Latest news with #BlueCruise
Car and Driver
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
2026 Lincoln Navigator Review, Pricing, and Specs
Overview The spiritual descendant of the long-departed Lincoln Town Car sedan, the 2026 Lincoln Navigator SUV makes no apologies for its massive footprint, eight-passenger capacity, opulent interior touches, and $100,000-plus starting price. Full-size by any measure, there's also a long-wheelbase version (the L) that increases cargo room. Both offer heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats and BlueCruise hands-free driving capability as standard equipment. An impressive 48-inch panoramic screen also comes with that serves double duty as the driver's instrument cluster and passenger data-and-entertainment center. A 440-hp twin-turbocharged V-6 and standard all-wheel put down the power. While the tech factor is high, the Lincoln Navigator has a clubby, old-school vibe in spades. Expert Tip: If you need a full-size SUV but desire more driving engagement, check out the BMW X7. If speed is the number one priority and you've got the means, the Cadillac Escalade-V or Mercedes-AMG GLS-Class could be your ride. What's New for 2026? Fully refreshed for 2025, the Navigator rolls into 2026 with no significant changes. Pricing and Which One to Buy The price of the 2026 Lincoln Navigator is expected to start around $103,000 and go up to $123,000 depending on the trim and options. Reserve $103,000 (est) Reserve L $106,000 (est) Black Label $120,000 (est) Black Label L $123,000 (est) 0 $50k $100k $150k $200k While the top-spec Navigator Black Label trim is the most sumptuous, we feel the Reserve makes the most sense. The choice to go for the long wheelbase L—or not—is up to you. If towing is important, spring for the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow package to unlock the SUV's 8700-pound max capacity. Engine, Transmission, and Performance Engine: 440-hp turbocharged 3.5-liter six-cylinder 440-hp turbocharged 3.5-liter six-cylinder Transmission : 10-speed automatic : 10-speed automatic Drivetrain: All-wheel-drive The 2025 Navigator offers only one powertrain, but with 440 horsepower, that's all it needs. The twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 proved responsive and genuinely speedy during our recent test drive. The 10-speed automatic shuffles through gears adeptly enough to avoid perturbing dozing passengers. 0–60-MPH Times C/D 60-mph Test: 5.3 seconds In Comparison: The last Escalade we tested, powered by the 420-hp, 6.2-liter V-8, required 5.9 seconds to hit 60 mph; the Escalade-V with the 682-hp supercharged V-8, however, blasted to 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds. View Exterior Photos Lincoln Towing and Payload Capacity Max towing: 8700 pounds Opting for the fancy 24-inch wheels cuts that figure slightly to 8500 pounds in the regular Navigator and 8400 pounds in the long-wheelbase Navigator. In Comparison: The Cadillac Escalade is rated for up to 8100 pounds when properly equipped. Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG EPA City Rating: 15 mpg 15 mpg EPA Highway Rating: 22 mpg The EPA hasn't released any fuel economy information for the 2026 Navigator yet, but the 2025 model earned ratings of 15 mpg city, 22 mpg highway, and 17 mpg combined. Seeing as the 2026 Navigator carries over unchanged, we don't expect these metrics to change. We'll update this section as soon as the official numbers are available. For more information about the Navigator's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website. Interior, Comfort, and Cargo First Row: As you might guess, it's cavernous inside. The Navigator Reserve has a 24-way power-adjustable driver's seat, but both front-seat passengers benefit from heated, ventilated, and massaging cushions. The Black Label takes things further with 30-way-adjustable front seats that even allow individual adjustment of the left and right thigh supports. Second Row: The second row offers either a bench seat, a pair of captain's chairs, or "PowerPitch and Slide" captain's chairs with heating, ventilation, and massage (optional on the Reserve and standard on the Black Label). There's all the stretch-out room here you'll ever need. Third Row: Remarkably, the Navigator's third row has even more legroom than the second row. Point is, this rear seat is ready to transport adults in comfort. Cargo Capacity: Cargo space is 23 cubic feet behind the third row, but opting for the long-wheelbase Navigator L increases it to 37 cubic feet. Fold the third row flat, and you've got 70 cubes of space (85 for the L). With both the second and third rows down, there's 107 cubic feet of cargo room (122 in the L). View Interior Photos Lincoln Infotainment and Connectivity Infotainment: 48-inch panoramic screen incorporating instrument cluster (standard), 11.1-inch lower central touchscreen (standard), 5.6-inch rear touchscreen (standard) 48-inch panoramic screen incorporating instrument cluster (standard), 11.1-inch lower central touchscreen (standard), 5.6-inch rear touchscreen (standard) Connectivity: Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (standard) Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (standard) Audio System: 28-speaker Revel Audio system (standard) The Navigator's eye-catching 48-inch dash-spanning screen with a Pano mode allows for video and gaming apps to be slid to either side of the dash when the vehicle is in park. While the lower central 11.1-inch touchscreen is responsive and intuitive, its suboptimal placement below the dash requires you to take your eyes off the road to control even the most basic functions. Over-the-air