The 2010 Lincoln Navigator delivers luxury and
prestige in a full-size SUV. For 2010, MyKey parental control, power running
boards and trailer sway control have been added to standard equipment. The MyKey
system allows parents to limit the vehicle's speed and the stereo's volume level
to encourage safe driving in teens. Since a 2007 redesign, Lincoln has changed
little about the Navigator. The Navigator's competitors include the Cadillac
Escalade and Infiniti QX56. A longer-wheelbase model, the Navigator L,
accompanies the regular-length model. The Lincoln Navigator was first
introduced in 1998, essentially as a more luxurious Ford Expedition. Now in its
third generation, the Navigator still shares most of its essential components
such as chassis and powertrain with the Expedition; while it was one of
pioneering vehicles in the large luxury SUV niche, prompting Cadillac to quickly
develop the Escalade in response. The 2010 Navigator has an EPA Fuel
Economy of 14/20 mpg (city / highway), and a starting MSRP of $54,400 - $57,300.
Navigator Power
The Navigator is powered by a 300-hp 5.4-liter V8
engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission. It is offered in either 4X2
or 4X4. The engine, however, may be the Navigator's weakest link. The engine has
gotten more powerful over the years; in 1999 the Navigator received a huge 70
horsepower bump to 300 horsepower, competitive for the time period. For 2008,
the Navigator's 5.4 Liter V8 still features the same 300 horsepower, over 100
less than the Escalade. The transmission has been upgraded to a 6-speed
automatic to make the most of the power and 365 lb.-feet of torque. Rear wheel
drive is standard, while four wheel drive is a $3,000 option. Navigator can tow
up to 9,000 pounds when properly equipped.
2010 Lincoln Design
The Navigator is a huge SUV with a large presence.
Its most prominent feature is its grille, which is an eggcrate design with a
large horizontal bar running through the Lincoln logo. The Navigator is 208.4
inches long, making it longer than both the Escalade and QX56. Standard features
include a capless fuel system, rain-sensing wipers, and a power liftgate . The
Navigator L is 15 inches longer than the Navigator. It's available with the same
features and options as the Navigator, but provides 42.6 cubic feet of cargo
space with the seats up - nearly 25 cubic feet more than the shorter model.
Driving the Lincoln Navigator
The Navigator and Navigator L share styling cues
and ride on a new frame with fully independent suspension. When properly
equipped, the Navigator L's maximum towing capacity is 8,700 pounds, 300 pounds
less than the standard version. The Navigator drives like you would expect an
oversized SUV to. It handles relatively well, but, because of its size, it
takes some getting used to as far as maneuvering it through tight roads and
parking lots go.
Inside the 2010 Navigator
Lincoln's short-wheelbase SUV seats eight with
one-hand flip-down center-row seating and an optional third-row seat that powers
down to a flat-load floor. The three-row L stretches to 223.3 inches on a
131-inch wheelbase and has 25 cubic feet more cargo capacity. There's added
sound deadening under the carpet, thicker glass, and an acoustic windshield.
One of the Lincoln Navigator high point is its third row. While many SUVs
with third rows barely have room for kids, the Navigator offers adult-sized
third-row accommodations with almost as much space as there is in the second
row. Ample space for passengers in all three rows is in part due to an
independent rear suspension which frees up third row legroom and also pays
dividends for handling. Leather and wood accents are found throughout the
cabin. Cargo space increases to 54.5 cubic feet when the standard power-folding
third-row seats are flipped down. The second row also folds flat. With both rows
down, the Navigator has 103.3 cubic feet of cargo space.
Navigator Luxury
The Navigator is a luxury vehicle, and this is
where it shines. Standard luxury features include a power liftgate, power
running boards, heated and cooled front seats, power folding 3rd row seats, THX
II audio system, satellite radio, HID headlights and genuine wood trim. Standard
safety features include anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control with roll
control, tire pressure monitoring, front and rear parking sensors with a rear
camera, side-impact airbags for front-seat occupants, and side curtain airbags
for all three rows of seats. Other components that add to the versatility of the
interior include power adjustable pedals and a power folding third row seat.
Standard features include heated and cooled leather seats, genuine wood trim,
and a 14 speaker 600 watt sound system with a 6 disc in-dash CD changer. Several
option packages are available for order; the Elite package include a touch
screen DVD-based navigation system, a rear seat DVD entertainment system with an
eight inch screen, a power moonroof, and a reverse camera system. The limited
edition 'monochrome' package features a unique chrome grille, ebony wood trim,
and special interior trimmings, while a Premium Leather seating package is
comprised of upgraded quality leather and contrasting stitching. A heavy-duty
towing package is also available, upping the towing capacity to 8.800 lbs for
the 4x2 and 9.050 lbs for the 4x4.
Summary
The Navigator has gotten safer for 2010 with the
addition of features such as MyKey and Trailer Sway Control. Passive
safety features consist of an Advancetrac stability control system with Roll
Stability Control; in the event of a collision, the vehicle features dual front
airbags as well as side curtain airbags which reach from the 1st to the 3rd row.
New standard features include Front Park Assist, Lincoln Sync, a capless fuel
system, rain-sensing wipers, heated second-row seats and rearview camera system.
The Navigator not only has a luxurious and spacious cabin, but also good driving
dynamics and head-turning style. The main downsides to the 2010 Navigator are
its poor mileage and overly ornate gauges. The plus sides are its top of
the class safety features, power-adjustable pedals, and heated and cooled front
seats. The Lincoln Navigator is perfect for anyone looking for unsurpassed
luxury in a big package. The Navigator can hold a family well, and even
has towing capabilities for weekend fun.