Lincoln says the symmetrical instrument panel was inspired by the 1961 Lincoln Continental. It certainly works well in the Navigator as it enhances the spaciousness of the interior as it curves up from the wide center console across the top of the instrument pod on one side and across the glove box on the passenger side.

The surface is grained with a pebble texture and is available in two-tone light parchment and espresso finish or monochromatic black. Subtle bands of American walnut burl are used to divide sections of the dashboard and door trim. Other interior surfaces are finished in a pleasant low-lustre satin nickel color that matches the other trim nicely.

LEDs (120 of them) are used throughout the cabin to illuminate buttons and controls. The legend for each control is laser etched into the satin nickel surface so that it appears black in daylight yet illuminates at night with a nice white glow.

Front passengers have a dual-zone climate control system. Passengers in both the second and third row of seats get their own panels with auxiliary controls.

All seats are finished in a deep leather surface with a milled pebble finish. Front seats are power operated with a two-position memory for the driver, which includes mirror and the adjustable brake and gas pedals settings.

The second row can be ordered as a pair of captain's chairs or as a bench seat. The bench seat is split 40/20/40, featuring a narrow center piece that can be slid forward 11 inches for holding a child seat conveniently close to the driver.

The third row is actually comfortable for adults. The new independent rear suspension allowed engineers to design a much lower floor in the back, which makes for a more comfortable seating position. The third-row bench seat is split 60/40 and can hold three people, and provides slightly more legroom than a Chevy Suburban or Cadillac Escalade.

One of the neatest optional features available on the Navigator is a power folding mechanism for the third row of seats. At the press of a button the rear seat folds down to provide a flush floor space for increased cargo carrying capacity. The second row of seats can also be folded down to provide a large cargo area. A power rear tailgate is available as an option, handy when approaching the Navigator with an armload of groceries.