flannbarr Posted June 28, 2018 Share Posted June 28, 2018 I am considering getting a 2018 Navigator (Reserve) in Rhapsody Blue. The only feature that I am waffling about is the 2nd row center console. The Nav I am looking at does not have the center console. I am going to use the Nav for family use and large hauling. Please let me know your thoughts and experiences. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave_SF Posted June 30, 2018 Share Posted June 30, 2018 Im not a fan of the center console at all, especially for a family car. If you don't need the pass-thru, get the full bench. Tilt and slide makes it easy to get into the 3rd row in every seating config. The console is the same cheap black plastic as the front center console, and it scratches easily. Plus, the center console is a non-removable monstrosity that provides very little utility. It sticks up and gets in the way when hauling big stuff. Bad radio tuning? Cupholders? Its a poor man's imitation of rear executive seating you find in an executive S-class or executive range rover. Our 2018 navigator is 2nd row pass thru, because we frequently move between rows while underway. Sometimes it's the dog, sometimes the nanny, sometimes a parent, and always useful. If you don't need the passthru, get the bench for more seating. You can also put an aftermarket console in our if you really needed the center cupholders. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slumlord Posted July 3, 2018 Share Posted July 3, 2018 I got a bench for mine the middle row can still use the heater and radio controls on the back of the front console. I wanted a big vehicle for moving passengers and dogs and the middle row center console would get in the way. But to each their own. Our tesla model X has the passthrough and we like that it gives more space and legroom to those in the back 3rd row, but the Navigator is much bigger so we didn't want the extra open space. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trupilot Posted July 8, 2018 Share Posted July 8, 2018 To me the console was primarily an obstruction if max cargo volume is required. I ordered the pass through. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boredinbirmingham Posted July 9, 2018 Share Posted July 9, 2018 We went with the full bench in our reserve and with two kids in car seats its been awesome. My wife can jump in the back when the kids require attention while on the move and thats been a game changer. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
holliegator Posted July 14, 2018 Share Posted July 14, 2018 I have a black label and LOVE the console!! My kid can control the music if I let her, and it has awesome storage!! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Navi657 Posted August 29, 2018 Share Posted August 29, 2018 Im not a fan of the center console at all, especially for a family car. If you don't need the pass-thru, get the full bench. Tilt and slide makes it easy to get into the 3rd row in every seating config. The console is the same cheap black plastic as the front center console, and it scratches easily. Plus, the center console is a non-removable monstrosity that provides very little utility. It sticks up and gets in the way when hauling big stuff. Bad radio tuning? Cupholders? Its a poor man's imitation of rear executive seating you find in an executive S-class or executive range rover. Our 2018 navigator is 2nd row pass thru, because we frequently move between rows while underway. Sometimes it's the dog, sometimes the nanny, sometimes a parent, and always useful. If you don't need the passthru, get the bench for more seating. You can also put an aftermarket console in our if you really needed the center cupholders. Interested to hear update on scratching on rear center console. @ 1:15 mark in this video, shows terrible scratching on a press car with only a couple thousand miles. I hope that normal wear will not be this poor... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boredinbirmingham Posted August 29, 2018 Share Posted August 29, 2018 Interested to hear update on scratching on rear center console. @ 1:15 mark in this video, shows terrible scratching on a press car with only a couple thousand miles. I hope that normal wear will not be this poor... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWGhOOI_akQ&t=12s Seeing as this is a press vehicle Im assuming its used pretty hard, lots of gear being sat on the console and what not. That being said my black plastic isnt spotless. It appears that the c-pilar is the same material as the black plastic on the interior and its got tiny scratches too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Navi657 Posted August 29, 2018 Share Posted August 29, 2018 (edited) Seeing as this is a press vehicle Im assuming its used pretty hard, lots of gear being sat on the console and what not. That being said my black plastic isnt spotless. It appears that the c-pilar is the same material as the black plastic on the interior and its got tiny scratches too. Thanks for input... I'm thinking of perhaps using a clear film tape to protect black plastic sections... Edited August 29, 2018 by Navi657 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boredinbirmingham