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2012 Lincoln Navigator L

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Lincoln Navigator L

Overview

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2012 Lincoln Navigator L Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 7.2

As America's first full-size luxury SUV, the 8-passenger Lincoln Navigator's immediate success subsequently paved the way for additional challengers such as the Cadillac Escalade, Infiniti QX56, Lexus LX 570 and Mercedes-Benz GL. Big and capable, the Navigator can now add "high-tech" to its list of superlatives thanks to the addition of Lincoln's new smartphone integration software, Sync Applink. Although skyrocketing gasoline prices have forced a market shift towards smaller, more-efficient crossovers, those still craving a traditional SUV will appreciate the 2012 Lincoln Navigator's luxurious amenities, extraordinary cargo capacity and intimidating stature.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you are looking for a luxurious family hauler with the lowest starting price in its class along with an excessively spacious cabin capable of accommodating eight passengers and their gear, the 2012 Lincoln Navigator is worth your consideration.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Unless your next luxury SUV must possess an eighth seat, you may find the 7-passenger Infiniti JX, Acura MDX and Buick Enclave more appealing with their superior agility, fuel efficiency and pricing.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

7.2
Driving Dynamics

6.4
Comfort & Convenience

8.2
Design: Interior & Exterior

6.4
Value

6.0
Safety

8.0

How It Ranks

#19

out of 30

MPG

#22

out of 30

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

8.9 out of 10

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consumer ratings

2012 Lincoln Navigator L Low/wide front photo

What's New for 2012

The 2012 Lincoln Navigator adds a blind-spot side monitor for the outside mirrors and Lincoln's Sync Applink mobile app integration feature.

Driving the Navigator L

2012 Lincoln Navigator L Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions This 2012 Lincoln Navigator boasts a stiff structure and fully independent front and rear suspensions. Monotube shocks all around improve the ride and enable more precise tuning, while a variable-boost...

power steering pump reduces low-speed effort and improves higher-speed feel and feedback. The Navigator is rock-solid yet surprisingly agile and comfortable on the road, even on rough surfaces. Performance is more than adequate, with a robust 5.4-liter V8 engine and appropriately large brakes to haul it down with authority. The extra-long L version feels heavier (because it is), yet drives smaller than it looks. Both are uncannily quiet inside due to an acoustic windshield, thick side glass and superb sound insulation throughout.

Favorite Features

LINCOLN SYNC APPLINK
Sync Applink is a new feature designed to control popular mobile applications on your smartphone through voice commands. Simply download the compatible apps and connect your smartphone to the vehicle via Bluetooth to manage applications like Pandora, Stitcher or NPR News.

POWER-DEPLOYABLE RUNNING BOARDS
To facilitate ingress and egress of this lofty SUV, the 2012 Lincoln Navigator offers standard power running boards that automatically extend when any door is ajar and retract once all doors are closed.

2012 Lincoln Navigator L Details

2012 Lincoln Navigator L Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

Depending on the configuration, the Lincoln Navigator can seat up to eight passengers as well as enough cargo space to host a family picnic. Opting for the second-row captain's chairs drops the Navigator's seating capacity to seven but gains a convenient center console nestled between the two seats. The Navigator's expansive interior begins to make sense if you are planning to consistently fill all three rows of seats. To help combat some of the frustration associated with today's intricate infotainment systems, the Lincoln Navigator employs Sync voice-recognition software with over 10,000 commands for simpler operation over a variety of multimedia functions.

Exterior

Big and bold, the 2012 Lincoln Navigator makes its presence felt on the road. The Navigator's flashy exterior is characterized by a massive chrome front grille placed between large xenon headlamps and scores of chrome accents. The Navigator rides on standard 18-inch bright-machined alloy wheels, with fender-filling 20-inch chrome wheels available as an option. Though the power liftgate and power-folding third-row seats help, the Navigator's tall load-in height can make packing cargo difficult. The elevated step-in height is mitigated by power-assisted running boards that extend and retract automatically.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The 2012 Navigator's standard feature list is generous. Among the major items are automatic xenon headlamps that are nearly three times brighter than conventional halogen bulbs, 10-way power adjustable front seats with heating and cooling, heated second row seats, a power-foldable 60/40-split third-row seat, rear backup camera, keyless entry keypad for the driver's door, and power-adjustable pedals. Multimedia is supplied via voice-activated navigation with SiriusXM Satellite Radio and Travel Link, HD Radio, and a 14-speaker THX II-certified audio system. Standard safety features include a full complement of airbags, trailer sway control, Lincoln's MyKey system, and a host of supervisory features for inexperienced drivers.

Optional Equipment

Options for the Navigator include a power moonroof, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system and the Monochrome Limited Edition Package, which adds monochromatic accents, olive ash interior wood trim and premium leather seats with black inserts and piping. Additional standalone options include a Class IV trailer towing package, remote starting system and 20-inch chrome alloy wheels.

Under the Hood

The 2012 Navigator is powered by a SOHC 5.4-liter V8 that delivers a smooth 310 horsepower and 365 lb-ft of torque through a 6-speed automatic transmission with tow/haul mode. The available 4-wheel drive (4WD) system uses a 2-speed transfer case with optional electronic shift-on-the-fly capability. In low range it shifts the engine's electronic throttle control to a special off-road calibration for more precise torque management in the worst conditions, such as climbing hills under slippery conditions.