software updates arrive via the 5G Wi-Fi hotspot. Up to 14 USB-C ports, including four in the second row and four in the third row, make charging effortless. Safety and Driver-Assistance Features Lincoln's hands-free highway-driving technology, BlueCruise, is standard, as is its Co-Pilot360 suite of driver-assistance technology, which includes blind-spot monitoring, automated emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. For more information about the Navigator's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include: Standard Safety Features: Adaptive cruise control with hands-free driving mode, blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert, automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection Warranty and Maintenance Coverage Lincoln's warranty coverage roughly matches that of its competitors, but there are a few perks that help the company's customer-service practices stand out. Owners who choose the Black Label trim enjoy four years of complimentary scheduled maintenance instead of just one year. Limited Warranty: Four years or 50,000 miles Four years or 50,000 miles Powertrain Warranty: Six years or 70,000 miles Six years or 70,000 miles Complimentary Maintenance: Four years or 50,000 miles C/D Test Results and Specs We test hundreds of vehicles each year. If the data in the chart below is for a different model year, that's because the current model hasn't changed from when we last tested it. Specifications Specifications 2025 Lincoln Navigator Vehicle Type: rear/4-wheel-drive, 7- or 8-passenger, 4-door wagon PRICE Base: Reserve, $101,990; Reserve L, $104,980; Black Label, $118,490; Black Label L, $121,485 ENGINE twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and heads, port and direct fuel injection Displacement: 213 in3, 3489 cm3 Power: 440 hp @ 5850 rpm Torque: 510 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm TRANSMISSION 10-speed automatic DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 122.5–131.5 in Length: 210.0–221.9 in Width: 84.6 in Height: 78.0 in Passenger Volume, F/M/R: 63/60/57 ft3 Cargo Volume, Behind F/M/R: 107–122/61–85/22–37 ft3 Curb Weight (C/D est): 5950-6200 lb PERFORMANCE (C/D EST) 60 mph: 5.3–5.5 sec 1/4-Mile: 13.8–14.1 sec 100 mph: 13.8–14.3 sec Top Speed: 115 mph EPA FUEL ECONOMY Combined/City/Highway: 17/15/22 mpg More Features and Specs
Yahoo
11-08-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Ford Is Taking on Expensive EVs and the Toyota RAV4 with Its New 'Model T'—a $30K Mid-Size EV Truck
Ford announced its new Universal EV platform, which will support a variety of vehicles, starting with a mid-size electric truck that will enter production in 2027. The truck will be roughly the size of the current gas-powered , but Ford says interior space will match that of a . The truck will start around $30,000 and be as quick as a . Last month, Ford CEO Jim Farley promised a radical "breakthrough" electric vehicle, even going as far as to dub it a "Model T moment." Now, Ford has shown its hand, announcing the new Universal EV platform and Universal EV production system, both of which will support the launch of a new mid-size electric pickup truck due to start production in 2027. An Affordable Electric Truck While Ford describes the truck as a mid-size vehicle, the company explained at a media briefing that the truck will actually have a footprint similar to that of the compact Maverick, but with increased cabin space thanks to the electric architecture. In fact, Ford claims the truck will have more passenger room than the Toyota RAV4, not including the cargo space afforded by the frunk and the bed. While most details about the truck are still under wraps, Ford confirmed that the platform uses a 400-volt electrical architecture. While this will mean slower charging speeds than EVs with 800-volt systems, Ford said it was the "right choice" due to the vehicle's size and the goal of a low starting price. The pickup will also be capable of over-the-air updates and will feature BlueCruise, Ford's hands-free driving-assist system. The five-seat truck will start at around $30,000, Ford said, and that low cost is thanks to the Universal EV platform. Ford claims that the platform has 20 percent fewer parts versus a typical vehicle and 25 percent fewer fasteners. One key factor in minimizing complexity is the new truck's wiring harness, which Ford says is 4000 feet shorter and around 22 pounds lighter than the unit used in the Mustang Mach E. Another way Ford will keep costs down is by using lithium-ion phosphate (LFP) batteries, which the automaker says also save space and weight. The battery pack will form a structural sub-assembly that is also the floor of the vehicle. Ford touts a low center of gravity as a result of that design, promising engaging handling. The truck should also be fairly quick, with Ford targeting a zero-to-60-mph time on par with the Mustang EcoBoost, which we've tested at 4.5 seconds to 60 mph. The pickup truck will be built at Ford's Louisville Assembly Plant in Kentucky for both the U.S. and export markets. Production will start in 2027, so the truck will likely arrive for the 2028 model year. Ford predicts a lower cost of ownership for its electric pickup over five years than a three-year-old used Tesla Model Y. Ford says the platform will spawn a family of "affordable, electric, software-defined vehicles." While Ford wouldn't go into too many details on what other vehicles are coming, a graphic showed a vehicle transforming through a variety of SUV, truck, and van shapes. The company also said at the briefing that it was working on "everything from vans to three-row SUVs down