2010 Lincoln Navigator - Review

The Basics:

With over a decade on the roads and through several updates, the Lincoln Navigator is still as large and stately as ever, though some reviewers find the overall appearance a bit on the "bling" side of attractive. More upscale than the Ford Expedition, the Navigator is quiet and comfortable inside. Design and function of all the interior's core elements are good, and Lincoln's unique gauges are a fun touch.

Power for both 2010 Lincoln Navigator models comes from a 300-horsepower, 5.4-liter V-8 engine that drives either two or four wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. Hauling is second nature to the Navigator, with a maximum tow rating of 9,100 pounds.

Handling is solid and stable, though it's a large SUV, not a sports car. The size and 6,200-pound curb weight of the vehicle also tax the 5.4-liter V-8 engine at times compared to other vehicles in the class. Shifting is slick and easy, though, turning low revs at highway speeds to reduce engine noise. Body roll is what you'd expect from a big, heavy SUV, but four-wheel independent suspension helps provide a smooth ride.

Seating is comfortable throughout, even in the oft-compromised third row. Power fold capability means the third row can be quickly and easily stowed when not in use, and as one of TheCarConnection's editors note, the power fold feature can be used to scoot faraway cargo toward the rear, as it moves the cargo aft when unfolding the seats.

Safety is a strong point with the new Navigator, rating five stars in front and side driver and passenger ratings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Rollover ratings, despite the Roll Stability Control system, are lower at just three stars for the two-wheel-drive models and four stars for the four-wheel-drive models. Standard safety equipment includes safety canopy and side impact airbags; child tether system; Lincoln's Personal Safety System with safety belt pre-tensioners, load-limiting retractors, dual-stage front airbags, driver seat position sensor and crash severity sensor; and SOS post-crash alert system.

Two models are available, the Navigator and Navigator L; the latter is 14.7 inches longer than the standard model. The Navigator L also features 24.5 cubic feet of extra cargo capacity compared to the Navigator, which clocks in at 18.2 cubic feet total with the seats up. Fold the second- and third-row seats down and that figure grows to 103.5 cubic feet for the Navigator and 128.2 cubic feet for the L.

Improvements for 2010 include the addition across the range of the new SYNC and Sirius Travel Link features, plus Standard Trailer Sway Control as part of the AdvanceTrac stability system and MyKey technology, which allows Navigator owners to limit top speed and radio volume even when they're not in the car-and all are standard. All are also available on either the standard Navigator or the longer L. Other features introduced last year include a rearview camera system, rain-sensing windshield wipers, EasyFuel capless fuel fill, Front Park Assist, and heated second-row seats.

Other 2010 upgrades and options include standard power-deployable running boards to ease ingress and egress, as well as leather-trimmed seats.