Review of The 2015 Lincoln Navigator

 Eco-Boost Power and a Makeover for 2015


Lincoln revealed the refreshed 2015 Navigator months ago, but I almost forgot that it was updated. I guess it just didn't leave much of an impression back then. I expected more in the styling department, and was left unimpressed. I liked the classic Continental inspired styling of the '07 style more than the futuristic styling on the 2015 (although now the Navigator looks more in line with its stablemates), but Ford did have some "better ideas" here that will make this rig more competitive with its rivals, at least for a couple of years.
 Components to the refresh (that I could find, there may be more):

• New front end styling (grille, headlights, front valance, etc.)
• Updated interior
• New trim throughout

• Reserve trim level
• Full width taillight treatment out back/ larger Lincoln badging
• New wheels
• 3.5L Eco Boost twin turbo V6 replaces 5.4L V8

New vs old: 2015 (top), 2014 (bottom)

 The key word to the new Navigator is refresh, as you've probably noticed already in this post. This SUV is not a ground up redesign, it's just a reskin and revamp of the 2007 Navigator. I really expected a new Navigator, what with the new F-150 coming out for 2015. In years past, the Navigator would always change before or at the same time as the pickups. I do expect to see an all new Expedition to be based on the "Atlas" F-150 a few years down the road (perhaps 2017?) Honestly, I just expected a lot more because of all the hype around the new "Lincoln Motor Company" that promised all these new models several years ago. At least Lincoln is starting to make an effort to make some real distinctions between Ford and itself, with all the complaints of "rebadged Fords" in recent years.

 The 5.4L "Triton" V8 is gone for 2015. There have been complaints for years over the truck not having enough power with the tried and true Modular V8 mill, so now the sole engine will be the 3.5L Eco Boost turbo V6. The boosted six will provide a jump in horsepower from 310 to 375, along with increased torque (a full 460 ft. lbs., available at low RPMs. The 6.2L would be nice as an option, for old school guys like me, who believe "there's no replacement for displacement." Well, I guess there is these days. The 3.5L twin turbo V6 puts out respectable numbers, but it's ubiquity with Ford offerings, and horsepower that's not class competitive with the big V8s may leave some buyers wishing for more.  But like I said, it has  vastly increased torque, which will provide a very noticeable improvement in acceleration and pulling power when towing/hauling. It's the old adage "V8 power with V6 fuel economy." The new motor should please Navigator loyalists and maybe even some owners of V8 SUVs looking for better fuel economy in the midst of a new crisis in the Middle East which is sure to drive up gas prices.

As far as other changes go, there is new MyLincolnTouch screen and redone interior, which looks modern, classy, and in line with the rest of the Lincoln lineup, although many pieces are carryover.  I like the look on the inside. There will be a new "Reserve" trim level to compete with Cadillac's "Platinum" trim level which will be the top of the line model, trimmed out with special wood and leather accents.

At this point, the departure of the 5.4 in the Navigator means that the V8 engine is officially dead at Lincoln, at least for the foreseeable future, and Lincoln's luxury SUV is playing catch up to the Escalade and other rivals from Infiniti, Mercedes, and Lexus. Interesting how things have come full circle from 1998, when the Navigator took the luxury SUV segment by storm and the 4.6L V8s were king in Lincolns lineup. How things change.
I will say this: Out of all the Lincoln vehicles coming out in 2015, this is the only one I would buy. Only because it's the closest thing they have to the Town Car, the only vehicle in the lineup with plenty of room, genuine comfort, RWD, and isn't totally ugly like just about every other Lincoln.  So although I may criticize this refresh quite a bit, know that deep down I actually like the truck.

The 2015 Navigator will be available in late 2014.