to B-segment vehicles." Increased Production Efficiency Along with a new EV platform, Ford is rethinking how it builds cars with the Universal EV production system, trading the traditional assembly line for an "assembly tree." The long, single conveyor system will be replaced by three sub-assemblies that run at the same time and eventually meet up further down the line. Ford will also use large, single-piece aluminum unicastings, allowing the front and rear of the vehicle to be built separately and joined later. The front and rear subframes will be linked by the third sub-assembly, the aforementioned structural battery pack. Ford says operators on the assembly tree will receive a kit that has all of the parts, fasteners, scanners, and power tools needed for their task, already set up in the correct orientation. This will create a quicker and more efficient assembly process, with the company claiming that it will require 40 percent fewer work stations and a 15 percent faster assembly time than the vehicles currently built in Louisville. The new electric truck will see Ford invest almost $2 billion into the Louisville factory, securing 2200 hourly jobs. Ford acknowledged that the figure represents 600 fewer hourly jobs than what Louisville currently supports, but said those employees will either be offered a buyout or a transfer to another plant. The investment will see the Louisville facility expanded by 52,000 square feet. The battery for the mid-size truck will be built at the new BlueOval Battery Park in Michigan, which was part of a previously announced $3 billion investment. The introduction of the new electric pickup truck and Universal EV production system will result in the demise of Louisville's current products, the Ford Escape and Lincoln Corsair. Production of the two compact SUVs will conclude later this year, and Ford says there is enough inventory for sales to continue well into 2026. You Might Also Like Car and Driver's 10 Best Cars through the Decades How to Buy or Lease a New Car Lightning Lap Legends: Chevrolet Camaro vs. Ford Mustang!
USA Today
08-08-2025
- Automotive
- USA Today
Tesla says semi-autonomous driving is safer than human drivers for these 3 reasons. What to know
Is the future of driving semi-autonomous? Are cars that can (mostly) drive themselves actually safer than human drivers? Tesla is one of the automakers leading the charge to a semi-autonomous and fully-autonomous future for drivers. The clean energy and electric vehicle company isn't alone in this endeavor. Chevrolet (Super Cruise), Ford (BlueCruise), and Volkswagen (IQ Drive) are some of the many automotive powerhouses getting in on the semi-autonomous action. So, are cars that do most of the driving safer than actual human drivers? Here's what Tesla thinks and why the company may actually be on to something despite a clear bias. Why Tesla Full Self-Driving (Supervised) could be safer than human drivers Can machine outdrive man? Tesla says that FSD Supervised, its semi-autonomous driving feature, "makes traffic much safer for you and other road users". According to Tesla, three key reasons why FSD (Supervised) is safer than the average driver are that the system doesn't drive under the influence, never gets tired, and doesn't experience road rage. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that "every day, about 34 people in the United States die in drunk-driving crashes". That works out to a person every 42 minutes dying in a completely preventable car crash. So, Tesla makes a valid point regarding FSD (Supervised) being safer than drivers because of drunk-driving. Drowsy-driving-related crashes resulted in 633 preventable deaths in 2023, according to NHTSA. Unlike a human driver, the FSD (Supervised) system does not get fatigued over time. As for Tesla's point about road rage, the software cannot have emotional reactions to driving situations like a human. The debate is much more nuanced than Tesla's simplified case for FSD (Supervised) vs. average human drivers, but the system does have some advantages. How does Tesla FSD (Supervised) work? Tesla's advanced driver-assistance technology uses an intelligent onboard computer, cameras, radar, and ultrasonic sensors to accelerate, decelerate, and follow navigation-provided routes. It requires the full attention of a driver but does not need physical stimulus to drive or steer. Semi-autonomous driving technology has been advancing for years through features like advanced cruise control. Tesla's FSD (Supervised) is one of the most advanced and commonly used semi-autonomous systems to date. The feature is subscription-based and costs $99.00 per month. It may seem like an expensive add-on, but the feature can completely transform a user's driving experience. Autonomous driving is the next frontier Semi-autonomous driving may seem futuristic, but automakers and companies are already investing millions of dollars into fully-autonomous vehicles and technology. Tesla Robotaxi, Waymo, and China's Apollo Go are ushering in the era of the self-driving car. These vehicles are capable of transporting passengers to their destinations without having a driver in the driver's seat. It's important to note that many robotaxi services still require an attendant to monitor the vehicle in early stages. Driver assistance and safety technology has come a long way in the past few decades. Features like backup camera are now standard on all new vehicles. Automatic emergency braking is much more common on new vehicles. In a few years, semi-autonomous driving features could be normalized to the point that they are standard and integrated into the way modern Americans drive.
