One of the most crowded segments of the sport utility vehicle market is the luxury end, with dozens of potential choices ranging from Mitsubishi Monteros and Acura MDXs to Cadillac's Escalade lineup and three Lexus models. Then there is Lincoln, with its supersized Navigator and smaller full-sized Aviator.

They are just about identical in appearance, save the Navigator's much larger size and height. Each has its strong points and both face the same challenge: making a name for themselves with subdued styling and ambience in a market that is increasingly getting more flamboyant by the day.

The base price for the Navigator ranges from $50,435 to $57,085, depending on equipment and model. This year's model also has a new 5.4-liter, 300-horsepower V-8 engine (14 miles per gallon city/18 highway) that was much needed.

	Ford Motor Lincoln's SUVs, the supersized Navigator, top, and the smaller Aviator, bottom, are very similar in appearance. Two differences between the vehicles are their size and their price. Click photo for larger image.

But don't think the larger engine means we have a hot rod here. Hulking SUVs the size of the Navigator need large engines just to carry the weight and load. Still, the bigger engine helps the Navigator more than hold its own on the road, and provides plenty of power for passing. And making good use of that power is a six-speed automatic, which Lincoln claims is the only one in its field for SUVs.

Other new features include new front fascia, a new standard chrome grille and revised side cladding and running boards. There's a better tire pressure monitoring system, and new interior and exterior colors throughout.

But there's one feature on the Navigator that puts it ahead of the pack. It's the power folding third row seats. Now you don't have to fumble and fuss to get more storage room -- just press the button, and voila, for flat space and plenty of room for stowing. A power rear door liftgate makes loading easier still.

Another advantage that the Navigator enjoys is a firm, automobile-like ride. Its main competitor, the Cadillac Escalade, tends to feel trucklike on the open road because of a fixed rear axle. But the Navigator has all-wheel independent suspension, allowing each tire to move up and down as needed.

It size remains a disadvantage, though. Even with the parking assist, the Navigator is quite a handful when it comes to backing into a space. Maneuvering it on narrow car-lined streets is no treat, either. I prefer the more manageable Aviator.

In fact, there's no shortage of things to like about the Aviator. First, there's the convenience of steering wheel mounted climate control buttons and others for the audio system. You can adjust the temperature, radio volume and change the station without taking your eyes off the road and reaching for buttons elsewhere. I also liked the handy pullout storage bins on the door, and the convenient seat adjustment buttons on the door panel.

But what I liked most of all about the Aviator was the way it felt. Thanks to an independent suspension system, you know what every tire is doing as you drive, and there aren't any sudden jolts or jars resulting from changes in the road surface.

The Aviator feels amazingly light on its feet, and corners better than most of the competitors in the midsized SUV class. The sensations you get will make you think you're behind the wheel of a standard passenger car.

Power comes from a 302 horsepower, 4.6 liter V-8, and that spells brisk acceleration and performance, again, with a feel much like a passenger car. Fuel mileage is 13 city and 18 highway, and the base price ranges from $41,200 to $44,150.

I encountered only a few problems. The back support for the driver's front seat was only adjustable manually via a handle that was tough to reach -- I suspect it will be a bit of a problem for someone with arthritis. The window controls have the same issue -- they are located on a sloping area on the console, and you have to contort your hand to maneuver them.

I also wondered about the tiny heated seat control -- the red "on" light makes you squint, as do some of the other markings on the dashboard. But the Aviator, with standard third-row seating, has a terrific night lighting system that illuminates even the controls on the steering wheel.

The biggest challenge that this pair faces is stylistic. Both are nicely equipped, pleasant to drive and full of features that are useful for most consumers. But in a market where there's a pretty level playing field in quality, safety and other factors, it's styling and individualization that will make the difference between a sale and a pass-up.

Unfortunately, while the Aviator and Navigator are pleasant looking, they also resemble each other too closely, even to the point of having nearly identical interiors. They deserve their own identities and a strong enough presence that they won't be so easily overlooked.

Lincoln is addressing this by replacing this year's subdued Aviator with a much more dramatic design in the next year or two.