Although it has high- and low-range gearing and can be taken off road, most drivers of the 2008 Lincoln Navigator Base 4WD won't want to get their full-size luxury SUV dirty. The on-demand 4WD distributes torque to the rear wheels, but can be engaged part-time or full-time, in which torque is distributed to the wheels that need it. The system is accompanied by a locking center differential and 18-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires. Engine power comes from a 300-hp, 5.4-liter, 24-valve V8 and 6-speed automatic. A full complement of safety features includes traction and stability control with rollover protection, 4-wheel ABS brakes, and electronic brakeforce distribution. Equipment such as automatic headlights, foglights, xenon lamps, rear parking sensors, a tire monitor, and dual front-side and side curtain airbags for all three rows add extra security. An optional rearview camera is new this year.

Other than the extra road grip, the 2008 Navigator Base 4WD is a lot like the rear-wheel drive version. Normally seating seven in two rows of leather captain's chairs and a third-row bench, a second-row bench can be substituted to seat eight people. Both rows fold flat to expand the 18-cubic-foot cargo area to 103 cubic feet. New this year is a power-fold feature for the third row. Also new is a power liftgate feature. The liftgate opens separately from the rear window. A roof rack and trailer hitch are standard, and the Navigator can tow up to 8,000 pounds. Heated and cooled front seats join its standard equipment, which also includes full power features, 10-way power front seats with memory settings, wheel-mounted cruise and audio controls, satellite radio, a 6-CD changer with MP3 playback, front and rear climate control, remote entry, power-folding heated mirrors, and intermittent front and rear wipers. Cupholders and power outlets are spread throughout all rows.

Option packages add a sunroof, navigation system, DVD player with wireless headphones, and 20-inch chrome wheels. Upgraded leather, power running boards, and power rear window shades are also available, as is an appearance package that adds more chrome exterior trim and body-colored moldings and cladding.