Miami Herald
01-08-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Ford Begins August With Another Massive Safety Recall For Its Most Popular Vehicles
It's a new month, but the same old problems for Ford. The automaker has issued an average of one recall every two days in the first half of 2025, breaking an infamous GM recall record, and as we get deeper into the second half of the year, the problems keep coming. As first reported by Reuters, the Blue Oval today recalled 312,120 vehicles for an issue that could compromise braking performance. According to the filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the issue lies with a faulty module in the electronic brake booster. When this malfunctions, whether during regular driving or while using an advanced driver assistance system like BlueCruise, affected vehicles may experience a loss of power brake assistance. The brakes will still presumably work with enough pressure applied (Ford has not warned owners not to drive affected vehicles), but stopping distances will be extended, thus increasing the risk of a crash. Fortunately, no injuries or incidents have been reported, and the brake module seems to reset after completing a sleep cycle when the vehicle is off. All affected vehicles are from the 2025 model year, though their production dates may extend as far back as late 2023. Fortunately, this is easy to fix, with an over-the-air update performed by either the customer or a dealer at no cost to the owner. Notification letters are expected to be mailed on the 25th of August, but if you'd rather check if your vehicle is covered now, trecall number 25S77 refers. Related: Ford Recalls 23,000 Lincoln Aviators Over Dangerous Window Pinching Issue According to the recall report, 7,104 Lincoln Navigator SUVs are affected, along with 20,552 Ford Rangers, 39,913 Ford Broncos, and 26,582 Ford Expedition SUVs. Ford's bread and butter, the F-150, is unsurprisingly the worst affected, with 217,969 examples mentioned. As is often the case with these small issues, only 1% of the 312,120 vehicles are estimated to have the defect, but still, it's a bad look when Ford continues to suffer issues with highly popular vehicles produced so recently. To be fair, Ford Authority reported back in 2022 that CEO Jim Farley said improving quality would take several years. 2025 Lincoln Navigator - November 9, 2023-June 9, 20252025 Ford Ranger - February 5, 2024-June 20, 20252025 Ford Bronco - May 31, 2024-June 17, 20252025 Ford Expedition - November 8, 2023-June 9,20252025 Ford F-150 - May 8, 2024-June 9, 2025 Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
The Drive
27-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Drive
Hands-Free Driving Aids Top List of Most Wanted New Car Features: Study
The latest car news, reviews, and features. Automakers continue to go all-in on advanced driver assistance systems. The question is: Do people actually want them? A recent study from research firm AutoPacific confirms that, yup, features like hands-off highway driving aids are the most desired among surveyed folks who intend to buy a new vehicle soon. Those systems, which include GM's Super Cruise and Ford's BlueCruise, are on the 'want' list for 43% of people who plan to buy a vehicle in the next three years. In 2024, automated driving features ranked far lower, with just over 20% of those surveyed seeking out hands-free driving. And just to be clear, these people specifically want systems where driver attention is still required; totally autonomous cars are further down the list, with a still-impressive 38% of people wanting a car with no steering wheel. AutoPacific This jump in popularity correlates with an increase in trust of automated driving features. Sixty percent of people said they would feel comfortable with their cars handling certain driving tasks, like staying in their lane or parallel parking, while 56% trust their cars' safety systems to prevent accidents on their own. Notably, 48% say they want their vehicle to drive itself so they can do something else, like read, or watch movies, or knit, or scroll some more. Now, this is where I interject to say that AutoPacific is not just surveying enthusiasts. People who actually enjoy driving are a lot less likely to say they'd rather trawl Pinterest than handle the steering wheel. But this seems to be reflective of the greater general population. Caleb Jacobs Having tested Ford's BlueCruise 1.4 suite in the 2025 Expedition just a few months back, I have to say that it was genuinely impressive. It made the drive between Louisville, Kentucky, and Columbus, Indiana, a breeze as it handled nearly everything on its own. Lane changes were hands-free, it didn't wander around in its lane, and aside from yelling at me to pay attention to the road when I was locked in on the highway ahead, it was largely glitch-free. I can understand why people want it, for sure. It makes the mundane daily drive a lot less repetitive. I just don't trust people to use it responsibly, as drivers have been trying to game these systems—and, in some cases, succeeding—since they first hit the road. Fortunately, Ford and GM's systems seem pretty foolproof in that regard. Got a tip or question for the author? Contact them directly: caleb@
