2016 Lincoln Navigator: A Detailed Overview
The 2016 Lincoln Navigator positioned itself as a luxurious and capable full-size SUV, offering a blend of commanding presence, comfortable refinement, and robust towing capability. Aimed at families and individuals who valued space, premium amenities, and a smooth ride, the Navigator provided a distinctly American take on the luxury SUV segment.
Highlights
- Engine: The heart of the 2016 Navigator was a potent 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 engine. This powerhouse delivered a robust 380 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, mated to a six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission. This combination provided strong acceleration for a vehicle of its size and impressive towing capacity, making it a formidable choice for hauling trailers or boats.
- Safety Features: Lincoln equipped the Navigator with a suite of advanced safety technologies designed to enhance driver awareness and protect occupants:
- Blind Spot Information System (BLIS): This system alerted the driver to vehicles in their blind spots via visual indicators in the side mirrors, reducing the risk of lane change accidents.
- Cross-Traffic Alert: When reversing out of a parking spot, this feature detected approaching vehicles from either side and provided an audible and visual warning.
- Rearview Camera: Standard on all trims, this camera offered a visual aid for parking and maneuvering in tight spaces, displaying the area behind the vehicle on the infotainment screen.
- Parking Sensors: Both front and rear parking sensors aided in low-speed maneuvering by providing audible warnings as the vehicle approached obstacles.
- Adaptive Cruise Control (optional): This advanced system automatically adjusted the vehicle's speed to maintain a set distance from the car ahead, reducing driver fatigue on long journeys.
- Forward Collision Warning with Brake Support (optional): This system could detect potential frontal collisions and provide audible and visual alerts, and in some cases, pre-charge the brakes for quicker response.
- Trims: The 2016 Lincoln Navigator was offered in two primary trims, both available in standard and extended wheelbase (L) configurations:
- Premiere: The entry-level trim offered a generous array of premium features, including leather-trimmed seating, a power liftgate, SYNC with MyLincoln Touch infotainment system, and the powerful EcoBoost V6.
- Select: Building upon the Premiere, the Select trim added even more luxury and convenience. Notable additions often included enhanced leather upholstery, upgraded interior trim, heated and cooled front seats, a power-folding third-row seat, and a premium audio system.
- Other Notable Aspects:
- Spacious Interior: The Navigator boasted a cavernous interior with three rows of seating, accommodating up to seven or eight passengers depending on the second-row configuration. The extended "L" version further enhanced cargo space.
- Comfortable Ride: Lincoln's signature "Control Trac" independent rear suspension, often coupled with available adaptive suspension technology (CCD - Continuously Controlled Damping), delivered a smooth and composed ride, effectively absorbing road imperfections.
- Towing Prowess: With its robust V6 engine and body-on-frame construction, the Navigator was a capable tow vehicle, offering a maximum towing capacity of up to 9,000 pounds (when properly equipped).
- Refined Interior Design: The cabin exuded a sense of luxury with high-quality materials, thoughtful design, and an emphasis on comfort and quietness.
What to Expect
Owning a 2016 Lincoln Navigator generally translates to a comfortable and refined ownership experience. The vehicle's plush ride quality and quiet cabin make it ideal for long road trips and daily commuting. The V6 EcoBoost engine provides ample power for most driving situations, and the intuitive infotainment system (SYNC with MyLincoln Touch) offers easy access to entertainment and vehicle functions.
Maintenance: Like any large luxury SUV, the Navigator can incur higher maintenance costs than smaller vehicles. Regular oil changes, tire rotations, and fluid checks are essential. Due to its complexity, specialized maintenance might be required for the EcoBoost engine and suspension systems. It's advisable to follow Lincoln's recommended maintenance schedule diligently. Expect costs for routine maintenance to be in line with other premium large SUVs, potentially higher than non-luxury counterparts.
Insurance: Insurance premiums for the 2016 Lincoln Navigator will likely be higher than for smaller cars or SUVs. Factors such as the vehicle's purchase price, its safety features, its performance capabilities, and your driving history will all influence your insurance costs. It's recommended to get quotes from multiple insurance providers to find the best coverage at a competitive price.
Potential Considerations
While the 2016 Lincoln Navigator offers a compelling package, potential buyers should be aware of a few drawbacks:
- Fuel Economy: As a large, powerful, full-size SUV, the Navigator is not known for its fuel efficiency. The EcoBoost V6, while potent, still consumes premium fuel at a rate that can be noticeable, especially in city driving.
- Aging Infotainment System: While SYNC with MyLincoln Touch was advanced for its time, by 2016, newer and more intuitive infotainment systems were emerging in the market. Some users may find its interface less user-friendly compared to more modern systems.
- Handling Dynamics: Despite its capable suspension, the Navigator is a large vehicle, and its handling is more geared towards comfort than sporty agility. Body roll is present in spirited cornering, and its sheer size can make navigating tight urban environments or parking garages a bit more challenging.
- Third-Row Seat Usability: While the third row offers seating for adults, it can be somewhat tight for longer journeys for taller passengers. Accessing the third row also requires some agility, especially in the standard wheelbase version.
Overall Summary
The 2016 Lincoln Navigator stands out as a comfortable, capable, and luxurious full-size SUV with a strong emphasis on passenger comfort and towing ability. Its potent EcoBoost V6 engine, refined ride, and spacious interior make it a strong contender for families and those who require ample space and a premium experience. While its fuel economy and handling are not its strongest suits, and its infotainment system may feel dated to some, it remains a compelling option for those seeking a stately American luxury SUV.
