Since the days of flappers and prohibition, Lincoln has been building large and elegant automobiles. That tradition continues with the 2018 Lincoln Navigator L, a mammoth SUV offering no shortage of comfort and space.
What's New for 2018
The Lincoln Navigator L is all-new for 2018, and is powered by a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. While a six-cylinder engine might sound weak-chested for a vehicle of this size, the 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque it produces is more than enough grunt to adequately move this 6,000-pound SUV.
In two-wheel-drive guise, the EPA-estimated fuel economy numbers are 16 miles per gallon city, 22 highway, and 18 combined; four-wheel-drive models are rated at 16/21/18 mpg. A 2WD Navigator L can also tow up to 8,700 pounds when properly equipped.
Choosing Your Navigator L
The elongated Navigator comes in three trim levels: Select, Reserve and Black Label. Options not tied to trim levels include a $420 Cargo Package and $1,995 Rear Seat Entertainment Package, as well as a $1,865 Heavy-Duty Tow Package that equips the big Lincoln with a heavy-duty radiator, electronic traction assist, and a trailer backup assist feature that allows the SUV to be steered via a dashboard knob while hitched to a trailer and in reverse.
Other features that come baked-in with every Navigator L include in-car wi-fi, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, tri-zone climate control, four USB charging ports for second- and third-row passengers, and power-adjustable pedals.
Even a three-ton behemoth like the Navigator L needs safety features to protect its occupants, and Lincoln has appropriately delivered in that regard. All trims include front and side curtain airbags, ABS, electronic stability control, a blind-spot monitoring system, and a post-crash alert system (which will automatically sound the horn and activate the hazards if an accident occurs). An available $2,600 Technology Package gives buyers a heads-up display, lane-departure assist, and active braking that will alert drivers if it senses a potential accident and will automatically apply the brakes if it determines a collision is imminent. It will also fit the Navigator L with technology that allows it to self parallel-park – a boon for a vehicle that measures 221.9 inches long.
Ten paint colors, four interior hues, and three types of wood trim offer a wide array of choice for even the pickiest of buyers. All three trim levels offer optional $995 six spoke 22-inch wheels.
It seems ironic that a vehicle called the Navigator might be a chore to navigate, but something of this size is definitely no go-kart. Be sure to test drive a standard Navigator before pulling the trigger on the extended-length version – future excursions down tight streets and crowded parking lots will be a lot less stressful.