PERFORMANCE | 6 out of 10
Expert Quotes:
You won't hear it described as lithe and limber, but it also doesn't feel like a Mack truck as long as you are moving forward.
Edmunds' Inside Line
A V8 that is easily overpowered by most of its competition.
Autobytel
decent--but not so talkative--steering helps provide good directional stability
Automobile Magazine
Accurate, slop-free steering feel
Consumer Guide
While 300 horses may sound like a full stable, the Navigator L's hefty curb weight keeps it from feeling sprightly.
Edmunds
The 2013 Lincoln Navigator finds its way through another model year with a powertrain that puts it at a disadvantage compared to most other big, truck-based SUVs, although in other respects the Navigator doesn't at all handle like the land yacht it is.
With 310 horsepower, the Navigator's 5.4-liter V-8 is woefully behind nearly every competing model. And it's no surprise that the Navigator isn't quick. That said, the six-speed automatic transmission does make the best of it, with smooth, decisive shifts, and most of the lineup can be equipped with either rear- or four-wheel drive.
The Navigator remains a reasonably match for weekend towing needs--at a rating of 9,100 pounds max--but consider that with a curb weight of around 6,200 pounds, it's a strained relationship.
Provided you're okay with merely adequate power, the Navigator does handle better than many other models this big and heavy. Expect heavy nosedive and lots of body motion during quick stops, for sure, but the four-wheel independent suspension helps provide a smooth ride, and this is one truck that steers and maneuvers with some degree of precision on a curvy road.Conclusion
The Navigator's acceleration is disappointing for a large SUV, and a high-priced one at that, but it handles surprisingly well.