Posted August 30, 2018 Share Posted August 30, 2018 (edited) Thanks for input... I'm thinking of perhaps using a clear film tape to protect black plastic sections... To give you an idea on how delicate the finish is I placed a .45 round in that little cubby where the e brake button is and it immediately marred where the casing rim made contact. The detailer that applied my ceramic coating said he can polish all the black trim with a similar compound used for headlights if it get to be bad enough but that will be a while. Honestly, dust looks worse on it so keep a microfiber cloth in your center console for the black plastic and fingerprints on the nav screen. Edited August 30, 2018 by boredinbirmingham Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Navi657 Posted August 30, 2018 Share Posted August 30, 2018 To give you an idea on how delicate the finish is I placed a .45 round in that little cubby where the e brake button is and it immediately marred where the casing rim made contact. The detailer that applied my ceramic coating said he can polish all the black trim with a similar compound used for headlights if it get to be bad enough but that will be a while. Honestly, dust looks worse on it so keep a microfiber cloth in your center console for the black plastic and fingerprints on the nav screen.I'm more of a 9x19mm Parabellum man myself...? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boredinbirmingham Posted August 30, 2018 Share Posted August 30, 2018 I'm more of a 9x19mm Parabellum man myself...?thats my go to when Ive been off my diet and my shorts are tight. If you ccw often look for wear in your seat. Mine has developed an indentation from my grip but it hasnt seem to cause any additional wear in the leather but Im gonna be watching that spot. I got the 30 way seat so that particular area is adjusted to try to mitigate the grip. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Navi657 Posted August 30, 2018 Share Posted August 30, 2018 thats my go to when Ive been off my diet and my shorts are tight. If you ccw often look for wear in your seat. Mine has developed an indentation from my grip but it hasnt seem to cause any additional wear in the leather but Im gonna be watching that spot. I got the 30 way seat so that particular area is adjusted to try to mitigate the grip. God himself couldn't get a ccw permit where I live. Even mags are restricted to 10 rounds, lol... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boredinbirmingham Posted August 30, 2018 Share Posted August 30, 2018 God himself couldn't get a ccw permit where I live. Even mags are restricted to 10 rounds, lol...I just shed a tear from reading your comment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave_SF Posted September 5, 2018 Share Posted September 5, 2018 Honestly, dust looks worse on it so keep a microfiber cloth in your center console for the black plastic and fingerprints on the nav screen. Isn't that the truth. My center console is a dust magnet. I keep a cloth in the sunglasses holder up above. At 5k miles the front console hasn't scratched up yet, but we normally put stuff in the bins not on the shiny plastic. If it ever scratches up I plan to wrap it with satin black. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boredinbirmingham Posted September 5, 2018 Share Posted September 5, 2018 Isn't that the truth. My center console is a dust magnet. I keep a cloth in the sunglasses holder up above. At 5k miles the front console hasn't scratched up yet, but we normally put stuff in the bins not on the shiny plastic. If it ever scratches up I plan to wrap it with satin black. wrap sounds like a good idea, I hadnt thought about that. Id love to see pics once you get it done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Expy Aladocious Posted August 15, 2019 Share Posted August 15, 2019 Has anyone removed the second row console / is it possible? I just noticed how horribly it sticks up on one of the cars I am looking at. Would rather have the bench or passthrough. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Husker4theSpurs Posted August 16, 2019 Share Posted August 16, 2019 It all depends on use I think. We will order the bench when we finally do so. Our kids will be 4 and 2 then and it will be nice to have an extra seating space in back between them for traveling (so the non-driver can tend to them). We may travel with my in-laws as well and I suppose we could move the two car seats next to each other and make it easier to pass through to the 3rd row and also only force one person to be in the way back allowing us to drop one side of the seating in the third row for more cargo. I do wish there was a drop down cupholder/armrest in the middle section of the bench however. It probably appears more luxurious with the console there, but depending on one's usage it makes little to no sense. