Lincoln gave the newest Navigator a dramatic redo that included – among other things, a smooth and handsomely sculpted aluminum sheetmetal and the thunderous heart of the Ford Raptor.  At the same time, it retained some of its defining features such as the body-on-frame construction and generous dimensions.

Is that enough, though, for the Navigator to earn a place, not only next to its immediate rival, the successful Cadillac Escalade, but also the foreign luxury competition from Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Lexus?

Well, let’s see what Consumer Reports has to say after adding the redesigned 2018 Navigator to its test fleet.

Also Watch: 2018 Lincoln Navigator Might Just Be The Escalade’s Worst Nightmare

One thing the Navigator always had going for it was passenger and luggage space, and the new model doesn’t disappoint, being able to haul the driver along with seven more occupants. Even the third row is spacious enough for regular adults, while once inside, you’re going to notice the quiet ride, with barely any wind, tire and engine noises entering the cockpit.  However, CR says that the 10-way power front seats don’t offer good side support, nor are they comfortable.

The American SUV might be overkill for some, due to its gargantuan exterior dimensions (it’s available in two wheelbase lengths at 122.5-in. / 3,111mm and 131.6 / 3,343mm), but it could also be the ride of choice for others. After all, it might not have a V8 engine like one of its main rivals, the Cadillac Escalade, but the twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 sourced from the Raptor has nothing to be jealous of in terms of performance delivering 450 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque. It works together with a 10-speed automatic transmission, described as ‘smooth’ by Consumer Reports in their review, and can tow up to 8,300lbs (3,765kg).

Unsurprisingly, the new Lincoln Navigator doesn’t impress with its handling feeling completely out of its element on CR’s test track, while the reviewer also notes that you have to pay extra attention on narrow roads due to its width.

On the plus side, all trim levels are equipped with rear parking sensors and Blind Spot Warning as standard. A 360-degree camera system is available, too, but extras come at a cost, as the test car carried an MSRP of $86,480, or $13,925 more than the base grade.

The reviewer wasn’t impressed with some other things too, such as the gear selector, which was found to be unintuitive and unconventional, but you’re going to have to scroll down and check out the video to find out what CR’s verdict is in the case of the 2018 Lincoln Navigator.