Consumer Reports recently released its luxury SUV shopping guide. Unfortunately, the publication didn’t have good news for buyers interested in shopping for the Lincoln Aviator and suggested shoppers opt for the Acura MDX instead. It also recommended staying away from another of the marque’s vehicles: the Lincoln Navigator.
The CR’s guide calls the Navigator the “Luxury Large SUV to Avoid,” citing its disappointing road test, poor predicted reliability, and subpar predicted owner satisfaction. The publication remarks that the “Navigator is virtually a Ford Expedition with luxury features layered on,” and while it does feature quite a few luxurious aspects, there are some issues that detract from its desirability.
A test drive revealed that the luxury SUV’s twin-turbocharged 3.5L V6 EcoBoost engine can get the large vehicle from zero to 60 in just 6.2 seconds. That’s not too shabby, considering its heft, but it pays for that speed with a mediocre 16 mpg fuel economy rating. The handling isn’t stellar, either, and feels “floaty and disconnected” in turns, and also feels like it rocks back and forth at low speeds.
Additionally, the vehicle’s “imposing width” makes it a challenge to guide the Navigator through spaces where other SUVs may not have issues, although all three rows are quite spacious because of its size. Some controls, like the pushbutton gear selector, are clunky to use. Its low predicted reliability means that buyers in the market for a luxury SUV should look elsewhere. In fact, CR recommends the BMW X7 over the Navigator, as its road test and increased predicted reliability make it a much more solid choice in the segment.
However, looking ahead, a refresh is inbound for the Lincoln Navigator for the 2025 model year. The luxury SUV will benefit from a restyled exterior among other yet-to-be-revealed improvements, which could make the 2025 Navigator a more formidable competitor and potentially solve its current issues.
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Interest-free financing and more on compact luxury crossover.
Interest-free financing and more on the compact crossover.
Its wide bodywork and massive tires suggest so.
Another nice example of the last-gen T-Bird.
The legal back and forth continues.
It will help the automaker avoid tariffs.
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CR thinks you should buy a massive, full size SUV for handling and fuel economy?
I’m very curious about who they’re trying to convince a BMW is more reliable than a Ford.
Bmw? Money pits. C R is not what they used to be.
CR is payoff by all the foreign car companies to give them better buys the domestic manufacturers.
It has been this way for years , along with Motor Trend , Car and Driver , ect ..
I agree , who buys a big SUV for fuel mileage ???
If BMW is so good , why are all the soccer Moms driving Navigators , Tahoes , Suburban’s , ect . ??
Yep. GM's and Ford's Chinese cars are so far superior to US made Hondas and Toyotas yessir.
The Expedition/Navigator are designed and assembled in the U.S.
Having owned two BMW's and lots of Ford's. The BMW is generally a superior machine. Up to about 80k miles. After that you need to dump it for whatever you can afford at that point. Out of warranty on a BMW is a nightmare of absurd mainenance costs, never ending repairs and getting your pocket picked by BMW dealers and Indy shops. Everything said about the Nav can also be said about the Escalade and Grand Wagoneer. Lots of Navigators in Livery service in big cities, ask those guys about their experience.
CR wouldn't know a Ford, I mean Lincoln, if it got run over by one. You lease a BMW, you buy the Lincoln.
In no way does the X7 favorably compare to my Navigator L Black Label.
American..piece of hyped junk..all that glitters is not gold..is what the Navigator are...I bought a used 2021..Reserve..only drove it a week..numerous issues..at the dealer for the past 4 weeks getting repaired.
When i seen a Ford expedition ( Lincoln Navigator domestic copy); everything that Consumers Reports comes forth with: Us customizers, builders alike keep maintaining. But, those folk's with close to zero knowlege are the ones who cry wolf.
Just pretend it's German.
I am on my second Navigator and I love them. I had 3 expeditions and I have loved my Navigators much more. No problems with any of them. I would buy another one if I wanted to but at my age I don’t why I would. In fact my first one went to my daughter and the one I have now will go to my granddaughter.