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Expy Aladocious Posted August 16, 2019 Share Posted August 16, 2019 For me, I want to be able to haul long things with no passengers, so the center console becomes a big obstruction to that. With the passthrough I just need a board or something to put in the middle, or even a nice cooler/freezer combo unit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LincolnLawyer Posted August 16, 2019 Share Posted August 16, 2019 I have the console and like it. I have a family of 4 with two teenagers, so the third row doesn’t get used very often. No on any of my consoles yet, but I could see where it could happen if you’re careless. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snowmotion Posted August 6, 2020 Share Posted August 6, 2020 I deleted the rear center console in my 2019 navigator this past weekend. Definitely possible. 1- There are 4 plastic panels that need to be removed from around the console (gently pulling so as to not break the tabs) 2- then there are 4 bolts that need to be removed on the sides of the console 3- the entire console will lift out vertically and you'll have plenty of slack in the electronic cord to unplug from a plastic harness. 4- there are two large'ish metal brackets that are bolted into the floorboard to which the console's 4 earlier bolts were connected. Those metal brackets can be removed completely, but I recommend putting the washer and bolts back into the floor so there aren't any open holes in the floor. 5- I wrapped the plastic wiring harness liberally in electrical tape and tucked it into one of the spaces in the floor where the brackets were located 6- there are a couple of openings where the brackets used to be that probably need to be filled in with either pieces of foam or wood or something to make sure the floor is level in all places. 7- then put a proper floor liner or carpet over the area The rear audio controls obviously don't work anymore after this, but it doesn't throw any weird lights or messages elsewhere in the car's system so that's good. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bcparker2 Posted August 6, 2020 Share Posted August 6, 2020 This is good info. I have a bench seat second row but it'd be cool on our longer road trips to have a pass through. I will likely have less issues because it's just a seat but I look forward to trying it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vipersinu2 Posted August 8, 2020 Share Posted August 8, 2020 (edited) We had the bench seat in our mountaineer for 10yrs. We wanted the center console In the navigator. We are not regretting our decision to get the console. The kids have storage and seperates the 2 children from acting up. We would never get a bench seat again. We don't haul stuff in our navigator. But If you do haul alot things around. The console will be a nuisance, because it sticks up higher than the seats when folded down. Edited August 11, 2020 by vipersinu2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gpfarrell Posted August 11, 2020 Share Posted August 11, 2020 Snowmotion, Thank you! Our '07 had no console. Our '16 came with one and I removed it and replaced it with a center seat acquired inexpensively through car-parts.com... a wrecking yard network. We really like the 8 person functionality. I was bummed when the '18 Black Label's were only offered with 7-passenger seating... it looks exotic but just doesn't work for us. I'd like to upgrade to the new design but the popularity of the console (and not knowing if it could be deleted) was really limiting my pre-owned choices! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
idoitforv Posted November 7, 2020 Share Posted November 7, 2020 On 8/6/2020 at 12:39 PM, snowmotion said: I deleted the rear center console in my 2019 navigator this past weekend. Definitely possible. 1- There are 4 plastic panels that need to be removed from around the console (gently pulling so as to not break the tabs) 2- then there are 4 bolts that need to be removed on the sides of the console 3- the entire console will lift out vertically and you'll have plenty of slack in the electronic cord to unplug from a plastic harness. 4- there are two large'ish metal brackets that are bolted into the floorboard to which the console's 4 earlier bolts were connected. Those metal brackets can be removed completely, but I recommend putting the washer and bolts back into the floor so there aren't any open holes in the floor. 5- I wrapped the plastic wiring harness liberally in electrical tape and tucked it into one of the spaces in the floor where the brackets were located 6- there are a couple of openings where the brackets used to be that probably need to be filled in with either pieces of foam or wood or something to make sure the floor is level in all places. 7- then put a proper floor liner or carpet over the area The rear audio controls obviously don't work anymore after this, but it doesn't throw any weird lights or messages elsewhere in the car's system so that's good. Snowmotion! Clutch, thank you so much for the info. As cool as the center console looks its just kind of useless and impairs the space for large flat objects. I did want to ask if you have ever tried to open up the front center console. I'm trying to replace the CD player with a blu-ray player as part of a larger project to make the rear seat entertainment what it should've been from the factory. Any tips to get to that area? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.