2012 Lincoln Navigator L Review
The 2012 Lincoln Navigator L full-sized luxury SUV has an extended wheelbase and offers 3 rows that will carry up to 7; capacity can be increased to 8 by opting for a 40/20/40 split bench for the 2nd row. The Navigator L is powered by a 5.4 liter V8 rated at 310hp/365lb-ft of torque and has a 6 speed automatic transmission; also choose between RWD and AWD. The Navigator L comes equipped with almost every high-end, high-tech feature a buyer could want – from rearview camera, leather upholstery, heated/ventilated power front seats to retractable running boards, power folding 3rd row seat and when properly equipped it has max towing capabilities of 8700lbs.
The BuyingAdvice Team Says:
The Lincoln Navigator L will offer drivers a luxurious and comfortable ride while providing a generous amount of passenger and cargo space, along with respectable towing capabilities. The abundance of standard luxury and convenience features will ensure that all enjoy the trip.
What’s New For 2012:
In 2012, the Lincoln Navigator L received integrated blind-spot mirrors standard and AppLink for Sync to provide voice control of certain mobile phone applications.
What is the Predicted Reliability:
In an initial quality study conducted by J.D. Power based on owner reported issues, the Lincoln Navigator received an overall initial quality score of 3.5 out of a possible 5. Specific areas where the L scored a 3.5 were for the powertrain mechanical and design quality, body and interior design quality, as well as features and accessories design quality.
Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:
The NHTSA awarded the Lincoln Navigator L an overall safety rating of 4 Stars out of 5, with 5 Stars for side crashes. The Navigator L comes equipped with anti-lock brakes,stability control with a rollover sensor, traction control, three-row side curtain and front-seat side airbags, alert system post crash, Trailer Sway Control that uses the stability control sensors to detect/minimize a trailer’s tendency to weave and a programmable MyKey system to allow parents to specify speed limits/stereo volumes for their teenage drivers.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
+ Plush, upscale cabin with comfortable seating in all rows
+ Power-folding 3rd row seat
+ Could price-out less expensive than comparable rivals
Cons
– The V8 may feel overworked under heavy loads
– Longer wheelbase makes parking in tight spaces challenging
– Noticeable truck-like body-roll in sharp turns, a common flaw of such large SUVs
Head-To-Head Competition:
The 2012 Lincoln Navigator L has a slightly lower starting price than the Infiniti QX and is substantially lower than the Cadillac Escalade. The Navigator L is also the more capable SUV with max cargo capacities of 128.2cu.ft compared to the QX with 95.1cu.ft and the Escalade with 108.9cu.ft. The Navigator L also has max towing capabilities of 8700lbs compared to the Escalade with max capabilities of 8300lbs and the Infiniti QX at 8500lbs. The Lincoln and Cadillac offer basic warranties of 4years/50,000miles and the Infiniti offers 4years/60,000miles.
What Others Are Saying:
"Its folding second and third rows surpass competitors in terms of both passenger comfort and ease of use, and reviewers say it provides an especially smooth ride that coddles occupants over bumps and broken pavement." –US News
"Essentially a Ford Expedition wearing Lincoln clothes, the Navigator’s calling cards are its well-appointed interior, quiet demeanor, giant size, and gargantuan chrome grille. It drives smaller than it looks, and the independent rear suspension helps the ride, handling, and third-row space." –Car and Driver
Read more about the Lincoln Navigator L, at the Lincoln manufacturer site.
