Lincoln Navigator is First American Vehicle to Earn Highest Score in J.D. Power APEAL Study
2018 Lincoln Navigator in Burgundy Velvet
J.D. Power has conducted its U.S. Automotive Performance, Execution, and Layout study every year since 1996, and in every one of the previous 22 iterations a vehicle from a non-American manufacturer has earned the highest overall score. Until now.
The 2018 Lincoln Navigator earned an APEAL score of 915, which is both the highest score in the 2018 APEAL study and the highest overall score earned in the study’s third generational cycle (2013-18). A vehicle’s APEAL score is determined by gathering responses with respect to 77 different attributes from approximately 68,000 new-vehicle purchasers or lessees who have been driving a new 2018 model-year vehicle for more than 90 days.
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The industry average APEAL score for 2018 is 820 out of 1,000, while the average APEAL score for the luxury segment is 851. In both, the new Navigator is well above the field. The Navigator improved its score by 71 points over the 2017 Navigator, with respondents ranking fuel economy, third-row seating comfort, voice recognition technology, and the new signature face of Lincoln as its strongest attributes.
“At Lincoln, we’re always thinking about our clients — what they like and what they need,” said Joy Falotico, president, The Lincoln Motor Company. “To have Navigator become the first American vehicle ever to top the J.D. Power APEAL study is a testament to the unwavering dedication by the Lincoln team to create an exceptional and effortless ownership experience.”
In addition, the Lincoln Continental earned the APEAL award for its segment for the second straight year, and Lincoln increased its score 12 points year-over-year to earn fourth place among luxury brands.
Related: 2018 Lincoln Continental brings back classic luxury with modern flair
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