2018 Lincoln Navigator

Pros: Lavishly appointed cabin, cavernous space for people and cargo, crisp acceleration, confident-yet-understated styling

Cons: Fuel economy, steep pricing, close-quarters maneuverability

CG Says: Like its Ford Expedition counterpart, the Lincoln Navigator full-size SUV is redesigned from the ground up for 2018. Chief among the improvements are weight-saving aluminum alloy body panels, a revised engine that puts out significantly more horsepower, a 10-speed automatic transmission in place of the previous 6-speed, a dazzling new interior, and a host of new technology features. As before, standard-length models and extended-length “L” models are available. The model lineup ascends through Premiere, Select, Reserve, and Black Label (the base Premiere model is standard-length only). The sole engine on all is a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 that puts out 450 horsepower, a gain of 70 over the outgoing model. As mentioned, a 10-speed automatic is now standard; the line-topping Black Label comes standard with all-wheel drive, and the others offer AWD or rear-wheel drive. Available features include 30-way adjustable “Perfect Position” heated/cooled/massaging front seats, panoramic sunroof, wireless device charging, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, and specially-themed interiors in the Black Label edition. The 2018 Lincoln Navigator is a lot more expensive than its predecessor (base prices rise from about $9000–$16,000 over the previous generation), but it’s also markedly more powerful, luxurious, and cutting-edge than before—and a much more compelling choice when compared against its similarly extravagant class rivals.