2021 Cadillac XT5 vs 2020 Lincoln Navigator

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator was a standout in the luxury SUV segment, distinguished by its chrome accents and unique design elements that set it apart from its Ford Expedition counterpart. The Navigator featured a lattice-type grille with an illuminated Lincoln star, fender vents, and full-width taillights, all contributing to its sophisticated appearance. Inside, the Navigator offered a luxurious experience with its 30-way Perfect Position front seats, digital instrumentation, and a 10-inch infotainment touchscreen. The panoramic glass roof and high-quality materials further enhanced the sense of luxury, making the Navigator a true flagship SUV.

In contrast, the 2021 Cadillac XT5 aimed to reclaim Cadillac's reputation for refinement with its updated design and technology. The XT5 featured a more snub-nosed exterior with standard LED lights and 18-inch alloy wheels, while 20-inch designs were available. Inside, the XT5 offered a more upscale interior than its Chevrolet Blazer sibling, with cut and sewn leather, natural wood, and carbon fibre accents. The Premium Luxury trim level exuded elegance, though it lacked some of the luxury appointments found in higher-end Cadillacs like the Escalade.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a robust twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering an impressive 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. This engine outperformed the Ford Expedition's most powerful version by 50 horsepower and 30 lb-ft of torque. The Navigator's 10-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive system provided smooth power delivery, while multiple drive modes allowed for tailored driving experiences. With a maximum towing capacity of 3,764 kilograms, the Navigator was well-suited for hauling, aided by the Pro Trailer Backup Assist system. However, its fuel efficiency was less impressive, averaging 14.3 litres per 100 kilometres during testing.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder with 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.6-litre V6 with 310 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. The V6, standard on the XT5 Sport, provided smooth upshifts but clunkier downshifts. The XT5's fuel efficiency was commendable, with the AWD V6 achieving 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres over 3,200 kilometres of testing, outperforming its estimated 11.2 L/100 km. The XT5's handling was competent, though it could benefit from more low-end torque for better acceleration.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator offered a spacious and comfortable interior, with ample room for passengers in all three rows. The optional Luxury Package included 30-way Perfect Position front seats, which required some adjustment but provided exceptional comfort. The Navigator's second-row seats could be configured with a bench or captain's chairs, and the third-row seats offered class-leading legroom and thigh support. Cargo space was generous, with the standard model providing up to 2,928 litres and the longer Navigator L offering up to 3,407 litres.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 accommodated four adults comfortably, though the rear seat's headroom was limited for taller passengers. The front seats, while heated, were less comfortable on long trips due to a hard bottom cushion. The XT5 offered 850 litres of cargo space, which was less than some competitors but featured a deep rear cargo area. The cargo-management system allowed for secure storage, and a hands-free programmable height power liftgate was available. However, small-item storage was limited, with few convenient places for smartphones or other items.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator's Sync 3 infotainment system was its weakest link, with slow loading times. However, it offered Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. The "Phone As A Key" technology allowed smartphone-based vehicle access. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system provided excellent sound quality, and additional features included a surround-view camera system and a head-up display.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 featured a streamlined infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen and a rotary controller. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a subscription-based 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The XT5's climate control system was housed in Piano Black plastic with haptic feedback, and a heated steering wheel was standard. The available 14-speaker Bose Performance Series sound system delivered high-quality audio, and a rear camera mirror enhanced nighttime driving visibility.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator came equipped with the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Navigator's adaptive cruise control operated smoothly, and the lane-keeping assistance system was effective. The SUV received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not tested the 2020 model.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 offered a range of safety features, including front automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-change alert with side blind-zone alert. Cadillac's Night Vision technology enhanced nighttime drivability, while the Teen Driver software allowed parents to monitor and limit vehicle features for young drivers. A rear-seat reminder and rearview camera were standard, providing additional safety measures.