Driving From Montgomery to Tuscaloosa for Game Day in a Lincoln

In this article What's the Plan at a Glance? Court Square Fountain: Where the City Began Dexter Avenue and the Alabama State Capitol Old Alabama Town: The Neighborhood Side of Montgomery The Navigator and the Drive Between Start at Court Square Fountain, work your way up Dexter Avenue to the Capitol, then close the morning at Old Alabama Town on North Hull Street. Call it three stops, roughly four miles of downtown driving, and October is the month to do it. By early October the humidity has finally broken. The light at that hour sits low and amber through the old oaks, and downtown Montgomery, which can feel relentless in August, opens up into something unhurried. We've driven this loop ourselves, and we'll tell you what we've learned about running it in a full-size vehicle. The 2026 Lincoln Navigator is what we'd take. What's the Plan at a Glance? Stop What to Do Best Time Parking Notes Court Square Fountain Walk the square, locate Rosa Parks bus stop marker First thing in the morning Street parking on Commerce or Dexter; metered and usually open early Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church and Alabama State Capitol Guided tour of the church basement; self-guided Capitol exterior and grounds Mid-morning (tours run Tue-Sat, hourly from 10 am) Church lot is small; the Alabama Judicial Building garage on Dexter handles a full-size SUV Old Alabama Town, North Hull Street Self-guided walk through 50+ restored buildings Late morning into afternoon Garage on Monroe Street, half a block north; fits a Navigator without issue Confirm tour availability at the church before you go. Reservations are recommended, and the basement mural (the reason to step inside at all) stays closed unless a guide is with you. Court Square Fountain: Where the City Began If you're still deciding which vehicle to bring, start the morning here, where the Court Square Fountain lays out the city's full arc in a single block and tells you fast how much of the day will be spent on foot versus behind the wheel. The Court Square Fountain has been standing since 1885, when Montgomery's city council built it over one of the oldest artesian wells in the region. The iron work was cast by the Mott Iron Works of New York. It marks the geographic point where two early settlements, Alabama Town and New Philadelphia, grew together to become Montgomery. It also marks the square that served as the city's central slave market through the mid-19th century, and it's the stop on Court Square where Rosa Parks boarded the bus in December 1955. None of that's decoration. Standing at the fountain, you can look straight up Dexter Avenue and see the Capitol dome at the far end of the block. The civic story of this city sits in a single sightline. Spend twenty minutes here, and read the markers with care, because the quiet is doing something in a place this layered. Insider note: Arrive before 9 am if you want the fountain to yourself. By mid-morning on a clear October weekday, it draws a steady crowd of visitors. The early light also falls down Dexter Avenue from the Capitol end, which makes the entire street worth photographing. Dexter Avenue and the Alabama State Capitol Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church, at 454 Dexter Avenue, was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1974 because of its importance in the civil rights movement. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. served as pastor there and helped organize the Montgomery bus boycott in 1955. Drive slowly up Dexter Avenue. The redbrick church appears on the left before the Capitol, and the approach by car gives you the full scale of the street, something a walking tour can't quite replicate. The Lincoln Aviator seats three rows and handles downtown parking more easily than the Navigator if you're bringing a larger group. Still, both fit in the Judicial Building garage on Dexter with some patience. Alabama artist John Feagin painted the full-room mural in the church basement, and it tracks the Montgomery Bus Boycott with documentary precision. That's the reason to book a guided tour rather than simply drive past. Tours run Tuesday through Saturday, hourly from 10 am to 3 pm, and the basement stays locked outside a guided visit. Plan ninety minutes here. The Alabama State Capitol is steps away. Jefferson Davis was inaugurated on the West Portico in 1861, and a little over a hundred years later, the third Selma to Montgomery march culminated in Dr. King's "How Long, Not Long" speech from the front staircase. Self-guided access to the exterior and grounds is free, and you don't need a ticket to feel the weight of the spot. The view looking back down Dexter Avenue from the Capitol steps, toward the church in the middle distance, is what ties the entire morning together. Schedule a Pre-Trip Service Check Old Alabama Town: The Neighborhood Side of Montgomery Three-quarters of a mile northwest on North Hull Street, the city changes register entirely, trading the civic weight of Dexter Avenue for something domestic and lived-in, which makes Old Alabama Town the right second stop once the morning's heavier history has settled and you're ready for something quieter. Old Alabama Town is a six-block living