2015 Lincoln Navigator Review

We put the twin-turbocharged 3.5L V6 EcoBoost powered luxury hauler to the test - but is it worth the bump compared to its Expedition sibling?

Summary:

  • New twin-turbo V6 engine for 2015
  • Seats up to eight passengers
  • Available in regular and long-wheelbase versions
  • Standard heated and cooled leather front seats
  • Standard power-folding third-row seat
  • Standard power running boards
  • 18 combined MPG
  • Seating capacity for eight passengers
  • Dimensions are 207.4” in length and 78.1” in width
  • Rear-wheel drive as the standard drivetrain​
2015 Lincoln Navigator rear
2015 Lincoln Navigator

Lincoln has, over the years, taken a fair bit of heat in the automotive media for shameless badge engineering: changing a logo here, adding some baubles there, and charging a stiff premium for, basically, a fancy Ford. And we journos can’t take the credit, but Lincoln has been listening.

It might still seem to be the case between the $49,000 Ford Expedition and the $76,000 Lincoln Navigator full-size luxury SUV but dig deeper, and the gap closes considerably.

The most comparable level of the Ford Expedition is the $67,099 Platinum, to which you have to add a self-leveling rear suspension ($1,000) to approach the equipment in a standard Navigator. So, instead of nearly $30,000, the upcharge to the Linc is $7,400.

2015 Lincoln Navigator Power and Performance

2015-lincoln-navigator-review
2015 Lincoln Navigator

To be sure, underneath the baubles, the two are almost identical. They both have a 3.5-litre V6 EcoBoost engine, though in the Navigator, it’s tuned for 380 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque vs. the Expedition’s 365 hp and 420 lb-ft. Both come with six-speed automatic transmissions, have independent rear suspension, and come out of the same Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville, Ky.

And while there are some body panel differences here and there, the overall shape makes the relationship between the two impossible to miss.

2015-lincoln-navigator
2015 Lincoln Navigator

So, what do you get for your $7,400? Well, the more powerful engine is a start. In the Lincoln, the EcoBoost is the Jekyll and Hyde engine, able to be a sleepy, fuel-efficient mill with judicious use of the accelerator and a rocket motor when you stick your foot into it. Do that too much, however, and your fuel economy goes south in a hurry.

Here’s what I liked most about the Navigator’s engine: Even though I didn’t take any extraordinary measures to save fuel, I only put my foot down a few times to test the acceleration — which was startlingly fast, by the way — the average never rose above 14 l/100km. It would typically stay at 13.6, which is on par with our minivan.

That’s on a largely city-only loop, too. Get it out for a highway drive, and it would be even better.

2015 Navigator Towing Capacity and Driving Impressions

2015-Lincoln-Navigator-review
2015 Lincoln Navigator

When properly equipped, the 2015 Lincoln Navigator offers a towing capacity of up to 9,000 pounds. This capability is complemented by its twin-turbo V6 engine, providing robust performance for towing and hauling needs​​.

The handling of the Navigator is significantly improved from previous models, as well. Independent rear suspension and the optional continuously controlled suspension damping do a decent job of reducing the truckiness level of the handling. It doesn’t eliminate the truck-like feel, however, so this does feel more like a truck than a car.

Exploring the handling limits, I found them at the end of a descending-radius off-ramp. The rear end started to break free at about 80 km/h, but it felt more like the Nav was running out of tire than running out of suspension. This was much harder than any average driver would push it, and with 22-inch wheels on the tester, I can’t say I’d argue for anything more significant.

2015 Lincoln Navigator Interior

2015-lincoln-navigator interior front cabin
2015 Lincoln Navigator

The interior is quite different, too. While the Expedition’s interior feels very 2014 F-150-ish, the Navigator goes for a more upscale look, with the upper dash featuring twin cowls (a reinterpretation of the Mustang dash) clad in leather with contrasting stitching. A matte-finish browny grey surround for the controls is an attractive choice.

And while the instrument panel with twin TFT display wings on either side of a large, round speedometer is no stranger to Ford products (it’s in everything from Fusion to Expedition), it doesn’t look out of place in the Lincoln. One of those crossover features elevates the look of the lesser products rather than degrading the face of the higher-end models.

Interior Cargo Space

The cargo area with the third row down is relatively large, though, as with most crossovers, it will never approach the minivan space. If you need more space, for an extra $3k, you can have the Navigator L, which adds almost 15 inches in length to the body.

2015-lincoln-navigator
2015 Lincoln Navigator

I found a pleasant surprise: the third row is serviceable. It’s a little complicated to get into (you must fold the headrest before you can flop the second-row seat forward), but it has decent legroom. The only thing that would make it uncomfortable for an adult on a long trip is the height of the seat cushion relative to the floor. You sit with the backs of your thighs elevated from the front of the seat cushion.

Another thing you can access in Lincoln is a vastly improved execution of seat-back video monitors. The option is $2,100 for the Expedition and $2,350 for the Nav. The monitors in the Ford have a clipped-on, temporary look. In the Linc, they are nicely integrated into the headrests.

As to the keyless entry, I like how the Navigator doubles up on the existing numbered keypad, so keylessly unlocking the vehicle happens by pushing on the number 9 (with the fob on you, of course), and locking happens by pressing 7 and 9 simultaneously.

One niggling little bit: vehicles with keyless entry are supposed to be able to prevent locking the keyfob in the car. I found out this isn’t the case with the Navigator. ’Nuff said.

Takeaway

black 2015-lincoln-navigator
2015 Lincoln Navigator

At its mid-70s price point, the Lincoln is up against some heady competition, not the least of which might be the Mercedes-Benz GL, which comes with a diesel engine, a few inches more length, and a price of $78,500. Is the cachet of a Benz worth $2,700?

What the Navigator represents, however, is a credible domestic alternative for those seeking a luxury SUV. The fuel mileage won’t be as good as the Benz, but given the added cost of diesel fuel and the added cost of the vehicle, it probably comes out as a wash.

Pros:

  • Extra 40 lb-ft of torque noticeably improves the kick relative to Expedition
  • Upscale interior creates a luxurious environment
  • Plenty of room for occupants, even in the third row

Cons:

  • Like most SUVs, still can’t touch a minivan for usable interior space
  • More exterior differentiation from Expedition would be appreciated
  • Keyless entry failed to guard against locking keyfob in vehicle

2015 Lincoln Navigator Specs

  • Engine: 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6
  • Power: 385 horsepower at 5,250 rpm
  • Torque: 460 lb-ft at 2,750 rpm
  • Transmission: six-speed automatic
  • Suspension: short and long arm independent with coil over shocks and stabilizer bar (front); independent multi-link with coil over shocks and stabilizer bar, Nivomat load-levelling dampers (rear).
  • Brakes: four-wheel discs with ABS
  • Steering: electric power-assist rack-and-pinion
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Author:
Kelly Taylor
Kelly Taylor
Kelly Taylor has been writing about cars since 2000. His favourite ride has been the Audi R8 from Thunder Bay to Winnipeg, where he nearly traded the car for a Ford Ranger, a Greyhound Bus and the Blue Heron Gift Store in Kenora, Ont.