Lincoln Navigator SUV Review
SUV Reviewer
There are just two minor upgrades to the 2012 Lincoln Navigator SUVs. One is the integrated blind-spot mirrors which are not a new modification but they do now comes as a standard feature rather than an addition. Secondly there is the 'AppLink for Sync' that allows voice command over your mobile phone functions like 'Pandora'. Before the World moved on and when it was possible to get cheap fuel the Lincoln Navigator SUV sold well as a sexy status symbol. There is still a market for the Lincoln but the hey day of the gas guzzler is gone and probably for good. The Lincoln Navigator SUVs are still good looking charismatic vehicles with loads of room, leather and wood luxurious cabins, ritzy chrome trim and their smooth and silent rides. The Navigator is a top towing workhorse thanks to the first generation 'body on a frame' design but the engine is lackluster when compared to most crossovers and certainly puny when seen next to the main competition. However, the impressive towing ability and the masses of cargo space when the rear three seats are stowed away make the Navigator worthy of consideration for drivers who need to haul large amounts of stuff.
The engine in the Lincoln Navigator SUV is a dated 5.4-ltr V8 that is showing its age, especially in the longer wheel base. There is also a short wheel base Lincoln Navigator SUV. It drives through a 6 speed automatic transmission. There are rear wheel and 4 wheel drive versions. The latter features an electronic single-speed transfer case. When fully kitted out the Navigator can tow a staggering 9,000 lbs. But the EPA fuel economy figures make expensive reading at 14 mpg in town driving conditions, 20 mpg on the highway and an average 16 mpg for the rear wheel drive model. They are even worse on the 4X4 Navigator at 13/18/15 miles per gallon. Flexible seating in the second row; bucket seats or a 3 person bench mean the Navigator can transport up to 8 folks. Standard for the Navigator are the ubiquitous 18" alloy wheels, maneuvering sensors, powered tailgate, powered adjustable running boards, reversing camera, automatically adjusting rear-view mirror, individual automatic heat and ventilation control with rear auxiliary controls, heated front and second row seats, recorded seat ergonomics, leather interior, pedals to match every foot and likewise the steering wheel. In addition to all this there is a standard 'Sync' voice command tool, Bluetooth of course, a 'sat-nav' system with touch screen panel and fourteen radio speakers for the Hi-definition radio, satellite radio, a USB cum iPod interface and finally an auxiliary jack point.
Lincoln Navigator SUVs are pretty flashy cars but this can be toned down. For the more modest driver there is a less chrome more body color option. But it won't make it any sportier since acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in 8.2 seconds leaves you wondering where the competition went. The Cadillac Escalade or Infiniti QX 56 have bigger engines and body designs more suited to the changed market place. The big old Daddy credentials of the Lincoln Navigator SUVs are emphasized by two standard features. The 'trailer Sway Control' which makes the Navigator the first choice for towing and the code enabling 'MyKey' system that lets grown-ups pre-set maximum speeds and radio volumes when their offspring are driving.
The engine in the Lincoln Navigator SUV is a dated 5.4-ltr V8 that is showing its age, especially in the longer wheel base. There is also a short wheel base Lincoln Navigator SUV. It drives through a 6 speed automatic transmission. There are rear wheel and 4 wheel drive versions. The latter features an electronic single-speed transfer case. When fully kitted out the Navigator can tow a staggering 9,000 lbs. But the EPA fuel economy figures make expensive reading at 14 mpg in town driving conditions, 20 mpg on the highway and an average 16 mpg for the rear wheel drive model. They are even worse on the 4X4 Navigator at 13/18/15 miles per gallon. Flexible seating in the second row; bucket seats or a 3 person bench mean the Navigator can transport up to 8 folks. Standard for the Navigator are the ubiquitous 18" alloy wheels, maneuvering sensors, powered tailgate, powered adjustable running boards, reversing camera, automatically adjusting rear-view mirror, individual automatic heat and ventilation control with rear auxiliary controls, heated front and second row seats, recorded seat ergonomics, leather interior, pedals to match every foot and likewise the steering wheel. In addition to all this there is a standard 'Sync' voice command tool, Bluetooth of course, a 'sat-nav' system with touch screen panel and fourteen radio speakers for the Hi-definition radio, satellite radio, a USB cum iPod interface and finally an auxiliary jack point.
Lincoln Navigator SUVs are pretty flashy cars but this can be toned down. For the more modest driver there is a less chrome more body color option. But it won't make it any sportier since acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in 8.2 seconds leaves you wondering where the competition went. The Cadillac Escalade or Infiniti QX 56 have bigger engines and body designs more suited to the changed market place. The big old Daddy credentials of the Lincoln Navigator SUVs are emphasized by two standard features. The 'trailer Sway Control' which makes the Navigator the first choice for towing and the code enabling 'MyKey' system that lets grown-ups pre-set maximum speeds and radio volumes when their offspring are driving.