history museum in historic downtown Montgomery, where you can explore how people lived and worked in central Alabama during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Visitors can enjoy self-guided tours through more than 50 restored buildings along North Hull Street, including rural homes, shops, and workplaces. The Landmarks Foundation manages the collection, and it's open Wednesday through Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm. A modest admission fee applies. The guided tour of the Ordeman-Shaw House, an Italianate townhouse with original outbuildings, is worth the time if the morning allows. What makes Old Alabama Town work as a second stop is exactly that it's unhurried. There's no fixed-route pressure. You move through the restored blocks at your own pace, a different rhythm from the focused, guided experience at Dexter Avenue. The contrast between the two sites, one civic and activist, the other domestic and rural, gives the morning a real arc. The Lincoln Nautilus is the right call for a couple who wants comfortable seating and easy downtown maneuverability without the full footprint of the Navigator, and we'd call that a fair tradeoff out loud. Next step: Before you plan the route, walk through our inventory online or call our team at (334) 647-6905. We're on Eastern Boulevard and happy to match the right vehicle to the kind of driving you actually do. The Navigator and the Drive Between The honest version of the Navigator case is that its strengths here have nothing to do with speed and everything to do with how it filters out a city morning, which is exactly the job on a slow four-mile downtown loop. You won't be chasing horsepower on these blocks. The 2026 Navigator's adaptive suspension and enhanced active noise control are engineered for exactly the kind of low-speed, start-and-stop city driving this route demands. Lincoln lists the twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 at 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. That power is never what you're reaching for in downtown Montgomery. What you notice instead is what's absent: the tire noise on brick streets, the cabin intrusion from other traffic, the fatigue that accumulates on a longer morning. The Navigator's soft-close doors don't feel like a feature until you've stepped out at Court Square in the morning stillness and appreciated the silence that followed. The tradeoff is size. Navigating the tighter blocks around Old Alabama Town asks for patience. Parallel parking on North Hull Street in a long-wheelbase Navigator L requires a specific approach, and we'd say so plainly to any client who asked. The Monroe Street garage is the better choice there, and it handles the full footprint without drama. We've watched clients return from a morning like this one changed in a way that a highway drive doesn't produce. October in Montgomery, low sun, cool air, and a cabin that genuinely holds quiet, tends to slow things down in a way that suits both the vehicle and the history. Let it. Explore Financing Options Stivers Lincoln of Montgomery 4000 Eastern Blvd, Montgomery, AL 36116 (334) 647-6905

It's no secret that the Lincoln Navigator shares its mechanical bones with the Ford Expedition, but as the Navigator formula continues to evolve, direct tactile connections to its corporate sibling are harder than ever to find. That's especia lly true of the current model, which was redesigned for 2025. Unsurprisingly, the year after a full redesign brings few changes, but the 2026 Navigator is still worth revisiting, which is what Yahoo! Autos did this past summer when it tested a Navigator Reserve trim. Stivers Lincoln tells you what the publication discovered. In today's SUV-focused world, the Navigator essentially serves as the flagship of the Lincoln lineup, much like the original legendary Continentals once did sixty-some years ago. It is big and powerful, and can carry plenty of people and things, but the focus from bumper to bumper is on comfort and refinement. With price tags hovering around the six-figure mark, the Navigator isn't exactly attainable to everyone – but it does return quite a bit of refinement, comfort, and capability for the money. Under the hood of all Navigators is a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V - 6 engine producing 440 horsepower and 510 lb -ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic and standard four -wheel drive. Yahoo describes it as “plenty powerful, giving ample support on the highway and providing ample getup for aggressive launches on surface streets.” The Navigator may not deliver the roar of a V - 8, but the whole point of a vehicle of this stature is not to hear the engine at all. In addition, on all interstates and most cross-country highways, you don’t have to drive the vehicle either, thanks to the standard BlueCruise hands-free highway driving system, which can even change lanes automatically. Instead, drivers and passengers alike simply enjoy the serenity of the cabin, with quilted perforated leather seats that look particularly inviting in Hot Chocolate or Afterglow color schemes. On the Reserve trim, the front seats feature 24-way adjustment, heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The Black Label trim adds 6 more seat adjustments