest. Second-row buckets more substantially padded than Expedition's, but still no abundance of leg room. Third row offers best-in-class space on chair-height bench, though cushion could be longer and softer. Ultimate's 3rd-row head room compromised somewhat by power-liftgate mechanism.

Cargo Room

4WD Luxury	4WD Ultimate w/nav. sys.	Class Average
9	9	7.8

Skimpy behind 3rd row, ample with it down, cavernous and usefully flat with all rear seats dropped. Second-row seats have high-effort flip-forward releases and lack counterbalancing for their poorly leveraged weight. Manual 3rd-row seat releases are a long stretch from the rear with seat lowered. Power 3rd-row seat raises and lowers conveniently via buttons at the rear and middle of vehicle. Liftgate opens tall enough to clear a 6-footer's head, but is difficult to pull down manually, and not easily reached by short people. Ultimate's power liftgate operates from cabin or keyfob.

Value within Class

4WD Luxury	4WD Ultimate w/nav. sys.	Class Average
5	5	4.6

The related Ford Expedition offers much the same driving experience and utility for less money than Lincoln's version. Still, unique power features and good road manners make Navigator a credible player among high-end SUVs.

Total Score

4WD Luxury	4WD Ultimate w/nav. sys.	Class Average
60	58	55.1

Scores for all Premium Large Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		23
Average Score		55
High Score		64