Lincoln idles V-8, Navigator goes with ‘6’

The new Lincoln Navigator is roomy, with strong tow capacity. (Bud Wells photos)
The new Lincoln Navigator is roomy, with strong tow capacity. (Bud Wells photos)

Cruising at moderate speed, I push down the accelerator in the 2015 Lincoln Navigator 4X4, suffer a moment’s hesitation and then feel an extremely powerful surge as the massive SUV attains higher speed.

The Navigator weighs in at over 6,000 pounds and, read this clearly – this impressive performance is delivered with V-6 power.

Lincoln has replaced its 5.4-liter V-8 of last year with the smaller, yet more robust Ford EcoBoost twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 in the Navigator. While the old V-8 developed 310 horsepower and 365 lb.-ft. of torque, the EcoBoost staggers the imagination with 380 horsepower and 460 torque.

It is the same V-6 power that so many Ford F-150 truck buyers are opting for over the traditional V-8. More than half of Ford F-150 sales are now equipped with V-6s, after years of dominance by V-8s.

The new Navigator measures up equal to last year’s V-8 in tow capacity, 8,600 pounds with 4X4 and 9,000 pounds in rear-drive configuration. The 2015 tow capacity exceeds those for rivals Cadillac Escalade, Infiniti QX80 and Mercedes-Benz GL.

Lincoln’s twin-turboed V-6 with direct fuel injection is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift capability, and boasts strong low-end torque. Its peak performance in horsepower and torque comes with premium fuel usage, though the Navigator operates smoothly when filled with regular. My overall fuel-mileage average was 17.3; it will average 19 on most flat highway drives. Its EPA rating is 15/20 mpg.

From its split-wing grille back to its full-width taillamps, the big Navigator has the appearance of just what it is, a big, upright (78-inch height) sport utility vehicle with three rows of seats. The Navigator shares its underpinnings with the Ford Expedition.

Two luxurious features are retractable running boards of almost 6-inch width and puddle lamps which project the Lincoln logo on the ground and light up the step-in aids after dark.

Wood trim enhances the leather finish inside the roomy Navigator. MyLincoln Touch infotainment system, which can be difficult in ascertaining the audio basics, offers an 8-inch display screen for navigation, with voice-activated Sync setup connecting to a smartphone of USB or Bluetooth. The third-row seats offer sufficient legroom and headroom for two adults, and access is an easy step-through by flipping forward the middle row seat.

Only 18 cubic feet of space is open behind the third row; fold the rear seats flat into the floor, though, and a huge 54.4 cubic feet of cargo room is available. A power rear liftgate and power folding seats are handy.

The Navigator review model was equipped with optional 22-inch wheels. The last time I drove anything with those sized wheels was last fall in the Cadillac Escalade over Guanella Pass. A three-mode continuously controlled damping suspension system can be set for normal, comfort and sport response in the Navigator. Its ride is relatively soft, even in the stiffer sport mode. The Escalade last fall had a more responsive steering feel.

The Navigator rides on 22-inch wheels.
The Navigator rides on 22-inch wheels.

The added damping and bigger wheels, along with upgraded leather interior and power moonroof, were a $6,850 option and boosted sticker price of the Navigator to$73,895. Among standard items are heated and cooled front seats and heated middle-row seats, dual-zone climate control, power adjustable pedals and rain-sensing wipers.

Here are the specifications for the 2015 Lincoln Navigator 4X4:

  • Capacity 7-passenger SUV
  • Wheelbase 119 inches
  • Length 207.4 inches
  • Width 78.8 inches
  • Height 78.1 inches
  • Curb Weight 6,069 pounds
  • Track 67 inches front, 67.2 rear
  • Ground Clearance 8.4 inches
  • Turn Circle 39 feet
  • Drivetrain Four-wheel-drive
  • Engine 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V-6
  • Horsepower/Torque 380/460
  • Transmission 6-speed automatic
  • Steering power rack-and-pinion
  • Suspension Short and long-arm front, independent multilink rear
  • Fuel mileage estimate 15/20
  • Fuel mileage average 17.3
  • Fuel Tank 28 gallons, regular or premium
  • Wheels 22-inch
  • Tires Pirelli Scorpion 285/45R22
  • Cargo Volume 54.4 cubic feet
  • Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles basic, 6/70,000 powertrain

Competitors Cadillac Escalade, Range Rover, Mercedes-Benz GL450, GMC Yukon XL, Infiniti QX80, Lexus LX570

Assembly Plant Louisville, Ky.

Parts Content N/A

Base Price of Lowest Model $64,285; Base Price of Review Model $65,055; Destination Charge $995; Sticker Price $73,895.