for a total of 30, putting even the most sophisticated executive office chairs to shame. The eye-catcher, however, is the 48-inch pillar-to-pillar line-up of screens along the base of the windshield, which is designed to minimize eye diversion from the road ahead. These displays provide full driver-centric information, both navigation and audio system info, camera displays to assist in parking, and additional information for the front passenger. They are a bit far to reach, so they are controlled by an 11.1-inch touchscreen in the center of the dash. The steering wheel’s rather ovoid shape enables full above-the-rim visibility of the driver display without the abrupt corners of a flattened upper or lower rim. Elsewhere in the cabin, there is ambient lighting, a panoramic moonroof, a 28-speaker Revel audio system, and a unique “Rejuvenation” feature which, as Yahoo describes, “releases scents and puts meditative scenes like waterfalls on the screens, all reinforce the luxurious feel.” On the more practical side, the second-row seats can be either a 3-seat bench or two-seat “captain’s chairs.” That is shared with almost every 3-row SUV, so the Reserve and Black Label models also offer the " PowerPitch and Slide" captain's chairs, which feature heating, ventilation, and massage functions. At 42.0 inches, the second-row seats provide plenty of legroom for adults, but the third-row seats actually have more, with 43.5 inches. Behind the third row of seats is 22.9 cubic feet of cargo space. That grows to 69.9 cubic feet with the third row seat down. For full cargo mode with the second - and third -row seatbacks folded, Navigator provides up to 107.0 cubic feet of space. All these figures grow considerably with the available long-wheelbase Navigator L models. All this space and luxury is wrapped in a n exterior design that emphasizes restraint and elegance from bumper to bumper. As Yahoo! states, “In contrast, the Cadillac Escalade has grown more severe to the point it's an almost brutalist design, and Lincoln's elegant lines offer a refreshing exercise in simplicity. Yahoo! author sums up his Navigator Reserve review with the following: “I consider the Navigator to be near the top of the large luxury SUV segment. I think it's more tasteful than its archrival, the Escalade, though the Cadillac has outsold it nearly two-to-one in 2026, and the Escalade is better than ever. I put both a cut above the Infiniti QX80 and Jeep Grand Wagoneer in this highly competitive arena.” If a full-size luxury SUV is on your wish list, the Lincoln Navigator simply must be shopped; the place to do that shopping is Stivers Lincoln of Montgomery. Visit Stivers Lincoln of Montgomery for your Navigator test drive.

Full-size luxury SUVs rarely pull off strong performance and genuine fuel efficiency at the same time. The 2026 Lincoln Navigator pairs a twin-turbocharged V6 with efficiency tech built to squeeze the most out of every gallon. It handles Montgomery traffic and long I-65 highway stretches with the same composed confidence. If you'd like to see one in person, browse our new Navigator inventory or schedule a test drive at Stivers Lincoln of Montgomery. EPA-Estimated Fuel Economy Figures According to the EPA, the 2026 Navigator is rated at 15 MPG city / 22 MPG highway / 17 MPG combined for the standard-wheelbase configuration. These numbers hold across every trim, since all versions share the same powertrain. Compact crossovers will always beat a rig like this on paper, but for a large, premium SUV that seats up to eight in genuine comfort, these figures hold their own. City driving pulls the numbers down given the Navigator's size and weight, though Auto Start-Stop and other efficiency features help in Montgomery-area stop-and-go traffic. Highway numbers tell a better story. Aerodynamic tuning paired with a well-calibrated 10-speed transmission pushes MPG noticeably higher, which matters on longer regional drives, especially during Alabama summers when the AC works overtime and eats into fuel economy. Every 2026 Navigator comes standard with four-wheel drive (4WD). Lincoln isn't offering a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) variant this year, so there's no drivetrain-based efficiency trade-off to weigh. Whatever trim you choose, you're getting the same 4WD system and the same EPA figures above. Engine Performance and Drive Modes Power and efficiency aren't at odds in the 2026 Navigator. Every model runs a twin-turbocharged 3.5L V6 producing 432 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. In independent testing, the Navigator has run 0-60 mph in approximately 5.1 seconds; that's a tested estimate rather than an official manufacturer or EPA figure. The Navigator can also tow up to 8,700 lbs, making it a solid choice for hauling a boat or trailer around Montgomery and beyond. The engine runs on regular 87-octane fuel, though Lincoln recommends premium (91+) for best performance in hot weather or when towing, both common scenarios for Alabama drivers. Drivers get real control through selectable drive modes: Normal, Sport, Tow/Haul, and Slippery. Each adjusts throttle response, transmission tuning, and traction control. Normal is the everyday setting, balancing comfort and efficiency for the daily commute. Sport sharpens