By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(March 26, 2018) The Navigator was the original large, luxury SUV, coming on the scene way back in 1989. It was an instant hit and the ride of choice for the rich and famous. But its glory faded as Land Rover, Lexus, Cadillac and others moved decidedly upscale. But with a complete redesign for 2018 — its first in more than a decade — Navigator leapfrogs competitors and reclaims its spot at the top of the segment with gorgeous new style, advanced technology and countless best-in-class notables.

Navigator is a massive seven-passenger SUV with a third row that even adults won’t complain about. It is available in both regular and extended wheelbase configurations (the extended version adds 12 additional inches behind the third row).



The luxe interior is arguably the best I’ve seen in any vehicle at any price. It’s a complete knockout, upscale with a bit of a mid-century modern look. Build quality and materials are impeccable, with rich surfaces of leather, wood, and suede. Even the knobs are trimmed in chrome; same goes for the stylish metal speaker grilles.

The seats are incredibly comfortable and front seats are fully articulating; second and third rows recline. Perfect Position 30-way adjustable seats are also available, adjustable via door-mounted controls.

The digital instrument panel is presented on a floating 12-inch LED screen. You can use it to configure the vehicle — including seats, pedals, mirrors, steering wheel, audio presets, and climate — to your individual tastes, and customize the display. Settings can be linked to individual key fobs.

In addition, there are physical dials and buttons for the most common functions like climate control and infotainment. The transmission is now push button and resides just below the center air vents, eliminating the awkward console shifter.



All this goodness, wrapped in a new aluminum body, is powered by the 450-horsepower, twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V-6 with 510 lb-ft of torque, connected to the new 10-speed automatic transmission with its buttery smooth, seamless shifting.

Power comes on instantly at any speed. The ride quality is substantially better than previous Navigators, with potholes and broken pavement easily absorbed, thanks, in part, to adjustable air suspension. Steering is precise and handling is aided by an excellent roll-stability system.

The new Navigator was named the North American SUV of the Year, and it’s easy to see that it is well ahead of its closest competitors. If I were shopping for a large luxury SUV, this is the one I’d buy.

Vital Stats
Base Price: $72,055 - $93,705
Price as Tested: $89,240
Powertrain: 3.5L 450hp V-6 with a 10-speed automatic transmission
Fuel Economy: 16-MPG City – 22-MPG Highway
Seating: Up to 8

Crash Test Results: The Navigator has not been crash tested for results by either the NHTSA Or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

Competes With:
Cadillac Escalade
Infiniti QX80
Land Rover Range Rover
Lexus LX
Mercedes-Benz GLS

Fab Features
Opulent, spacious interior
Powerful engine
Smooth, quiet ride