Rumors are swirling that the increasingly retro… or dated, depending on your point of view… Lincoln Navigator is getting a complete redesign in the very near future. Thus far, however, Ford’s luxury-oriented Lincoln division seems content to go into 2014 with no changes to its 7- to 8-passenger high-end full-size SUV. Trims, therefore, should remain the standard-length Base and the stretched-out L, with both again delivered with rear-wheel drive (RWD), but available with full-time all-wheel drive (AWD).

Dated? Yeah, this pachyderm still carries old-fashioned body-on-frame truckiness and a decade-old profile, but it does remain rugged and dependable, and it still delivers standard V8 power and performance. The Base Navigator is expected to continue offering 103.3 cubic feet of cargo area with the second- and third-row seatbacks folded, while the L trim, offering some 15 inches of added overall length, will likely again boast 128.2 cubic feet of toting capacity.

This close relative to the Ford Expedition trumps its Blue-Oval brethren in setting the standard for luxury in a sport-utility vehicle. Both the Base and the L are expected to offer 18-inch alloy wheels, a power rear liftgate, a roof rack, power-retractable side steps, heated power-adjustable mirrors and a Class II trailer hitch and wiring harness to perk up their elderly profiles. Meanwhile, each trim should return with premium leather upholstery adorning the classically elegant cabin, as well as full power accessories, heated power-adjustable front seats, reclining rear seats and a power-folding third-row seat.

Cruise control, tilt-wheel steering, a remote garage door opener, Sync/Bluetooth voice directions and hands-free communications integration, front and rear parking sensors, and a rear-view camera should again reappear aboard both Navigator trims for 2014, as should an auto-dimming rear-view mirror. It should be mentioned that, as of the present, this otherwise feature-laden ute is delivered without Lincoln’s touted MyLincoln Touch infotainment interface, a fact that leaves both reviewers and consumers scratching heads and kicking tires on the less-expensive Expedition.

In any case, standard features aboard the Navigator Base and L continue with memory for driver's settings, leather, wood and chrome cabin accents and a 600-watt THX audio system that boasts a single-CD player and 14 Surround Sound speakers and remains bolstered by satellite radio and a USB connection. Finally, a hard-drive-based navigation system, also interfaced with the Sync technology, is standard in each Navigator trim.

Options, assuming a return to last year’s offerings, should include the Monochrome Limited Edition Package with upgraded exterior accents, power-folding outside mirrors, upgraded cabin décor and a power moonroof, as well as an available heavy-duty trailer hitch and wiring. Upgraded and upsized wheels, meantime, as well as 8-passenger-capable second-row bench seats, remote engine start and rear-seat DVD entertainment ought to again be available for the 2014 Navigator twain as well.

Standard power for the 2014 Navigator trim pair likely remains the ubiquitous 5.4-liter V8 engine, once again managed by a 6-speed automatic transmission. Look for 310 hp and 365 lb-ft of torque from this combo, with variable valve timing (VVT) doing its best to mitigate the unimpressive 14 mpg city/20 highway in RWD trims and the even less imposing 13/18 in AWD trims. Towing is maxed out at 9,000 pounds (RWD), while the available full-time AWD system allows 3 selectable modes: an Auto mode for changeable conditions, 4WD for snow or mud, and RWD for normal conditions. In Auto mode, the Navigator cruises in RWD until conditions warrant switching torque from the wheels that slip to the wheels that grip, front and rear.

Finally, anticipating no significant changes for 2014, look for the Navigator to return with 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS) traction and stability control, 3-row head airbags and front side-mounted airbags. Turn-signal-integrated mirrors, high-intensity-discharge (HID) headlights, SOS crash and airbag deployment alerts, front fog/driving lights, a post-collision safety system and a remote antitheft alarm, meantime, are additional safety systems aboard, with Ford’s touted MyKey programmable speed and audio limiting system also delivered as standard safety equipment.