Gear Sports

ike the 2007 Ford Expedition on which it’s based, the ‘Gator is substantially reworked. It’s not all new, but there are significant changes other than just the grille, which is quite large.

Behind the grille is the 300-horsepower 5.4-liter three-valve V8 familiar from previous Navigators. But behind that is something new: A six-speed automatic transmission takes the place of the old four-speed. The extra two cogs help compensate for the dismal weight-to-power ratio of about 22 pounds per horse.

This means the Navigator accelerates much more quickly than a stationary object but is about 2 seconds slower to 60 mph than the Cadillac. The Caddy’s big 6.2-liter pushrod V8 pumps out 403 hp and has 355 fewer pounds of chrome and luxury to pull around. To paraphrase the president of these United States, “The ‘Gator takes a thumpin’.”

Behind the transmission (which is a few feet behind the grille) is a new interior design. The new instrument panel is a variation on the retro-style, two-pod design of the previous Navigator. And it is handsome and distinctive.

We’re not big fans of the old-style square gauges. They remind us too much of the days when Ford Fairmonts roamed the Earth. As with other Lincolns, the Navigator’s “satin nickel” trim looks a bit cheap, but otherwise the craftsmanship and materials quality are quite good.

Because a driver cannot see the grille from the interior, Lincoln has thoughtfully added big chrome accents to the front door panels — one is the Lincoln badge and the other is the thick trim around the door handles, on which is written “NAVIGATOR.” If it weren’t for the new 2007 Escalade’s high-quality interior, we’d say that the Lincoln’s is the best in this class of two.

The Navigator holds an advantage over the Escalade in maximum towing capacity — by more than 600 pounds in long-wheelbase all-wheel-drive versions. And the Navigator L is available in rear-drive form, which the ESV is not, which adds 200 pounds to the Lincoln’s towing advantage.

A Navigator buyer is likely to spend less money to get into their very expensive luxury barge than an Escalade buyer, too. A base level, rear-wheel-drive Navigator will set you back at least $45,755. Model for model, the Escalade base price averages about $6,000 higher. Our tester, an all-wheel-drive L model that came with myriad options including rear-seat entertainment system, chrome-plated 20-inch wheels, navigation system and more listed for $63,860. A well-equipped Escalade ESV can top $67,000.

One Response to “Lincoln Navigator L”

1. Talk About Cars! Says:
   February 28th, 2007 at 12:51 am

   2007 Lincoln Navigator Overview…

   Now the 2007 Lincoln Navigator isnÂ’t entirely new. The chrome-front Navy Blue Navigator is now offered in regular and long-wheelbase configuration just like the Cadillac embodies refinement and subtleness. But letÂ’s not sack its all-chrome splattered…

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