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Under the Hood

Regardless of length or trim level, the 2007 Lincoln Navigator has only one engine, a 5.4-liter V8 with 300 horsepower and 365 lb.-ft. of torque. Power is routed through a six-speed automatic transmission and sent to either the rear or all four wheels, depending on the drive configuration. The suspension is fully independent – a double-wishbone setup in front and a five-link configuration in the rear – and a load-leveling option is available. Four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes and roll stability control with are bundled with AdvanceTrac. Standard 18-inch aluminum wheels are wrapped in 255/70R18 rubber, while the optional chrome 20-inchers roll on low-profile 275/50R20 tires.

Test Car, Location

We drove an Ultimate four-wheel drive 2007 Lincoln Navigator over a course of more than 100 miles from Asheville, North Carolina to Knoxville, Tennessee. Our test route included city and suburban roadways, as well as twisty, two-lane byways that were challenging and informative for full-sized SUV that tips the scales at over three tons. Our White Chocolate Tri-Coat model with Camel Leather was inviting inside and out. Trimmed with the Elite Package and a passel of stand-alone options, the base price of $50, 655 shot to $59,755, as equipped.

Performance

There’s no question that the 2007 Lincoln Navigator is significantly improved compared to its predecessors. Its 5.4-liter Triton V8 makes enough power for everyday driving, but not enough to generate any excitement. Its six-speed transmission has been engineered for faster acceleration, smaller steps between gears and improved shift quality. Both fifth and sixth gears are overdrive to help increase fuel economy, and the transmission also locks to assist with towing duties. The four-wheel drive system is a true off-road style, with a transfer case and locking differential that, despite the ruggedness, is more likely to be used when towing and hauling loads on slick and gravel surfaces than in real off-roading.