Acceleration

4WD Ultimate w/Elite Pkg.	Class Average
6	5.4

No opportunity to test extended-length L version, but it weighs a nominal 150-lb more than regular-length Navigation, so acceleration shouldn't be much affected. This Lincoln is not as muscular as rival 403-hp Cadillac Escalade, but up to the task in any situation, abetted by adept 6-speed automatic transmission. Towing capacity is 8950 lb.

Fuel Economy

4WD Ultimate w/Elite Pkg.	Class Average
2	2.5

No opportunity to measure. Uses regular-grade fuel

Ride Quality

4WD Ultimate w/Elite Pkg.	Class Average
7	6.6

Size, weight tame most surface imperfections. Stable on wavy pavement, too.

Steering/Handling/Braking

4WD Ultimate w/Elite Pkg.	Class Average
4	4

Accurate, slop-free steering feel, relatively taut suspension combine for confident cornering for a large truck. Relatively little body lean in turns. Test of similar extended-length Expedition shows longer versions of these SUV give up little maneuverability to regular-length models except in tight spaces. Braking strong, but fast stops induce copious nosedive.

Quietness

4WD Ultimate w/Elite Pkg.	Class Average
7	6.7

Highway-speed wind rush from outside mirrors a blemish on otherwise impressively low noise levels. Engine vocal only in rapid acceleration.

Controls

4WD Ultimate w/Elite Pkg.	Class Average
5	6

Navigator strays from Expedition's large, clear presentation of gauges with retro design of smaller, fussier, harder-to-read shapes. Dashboard otherwise shares the Ford's straightforward arrangement of controls. Navigation system awkwardly combines pushbutton and touch screen operation, governs too many audio functions, loses legibility in many sunlight conditions. Luxuriously soft leather upholstery, real-wood interior trim standard, but premium ambiance let down by low-budget switchgear feel, painted plastic panels, a few too many unpadded surfaces. Lack of available rearview camera another obvious omission in this class.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

4WD Ultimate w/Elite Pkg.	Class Average
9	8.3

No shortage of room in any direction. Seats generously sized, supportive. Steering wheel doesn't telescope, but has power tilt, and standard power-adjustable pedals help situate driver well. High step-in a negative partially addressed by available power running boards. Visibility hampered by thick roof pillars, rear headrests.

Room/Comfort (rear)

4WD Ultimate w/Elite Pkg.	Class Average
8	7.1

No opportunity to test with 2nd-row bench seat. Buckets too low to floor, a bit narrow for optimal comfort. High step in complicates entry/exit for smaller passengers. Buckets fold forward for good access to one of best 3rd-row accommodations among SUVs. Seatback could use more angle, but two adults are surprisingly comfortable thanks to chair-height bench, good head and foot room.

Cargo Room

4WD Ultimate w/Elite Pkg.	Class Average
9	7.3

Second- and 3rd-row seatbacks fold flat into floor, creating vast storage area. Available power-folding 3rd row a terrific feature, saves awkward stretching. Big glovebox, large center console, and sizable door pockets furnish abundant small-item storage.

Value within Class

4WD Ultimate w/Elite Pkg.	Class Average
6	5.5

Navigator is overshadowed by the more glamorous Cadillac Escalade, which has more power and more luxurious interior appointments. But the Lincoln holds an edge over the 'Slade in some important measures. It costs less comparably equipped, has arguably better steering and handling, friendlier cargo management, and vastly superior 3rd-row seating. Navigator's real rival is the Ford Expedition upon which it's based. Except for nameplate status, Expedition delivers everything this Lincoln does, and at a lower price.

Total Score

4WD Ultimate w/Elite Pkg.	Class Average
63	59.4

Scores for all Premium Large Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		42
Average Score		59
High Score		70