2012 Lincoln Navigator and Navigator L
5.4-liter V8
310 horsepower @ 5,100 rpm
365 lb-ft of torque @ 3,600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/20 mpg (gasoline, 2WD), 10/14 mpg (E85, 2WD), 13/18 mpg (gasoline, 4WD), 9/13 mpg (E85, 4WD)

Pricing Notes

The 2012 Lincoln Navigator's Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starts just shy of $59,000, while the L model and its additional 15 inches will tack another $2,000 to the bottom line. Opting for 4-wheel drive adds nearly $3,000. Both Navigator models are considerably less expensive than the Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, yet Kelley Blue Book projects the standard and stretched Navigators' 5-year residual values to be nearly identical to the pricier Escalades. Navigator transaction prices may vary, so be sure to check KBB's Fair Purchase Price to see what people are actually paying for their Navigators in your area.

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2012 Lincoln Navigator L Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.9

Out of 10

Based on 77 Ratings for the 2007 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

8.8/10

Quality

9.0/10
Reliability

9.1/10

Performance

9.0/10
Comfort

9.3/10

Styling

9.2/10

Best car we've ever had!

By Kefoss (MO) on Sunday, April 28, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 70,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "lots of room, plenty of cup holders & storage"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"We bought this as grandparents to hold multiple grandkids safely and its been perfect. It's easy to drive, even for folks our age. Kids love all the room on trips. Holds everything and even satisfied my husband's desire for a pick up truck. I love this car and will always buy a large SUV. We bought it with 17K miles as a certified used car and have had no repairs. I'd probably buy the darker interior next time though since the grandkids are a little hard on the camel interior."

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'08 Navigator Limited Elite

By Thomas R. (WA) on Sunday, April 21, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 73,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Amazing Ride, Well Equipped, & Reliable Luxury."

Cons: "None as of yet."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"We purchased our 2008 Navigator used from its original owner with 60k miles on it. We now have 73k and have had it almost a year. We LOVE it!! From the styling, to the driving and handling, to the dependability, this vehicle is definitely a fun vehicle to own! I've owned 9 Mercedes, a BMW, A Tahoe, A Sequoia, 2 Volvo's, and 3 Honda's... This is by far my favorite! Recently looked at a new one and was amazed at how expensive they are new, but still considerably cheaper than the Escalade, Yukon, Lexus, or Mercedes GL Suv which definitely appeals to me. Ours came with Ford's 100k mile warranty which has been amazing. A few minor repairs which more than made the deductable worth the while. While reliable vehicles, I definitely recommend some type of warranty when purchasing any vehicle, but Ford/Lincoln's service is outstanding, along with their prices. Can't go on enough how much we love our Navigator and will definitely buy another one!"

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Love my Navigator! Very smooth ride.

By princess (OR) on Saturday, March 23, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 32,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Comfort, luxury, easy driving."

Cons: "visablity hard to see out when 3rd row headrest up"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This is a great car. My family loves it! Wish I had gone with the L model for more room. (next time!)"

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Don't miss my sedan!

By Love it! (CA) on Monday, December 10, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 300

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Easy to drive. Quiet. Great stereo!"

Cons: "A lot of car to wash!"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I had to buy a new car as my old one was 12 years old. I was hesitant to buy an SUV, but this is no regular SUV, it is pure luxury! It is one of the quietest cars I have ever ridden in. It is so easy to drive and has a fabulous sound system! Also, it is functional with its electric back seats and many configurations. I hope I can keep it another 12 years!"

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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I already want to trade it in.

By No-no (TN) on Wednesday, November 07, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 12,000

10 4.0

overall rating 4 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 4/10
Value: 3/10
Reliability: Not Rated
Quality: 6/10
Performance: 4/10
Styling: 5/10
Comfort: 5/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"We purchased our 2012 Navigator in Jan. 2012. It was great. The reason we bought it is because the sales person told us all of the features on it, we could not get on a new Expedition. We had owned sever Expeditions. Little did we know, we bought it. Then we found out after buying it that Expeditions have just as many features and are less expensive. At two months old, the power deployable steps messed up and the front passenger door messed up( it would not shut). :((( Then at four months the steps messed up again. Then at 6 months, the steps messed up for a third time. Also we have the DVD player in the headrests and the sound will not play through the speakers. We asked the dealer and they said it is "better" that way. If our kids have friends in the car, not everyone can watch the DVD. Also the headphones do not work in the back seat. We asked our dealer about this also. They told us that is how the car is and there was nothing they could do about it. Being such an expensive car, I thought the interior looked nice. But now I realize it is plain and I want to trade it in but sadly, we can't as the value of the car has already dropped so much."

6 people out of 8 found this review helpful

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2nd Navigator and LOVE IT!

By family (MA) on Thursday, July 19, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 78,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Easy to drive for such a big car, just awesome!"

Cons: "Gas mileage"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"We have owned two Navigator L, a busy family of five always hauling kids, sports gear and traveling and this car is AWESOME! We have never ever had a problem..snow, sleet, rain it runs like a charm! We put on a lot of miles...first one had nearly 70000 and this one is 78000 and never a problem. The exterior is eye catching and flashy but the inside is soooo much more of what we want/need and love. Seats are comfortable, back seats are heated (what a plus for our kids on those cold winter mornings) DVD is fantastic if you travel and have kids, jukebox for your music (download your favorite CD's, IPOD songs and save to your jukebox) NAV system is my best friend...never been lost once in all the years we have owned these cars, touch screen on this is awesome, I can even drive and text message with the phone sync! Safe, reliable, and easy to drive with back up camera and sensors, people always comment "how do you park that?" easy...very very easy, even our daughter who is learning to drive can handle this vehicle with all the user friendly safety features. The only downside is gas mileage, hoping for a Hybrid model when I am ready to trade this one!"

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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