After discontinuing the V8 engine with the latest generation, the Navigator is only available with one engine and transmission option. The 3.5L Twin-turbocharged V-6 engine belts out an impressive 450 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque, and are paired to an equally potent 10-speed automatic transmission. The 2019 Lincoln Navigator is surprisingly quick despite its heavy build and gets six driving modes for adjusting various parameters like throttle response, steering feel, and suspension. Towing capacity is also impressive at 8700 pounds. The engine picks up pace quickly thanks to the advanced gearbox, making the Navigator a capable highway cruiser that can go many miles all day long.
The powerful V6 engine catapults the massive SUV to 60 MPH in just 5.6 seconds and goes on to reach the quarter-mile in an equally impressive 14.5 seconds. The top speed stands at 115 mph. The all-wheel-drive models cut the times down by a fraction of a second. Also, off the start line, the initial acceleration feels smooth and quick.
Models
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2019 Lincoln Navigator
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2019 Cadillac Escalade
|
2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS Class
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2019 BMW X7
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MSRP
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$75,860
|
$78,195
|
$70,150
|
$73,900
|
Engine
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3.5-liter Twin-Turbocharged V-6
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6.2-liter Naturally Aspirated V-8
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3.0-liter Twin-Turbocharged V-6
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3.0-liter Turbocharged Inline-6
|
Drivetrain
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4WD
|
4WD
|
AWD
|
AWD
|
Transmission
|
10-speed automatic
|
10-speed automatic
|
9-speed automatic
|
8-speed automatic
|
Power (hp @ RPM
|
450 @ 5,500
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420 @ 5,600
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362 @ 5,500
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335 @ 5,500
|
Torque (lb-ft @ RPM)
|
500 @ 3,000
|
460 @ 4,100
|
369 @ 2,000
|
330 @ 1,500
|
0-60 mph (seconds)
|
5.6
|
5.9
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6.5
|
5.4
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Quarter-Mile (seconds)
|
14.5
|
14.3
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14.8
|
14.1
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Top-Speed (mph)
|
115
|
112
|
130
|
130
|
With its powerful drivetrain, the Lincoln Navigator easily beats both the Cadillac Escalade and Mercedes-Benz GLS Class in terms of performance, while the driver-centric BMW X7 still holds the crown. The BMW does the 0-60 mph run in 5.4 seconds, beating the Navigator by 0.2 seconds. The Cadillac is 0.3 seconds behind, whereas the Merc falls back by nearly a second. The Merc and the BMW boast the best top speeds, at 130 mph.
How well does the 2019 Lincoln Navigator handle?
While the Navigator is surprisingly quick on the straights, it struggles while cornering because of its softly sprung suspension setup and lifeless steering, both of which are tuned for comfort and ride quality. The heavy body further limits the overall dynamics. But unfortunately, the Navigator also suffers in the ride quality department with the massive wheels transmitting a lot of jolts and undulations to the cabin.
While the lower trims are available in both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations, both the Reserve and Black Label get all-wheel drive as standard. But don’t mistake the Navigator to be a capable off-roader like the Lexus LX as it is tuned for the tarmac. The car uses independent axles, with the multi-link suspension set-up at the rear and a short and long arm set-up at the front. The turning radius stands at 20.5 feet, not bad for a car of this size.
Braking Performance
With a curb weight of more than 6000 pounds, Lincoln has equipped the Navigator with the biggest brakes in its segment, measuring 13.9-inches at the front and 13.6-inches at the rear. Although the brakes provide a lot of feedback, performance is average, and the Navigator takes over 130 feet to stop from 60 mph.
Models
|
2019 Lincoln Navigator
|
2019 Cadillac Escalade
|
2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS Class
|
2019 BMW X7
|
Brake Rotors: Front (inches)
|
13.9
|
13.6
|
13.8
|
N/A
|
Brake Rotors: Rear (inches)
|
13.6
|
13
|
13.6
|
N/A
|
Curb Weight (lbs)
|
6056
|
5578
|
5,335
|
5,200
|
60-0 (feet)
|
132
|
120
|
120
|
105
|
Being the heaviest of the group, the Lincoln Navigator offers the least braking performance despite getting bigger hardware. Both the Cadillac Escalade and Mercedes-Benz GLS Class share the second spot, while the BMW X7 is the most impressive with sports car levels of braking performance.