Acceleration
Feels brisk on takeoff and has better than adequate passing power. Smooth automatic transmission provides timely shifts.

Value
"The related Ford Expedition offers much the same driving experience and utility for less money than Lincoln's version. Still, unique power features and good road manners make Navigator a credible player among high-end SUVs."

Ride
"No 2WDs yet available for test, but 4WDs are steady, solid highway cruisers. They smooth out most pavement pretty well, though rough surfaces can induce excessive body motion. Still, some body drumming on railroad tracks and other rough stuff."

Economy
Test Ultimate averaged 13.6 mpg in mixed city/highway driving. Lincoln recommends premium-grade fuel.

Noise
"Satisfyingly refined. Wind rush noticed above 50 mph, but tire thrum is moderate. Engine sounds strained in brisk takeoffs and midrange passing sprints, is otherwise subdued."

Comfort - Front
"Ample space and support for even the largest occupants, though front-seat armrests would help long-haul comfort. As in other tall SUVs, drivers can't see much near the vehicle, but standard obstacle-warning system partly compensates, as do large door mirrors that tilt down when selecting Reverse. Ultimate's optional power running boards help ease high step-in."

Comfort - Rear
"Available 2nd-row bench fits three adults, but seatbelt buckles too closely spaced for comfort. Middle section slides up 11 inches for child-seat access, but lacks armrest. Second-row buckets have more padding than Expedition's, but still no abundance of leg room. Third row offers best-in-class space on chair-height bench, though cushion could be longer and softer. Power liftgate hardware eats into Ultimate's 3rd-row head room."

Controls
"Uptown ambience from rich-looking leather and wood, plus stylish dashboard. But ""brushed-metal"" trim is just painted plastic that seems cheap, as does some switchgear. Minor controls mostly handy intuitive, but some testers say markings are too small and hard to read; others dislike power-window controls on center console. Power-seat switches hard to grasp with doors closed. Navigation system reasonably easy to use with familiarization, though requires long reach to operate."

Cargo Room
"Skimpy behind 3rd row, ample with it down, cavernous and usefully flat with all rear seats dropped. Second-row seats have high-effort flip-forward releases, and lack counterbalancing for their poorly leveraged weight. Manual 3rd-row seat releases are a long stretch from the rear with seat lowered. Power 3rd-row seat works from buttons at the rear and middle of vehicle, but moves slowly. Liftgate opens high enough to clear a 6-footer's head, but is difficult to pull down manually, and isn't easily reached by short people. Ultimate's power liftgate operates from cabin or keyfob."