2015 Lincoln Navigator

For 2015, Lincoln has revamped its iconic Navigator. While it’s more of an incremental freshening, with a full redesign expected in two or three years, the changes are significant and bring much-needed improvement.

 

The most noticeable updates are the dramatic new front and rear ends, with the “split-wing” grille treatment featured on other Lincoln vehicles, and the cleaner look of 170 LED lights on the rear liftgate. Lincoln eliminated the wide chrome trim on the lower sides of the vehicle, giving it a more elegant look.

 

For the first time, the Navigator discontinues its big, gas-hungry V-8 engine for the much-heralded twin-turbo EcoBoost V-6, producing 380 horsepower and 460 foot-pounds of torque. It is linked to a 6-speed automatic transmission and has a best-in-class tow rating of 9,000 pounds. 

 

I drove a well-equipped, seven-seat Reserve Package Navigator featuring a new interior with premium materials and accents and high-quality leather throughout, including a hand-wrapped instrument panel.

 

Two trim levels are available: Navigator and Navigator L, which extends the body an additional 14.9 inches. The optional Reserve Package adds upgraded premium leather seats and trim, Ziricote wood appliqués, 22-inch aluminum wheels, and additional exterior trim upgrades like power-retracting running boards and a two-tone paint scheme.

 

In addition to the expected standard safety features, there’s a programmable MyKey system that enables parents to specify speed limits and stereo volume limits for teenage drivers.