The Navigator is back for another round, sporting something of a re-design. After all, Lincoln needs to keep up with Cadillac, who just gave a full re-design to the Navigator's ultimate rival, the Escalade. Based on Ford Expedition and in turn the F-Series pickups, the Navigator is in the full-sized, premium SUV class. It comfortably seats seven, and this year it features a couple of fascinating new options: a one-touch power-retracting third-row seat, and power-deployable running boards that automatically extend when doors are open and retreat when doors are closed. But that isn't the only news for '07. There will also be extended-length trims in both 2WD and 4WD; the additional 14.7 inches on these L versions add 25 additional cubic feet of cargo space. The face of the Navigator is also changed, as it's highlighted by a huge "chrome" (actually chrome-colored paint on plastic) grille with a new criss-cross design, and more complex multi-material headlights, all below a very large and imposing Powerdome hood. Those changes are part of a slightly altered exterior look, but overall there isn't much else that's noticeably different at first glance. Under the hood, the 5.4-liter, 300 horsepower Triton V8 delivers 365 lb.-ft. of torque, although that may not be enough for this mammoth. Nevertheless, the 4x2 Navigator can tow up to 9,000 pounds when properly equipped, and the 4x4 can pull 8,800. This year's Navigator employs Lincoln's Quiet Steel technology along with more sound-deadening material than ever before, resulting in a super-quiet ride as it all reduces vibration and noise from the large engine.The transmission is a smooth-shifting and efficient 6-speed automatic that Lincoln claims affords 7% better fuel economy than a 4-speed transmission. A multi-link rear suspension swallows the bumps to help keep the ride plush. Improvements in the behemoth's friendliness toward Mother Nature have resulted in significantly lowered emissions from the 2006 Navigator. For example, this year's model emits 65% less nitrogen oxide. Alas, it's still a guzzler, of course, gulping one gallon per every 13 city miles and 18 highway miles. The standard Personal Safety System consists of dual-stage air bags and seat-mounted air bags in the front row, three-point belts with pretensioners, and a shock-absorbing steering column. There's also the Safety Canopy, wherein all three rows get outboard side-curtain air bags with rollover sensors; the Navigator is the first full-sized luxury SUV to offer this. Also standard is Lincoln's AdvanceTrac, an electronic stability program that comes with Roll Stability Control, which senses vehicle roll and prompts the engine and brakes to respond as needed to maintain each wheel's optimum grip. For security, there's the remote keyless entry with panic alarm that flashes the lights and sounds the horn; it also has a coded key with which the engine cannot be started. A keypad on driver's door also allows entry. Although the interior is certainly attractive, with a leather and wood steering wheel, shiny door handles, and nicely-stitched leather seats, there's a common opinion out there that the abundance of plastic makes it noticeably cheaper-looking than on previous models. All that may matter here is that testers say it doesn't hold a candle to Cadillac's choice of materials. That said, the Escalade has a significantly higher price tag, so it ought to use higher-cost materials. Other items on the standard-equipment list include heated and cooled front seats with three levels, triple-zone automatic temperature control, spoked 18-inch wheels of machined aluminum, the Reverse Sensing System, something that's actually a necessity with a vehicle of this size. For options you can choose from a rear-seat entertainment system (with 8-inch screens and two sets of wireless headphones), a power liftgate, a power moonroof, and 20-inch chrome wheels. And, in case your SUV isn't enough of a navigator, you can also add a DVD-based navigation system.