You may have heard that the latest model Lincoln Navigator can drive on autopilot. How does this technology work, and is it as good as it sounds? We researched the Lincoln Navigator and its features so you'll know for sure how it operates.
The Lincoln Navigator can be operated using ActiveGlide technology. This allows you to drive the Navigator hands-free on more than 130,000 miles of pre-qualified highways in the United States.
Now that we know that a Navigator can be driven hands-free with ActiveGlide, we'll go through the steps to operate this technology. You might also be wondering how reliable the Lincoln Navigator is or if this SUV is a four-wheel drive. For the answers to these questions and more, read ahead in this post to see what we've uncovered in our research.
How The Lincoln ActiveGlide Works
ActiveGlide technology will let you take your hands off the wheel in your Navigator and allow it to pilot itself. While not the same as a self-driving vehicle, it certainly is a big step in that direction.
To get ActiveGlide to work, you'll need to take a few simple steps. Once completed, you'll be able to ride in the SUV with your hands off the wheel and your feet off the pedals.
Activate The ActiveGlide System
Before you can use ActiveGlide, you'll need to activate this technology. Using the Lincoln Way app, you'll authorize the Lincoln Connect modem.
Next, you'll look for the SYNC 4 display. Select "FEATURES," then "DRIVER ASSISTANCE," then "CRUISE CONTROL." Here, you'll need to be certain that "LANE CENTERING WITH HANDS-FREE" is turned on.
There Are Two Modes
There will be two different modes that you can choose from. One of them is available on the majority of laned roads. But the other is only going to work on pre-qualified highways.
Lane Centering Mode
The first mode is Lane Centering Mode. This will work on most roads you drive your Navigator on. As long as the roads have clear lane markings, this mode will use available Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane Centering to keep your Navigator centered in the lane.
In this mode, you'll keep your hands on the wheel and your feet on the pedals.
Hands-Free Mode
When you are driving your Navigator and it enters a "Hands-Free Blue Zone," you will have the option to activate the "Hands-Free" mode. This will only be available on select stretches of highway.
The highways this mode works on are all limited-access roadways. A pop-up will appear in your instrument cluster notifying you that "Hands-Free" is available. Turn on the cruise control, and you will get a notification that "Hands-Free" is activated and on.
A blue steering wheel icon will appear on your screen with "Hands-Free" above it. You will now be able to take your hands off the wheel and feet off the pedals. You must still keep your eyes on the road, however.
Front Facing Camera
For ActiveGlide to work, you have to keep your eyes on the road at all times. To verify that you are doing this, a front-facing camera has been mounted on your steering column.
This camera needs to see your eyes. You might need to remove certain styles of sunglasses for them to work. Adjusting your seat might also be necessary.
You will need to stay alert at all times when using ActiveGlide. If the system fails, your safety will depend on your reaction time. If the camera catches you not paying attention, the system will deactivate. We'll discuss how this works ahead.
How To Deactivate
You will be able to deactivate ActiveGlide on your own at any time. There are two ways to do this. The first way is to simply tap on the brake.
You can also deactivate ActiveGlide by turning off the cruise control function. No matter which method of deactivation you choose, make sure your feet are positioned properly and that you have both hands on the steering wheel first!
ActiveGlide Will Auto-Deactivate
Earlier, we mentioned that you need to keep your eyes on the roadway at all times when this system is being used. If the camera senses that you are not doing so, it will deactivate ActiveGlide.
At first, you will get an audible and a text warning on your instrument cluster telling you to watch the road. If this warning is not heeded, the system will deactivate by slowing down the vehicle. It will continue to keep in its lane and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.
If this happens twice during a trip, you will be locked out of ActiveGlide until you park and shut off the vehicle. It will let you use the system again after the next start.
How Reliable Is The Lincoln Navigator?
The Lincoln Navigator is one of the most reliable vehicles in its class. U.S. News and World Report consistently rate it within the top three full-size luxury SUVs. J.D. Power and Associates rate most model years as an 84 out of 100 for reliability.
This model has great longevity as well. If you maintain it, the Navigator should last 200,000 miles or more.
Does The Lincoln Navigator Have Active Cruise Control?
Active cruise control is a technology that uses cameras and sensors to maintain safe distances in traffic. These components will alert you when another vehicle is too close to your front end, then automatically slow your vehicle to avoid a collision.
The Lincoln Navigator has active cruise control. For the Navigator's ActiveGlide system to function, active cruise control must be turned on.
Is The Lincoln Navigator A Four-Wheel Drive?
The Lincoln Navigator has five separate trim levels. Each trim level comes standard as a 4x2. But you have the option of upgrading any of the Navigator's trim levels to a 4x4.
Keep in mind that upgrading to the 4x4 will add additional weight to your vehicle. This will reduce the payload capacity some. And the extra weight will also lower your fuel economy a bit.
The 4x2 will enjoy 23 miles per gallon highway and 17 in the city. This compares to the 4x4, which will get 22 miles per gallon on the highway and 16 in the city.
Is The Lincoln Navigator Considered A Luxury Car?
The Lincoln Navigator is considered a luxury vehicle. This class of car will often time be equipped with a high-performance engine under its hood. They will also have the latest onboard features, many times as a standard and not an upgrade.
The Lincoln Navigator possesses all of the above and much more. Equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.5L V-6 engine, it accelerates with the power you'd expect a luxury SUV to possess.
The leather interior is plush and comfortable, with heated and ventilated first and second-row seating. The multi-speaker sound system rivals that of others in its class.
Luxury vehicles aim to make driving as comfortable as possible. With all of the amenities the Navigator offers, it is worthy of this class.
Final Thoughts
The Lincoln Navigator's ActiveGlide technology isn't the same as a self-driving vehicle, but it is getting several steps closer. This system will allow you to operate your Navigator hands-free, but only on pre-qualified highways with limited access points.
The Navigator continues to be a top-rated luxury SUV, as it is both reliable and has storied longevity. Drive safe!
We hope this post on the Lincoln Navigator answered all of your questions. For more helpful information, we suggest reading the following posts about this automaker:
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