2014 Lincoln Navigator 3.5L EcoBoost 6AT RWD (370 HP)

Vehicle Overview

In January 2014, Lincoln refreshed the Navigator lineup, and along with the standard wheelbase version of the full-size SUV, it also updated the longer version of it, known as the Navigator L.

The third generation of the Lincoln Navigator was already an old vehicle on the market. It has passed through a world financial crisis and survived. However, it started to show its wrinkles, and its engine started to show its age. Furthermore, its main rival, the Cadillac Escalade, received a new generation in the spring of 2013, and sales of that full-size SUV were growing. As a result, instead of creating a new generation for the Navigator, Lincoln chose to refresh it while secretly working on the fourth generation of its largest vehicle in the fleet.

At the front, the 2015 Lincoln Navigator L followed the brand’s newest styling language, featuring a split-wing design element. In the middle, the automaker placed its narrow and tall badge on a body-colored vertical slat. Its headlights featured HID lamps, turn signal lights on the inner side, and LED daytime running lights. In the bumper, the full-size SUV had a broad air intake flanked by LED fog lamps.

The 2015 Lincoln Navigator L was created not just for families but also for deep-pocket customers who wished to have more room for the rear seats. As a result, the L version featured a 131-inch (3.3-meter) wheelbase, which led to longer rear doors. In addition, to further emphasize the SUV’s presence, the windows placed between the C- and the D-pillars were longer. To ease ingress and egress to the vehicle, Lincoln installed its already famous retractable running boards that were neatly concealed under the side sills when not in use, even though this affected ground clearance. Out back, the automaker installed a broad red light stripe that crossed the power liftgate, connecting the LED taillights, emphasizing the car’s width.

Inside, the automaker installed a refreshed dashboard. Even though it was similarly shaped to the one from the non-facelifted version, it featured a mixed instrument panel. It had a center-mounted speedometer flanked by customizable TFT displays. Atop the center stack, the automaker installed a touchscreen infotainment unit featuring the second generation of the MyLincoln Touch system. At the same time, on the center console, the Navigator L housed the gear selector, a couple of cup holders, and a large armrest with a cubby storage underneath it. Lincoln offered the Navigator L with seating for seven or eight occupants. At the front, it installed a pair of comfortable wide seats. The second row was available with either a bench seat for three or an option for two captain seats, while in the back was a split-folding bench seat for three passengers. Thanks to the long wheelbase, these offered the most legroom in the full-size SUV segment.

But customers were in for a surprise when they popped the hood of the 2015 Lincoln Navigator L. Instead of a V8 powerplant, they found a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine from the EcoBoost family. It was married with a six-speed automatic transmission that sent power to the rear axle or in all corners, depending on the version. As part of the upgrade program, the full-size SUV featured continuous adaptive damping control (CDC), improving comfort for everyone onboard.

ent control and hill start assist.