Acceleration

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

Feels brisk on takeoff 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	2.1

Test 4WD Ultimate averaged 13.6 mpg in mixed city/highway driving. Lincoln recommends premium-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

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

No 2WDs yet available for test, but 4WDs are steady, solid highway cruisers. They smooth out most pavement pretty well, though rough surfaces can induce excessive body motion. Still, some body drumming on railroad tracks and other rough stuff.

Steering/Handling/Braking

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

Almost carlike steering feel, fine straightline tracking. Antiskid system, Roll Stability Control are safety bonuses in a big, heavy truck prone to marked noseplow and body lean except on gentle curves. Some nosedive in simulated emergency stops, braking 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	6.1

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

Controls

4WD Luxury	4WD Ultimate w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	5	5.8

Uptown ambience from rich-looking leather and wood, plus stylish dashboard. But brushed-metal trim is just painted plastic that seems cheap, as does some switchgear. Minor controls mostly handy intuitive, but some testers say markings are too small and hard to read; others dislike power-window controls on center console. Power-seat switches hard to grasp with doors closed. Navigation system reasonably easy to use with familiarization, though requires long reach to operate.

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 help long-haul comfort. As in other tall SUVs, drivers can't see much near the vehicle, but standard obstacle-warning system partly compensates, as do large door mirrors that tilt down when selecting Reverse. Ultimate's optional power running boards help ease high step-in.

Room/Comfort (rear)

4WD Luxury	4WD Ultimate w/nav. sys.	Class Average
8	7	7.2

Available 2nd-row bench fits three adults, but seatbelt buckles too closely spaced for comfort. Middle section slides up 11 inches for child-seat access, but lacks armrest. Second-row buckets have more padding than Expedition's, but still no abundance of leg room. Third row offers near best-in-class space on chair-height bench, though cushion could be longer and softer. Power liftgate hardware eats into Ultimate's 3rd-row head room.

Cargo Room

4WD Luxury	4WD Ultimate w/nav. sys.	Class Average
9	9	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 works from buttons at the rear and middle of vehicle, but moves slowly. Liftgate opens high enough to clear a 6-footer's head, but is difficult to pull down manually, and isn't 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	4.9

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	56.5

Scores for all Premium Large Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		41
Average Score		56
High Score		66