2008 Lincoln Navigator in Sunnyvale

When the redesigned Lincoln Navigator spent time with us last year, we said the luxo-truck appears to be struggling. It didn't have the Cadillac Escalade's style or attitude. It didn't have a particularly powerful engine (300 hp in the Navigator, 403 hp in the Escalade). And its monstrous, `60s Continental-inspired grille flashed more gaudy chrome than a southern rapper.

A year later, the Lincoln is still saddled with an underpowered engine, but the Navigator has a key advantage over the Escalade -- at $54,645, the biggest Navigator (L) costs some $2000 less than a base Escalade -- and it comes loaded.

For 2008, several comfort and convenience features that were extras are now standard, including a power liftgate, heated and cooled seats, Sirius satellite radio, a 14-speaker THX surround-sound audio system, and PowerFold third-row seats. A new rearview camera system is also available, although one would think a 17-foot long SUV merits more than a tiny, two-inch screen display packed into the rear-view mirror.

Both GM (Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, Cadillac Escalade) and Chrysler (the forthcoming Aspen and Dodge Durango) are offering hybrid SUV powertrain options this year, but not Lincoln.... Read full article