throttle response for a livelier feel. Tow/Haul reworks power delivery for towing loads, and Slippery adjusts traction control for wet or low-grip surfaces. Highway Comfort and Efficiency Features The Navigator's efficiency technology shows up clearly on long highway runs. The Auto Start-Stop system shuts the engine off during brief idle periods, like sitting at a red light, so you're not burning fuel unnecessarily in city traffic. At speed, the Navigator's aerodynamic profile, including power-deployable running boards that retract for cleaner airflow, cuts drag in an area where full-size SUVs typically lose ground to smaller vehicles. The 10-speed automatic transmission is tuned to keep the engine in its sweet spot during highway travel. More gear ratios mean the transmission can hold lower RPMs at cruising speed, cutting fuel use while keeping the ride smooth and quiet. That matters if you're regularly putting miles on between Montgomery and wherever you're headed next. Compare Navigator Trims and Their Efficiency Profiles Every trim in the 2026 Navigator lineup runs the same twin-turbocharged V6, 10-speed automatic, and 4WD system, and every trim carries the same EPA-estimated 15/22/17 MPG rating. What changes between trims is interior equipment, seating technology, and, for the "L" versions, wheelbase and cargo space. Trim Wheelbase Cargo Volume (Behind 3rd Row) Front Seat Key Distinctive Feature Premiere Standard ~22.9 cu ft Standard 48-inch panoramic display, Lincoln Digital Experience, Split Gate tailgate Premiere L Extended (~131.5 in) ~37.4 cu ft Standard Extended wheelbase for added third-row and cargo room Reserve Standard ~22.9 cu ft 24-way Perfect Position with heating/massage Lincoln Rejuvenate, 360-degree camera, Vista Roof, adaptive cruise Reserve L Extended (~131.5 in) ~37.4 cu ft 24-way Perfect Position with heating/massage Reserve features plus extended wheelbase Black Label Standard ~22.9 cu ft 30-way Perfect Position with Active Motion massage BlueCruise (4 years included), curated interior themes, rear-seat entertainment Black Label L Extended (~131.5 in) ~37.4 cu ft 30-way Perfect Position with Active Motion massage Black Label features plus extended wheelbase To see current pricing and availability on any trim, get pre-approved or browse our new Navigator inventory. Premiere The Premiere is the entry point into the lineup, and it's still well-equipped with synthetic leather upholstery, a 48-inch panoramic display running Lincoln Digital Experience, Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Drive 2.0, and the Split Gate tailgate. Its standard configuration keeps weight in check, which supports the shared EPA ratings across the lineup. Premiere L The Premiere L has an extended wheelbase of 131.5 inches (compared to 122.5 inches on the standard model, a gain of about 9 inches), adding roughly 11 inches to overall vehicle length and increasing cargo volume behind the third row from about 22.9 to 37.4 cu ft. Families hauling a full load on long trips will notice the extra room right away, with no change to the shared powertrain or fuel economy. Reserve The Reserve steps up cabin materials with premium leather across the first and second rows, 24-way Perfect Position front seats with heating and massage, Lincoln Rejuvenate, a 360-degree camera, a panoramic Vista Roof, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, handy for Montgomery's daily traffic patterns. Reserve L The Reserve L pairs the Reserve's upgraded feature set with the extended wheelbase and roughly 37.4 cu ft of cargo space behind the third row. It's a strong fit for buyers who want both comfort upgrades and the extra room the L configuration provides. Black Label The Black Label is Lincoln's most exclusive Navigator trim, featuring 30-way Perfect Position seats with Active Motion massage, BlueCruise hands-free driving with four years included, curated interior themes, a panoramic glass roof, rear-seat entertainment, and heated second- and third-row seats. Black Label L The Black Label L combines every Black Label feature with the extended wheelbase and expanded cargo capacity. You get maximum space, top-tier materials, and Lincoln's full suite of comfort and driver-assist tech, all running the same twin-turbocharged V6 and 10-speed transmission as the rest of the lineup. Find Your Ideal Navigator at Stivers Lincoln of Montgomery Picking a trim and figuring out which configuration fits how you drive is easier with someone experienced walking you through it. Visit or Contact Us Stivers Lincoln of Montgomery is located at 4000 Eastern Blvd. in Montgomery, Alabama, and has served Lincoln drivers since 2002 with a full selection of 2026 Navigator models across every trim. If you're looking for a lower-cost path into a Navigator, our Certified Pre-Owned inventory is also worth a look. Our sales team is available Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., at 334-777-6998. Our service center handles routine maintenance and repairs with genuine OEM Lincoln parts, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., reachable at 334-781-4301. Ready to Take the Next Step? Schedule a test drive or contact our team today to find the Navigator configuration that fits your lifestyle and efficiency priorities. Images by OEM