| The Lincoln Navigator is roomy and luxurious. It's capable of towing up to 9,000 pounds yet it's relatively soft and smooth on the roughest of pavement. It's big and roomy, with a full-size third-row seat, seating for up to eight passengers and acres of cargo space. Smooth and quiet, the Navigator benefits from a fully independent rear suspension and technology aimed at reducing noise and vibration. However, it is essentially a truck, with a ladder-type box frame and separate body, so it is not as responsive as unit-body crossover SUVs such as the Lincoln MKX. (However, crossovers don't offer the towing capability of the Navigator.) For 2010, Trailer Sway Control is standard, and the new MyKey system allows parents to program top speed and other functions, even maximum radio volume, handy when loaning the keys to younger members of the family. Rain-sensing wipers, EasyFuel capless refueling and other features add convenience. Ford's SYNC provides voice control of digital media players and Bluetooth-enabled devices. Its independent rear suspension helps the Navigator ride as smoothly as any vehicle this size. The V8 engine and six-speed transmission work smoothly. The Navigator offers real space for eight passengers, the towing and load potential of a truck along with the comfort and convenience of an expensive sedan. The Lincoln Navigator comes in the standard size or a long-wheelbase version called the Navigator L. Any model can seat seven or eight, depending on the seating configuration ordered. The Navigator L is 15 inches longer than the standard version. Passenger accommodations are essentially the same, but the Navigator L provides an additional 25 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the third seat. All models are equipped with a 310-hp 5.4-liter V8 and six-speed automatic transmission. Navigator is available with either rear-wheel drive (2WD) or electronically engaged four-wheel drive (4WD) that can be driven on dry pavement and includes low-range gearing. A Class IV trailer hitch is standard. |