The 2015 Lincoln Navigator. |
2015 Lincoln Navigator. |
The cosmetic changes are a big improvement, with a much more attractive new grille and tailgate treatment, as well as a bump up from 18-inch to 20-inch wheels as standard equipment.
Like the Expedition, the Navigator has abandoned V8 power. Its only available engine is the 3.6-liter Ecoboost V6, but it is more powerful than the powerplant it replaces, at 380 horsepower, and EPA fuel economy estimates are improved at 15 city/20 highway.
2016 Lincoln Navigator interior. |
Our test vehicle was a four-wheel drive model, so the base price was $65,055. One option package and an optional paint color drove the price well past the $70,000 mark:
The Reserve Equipment Group ($6,850) upgrades the 20-inch wheels to 22s and adds Lincoln Drive Control, a system that continuously monitors body motion, steering and braking dynamics and adjusts the suspension in response, depending on which of three settings you choose---Comfort, Normal or Sport.
The Ruby Red Metallic Clearcoat paint was an additional $495. With $995 destination and delivery charges, the as-tested price was $73,395. Where Lincoln might find an edge is in pricing. Cadillac's Escalade in four-wheel drive form now starts at $76,565 and in Luxury trim with 22-inch wheels, begins at $80,565. At present, the Escalade is outselling the Navigator by a little less than two-to-one. And Escalade is having a very good year, too, selling 76.1% better than it did at this time in 2014. It will be interesting to see if the Navigator's refresh gives it enough of a boost to close the gap.