2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2021 Cadillac Escalade

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade showcased a design evolution influenced by the Escala concept, particularly evident in its front fascia. However, from the side and rear, it retained a familiar aesthetic, featuring crisp creases and tall OLED taillights. The Escalade sat on standard 22-inch wheels for the first time, offering a commanding presence. Pricing started at just over $90,000 Canadian for the base Luxury trim, with higher trims like Premium Luxury and Sport priced at $99,898. The Premium Luxury Platinum and Sport Platinum trims offered maximum luxury at $118,398. The test vehicle, a Premium Luxury trim, included features like a 36-speaker AKG sound system and a Driver Assist Tech Package, bringing its price to $119,988. The Escalade's interior impressed with its leather options and wood trims, though some plastic elements were less forgivable at this price point.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator, while sharing some design elements with the Ford Expedition, stood out with its unique styling and elegance. It featured a body-colour grille, 22-inch wheels, and a few chrome accents, maintaining a classy appearance. The Pristine White test model with black wheels and an illuminated Lincoln logo was particularly striking. Inside, the Navigator offered seven colour palettes, with the Slate Gray interior of the test vehicle showcasing attention to detail. The Perfect Position seats provided 30-way adjustability, offering exceptional comfort. While the Navigator's materials and panel gaps were commendable, it lacked some of the plushness found in smaller Lincoln models. Despite this, the Navigator's overall refinement and power made it a compelling choice.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade offered a choice between a standard 6.2-litre V8 engine and a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel inline six-cylinder engine. The V8, producing 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD in Canada. It featured Dynamic Fuel Management technology and an automatic stop/start system for improved efficiency, achieving 14.8 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. The turbo-diesel engine, with 277 horsepower and the same torque as the V8, offered a combined fuel consumption of 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres. The Escalade's ride and handling were enhanced by a new independent rear suspension, Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 adaptive dampers, and 4-Corner Air Ride suspension, providing a smooth and controlled experience. However, the brake pedal could have offered better modulation.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 engine, delivering 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD in Canada, the Navigator offered impressive acceleration and responsiveness. Its towing capacity was substantial at 3,765 kilograms. Fuel efficiency was rated at 13.8 litres per 100 kilometres combined. While the Navigator's adaptive dampers were standard, its suspension felt less refined compared to the Escalade's. The steering and brakes lacked the precision and control found in the Cadillac, but the Navigator excelled in highway refinement and power, with paddle shifters adding a touch of sportiness.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade boasted a larger and more functional cabin, thanks to its independent rear suspension and extended wheelbase. Front-seat occupants enjoyed standard heated seats, with ventilated and massaging options available in higher trims. The second-row captain's chairs were heated and offered improved leg support, while the third-row seat provided ample space for adults. Cargo capacity was impressive, with 722 litres behind the third row, expandable to 3,426 litres with all seats folded. The extended-length Escalade ESV offered even more cargo space, with up to 4,044 litres available.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered generous interior space, accommodating up to eight passengers with an optional bench seat in the second row. The boxy design contributed to ample cargo space, with 546 litres behind the third row, expandable to 2,925 litres with all seats folded. The long-wheelbase Navigator L provided even more storage, with up to 3,403 litres available. The Navigator's front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, while the second-row seats offered optional heating and climate controls. However, the lack of side window shades and electrically reclining second-row seats were noted as areas for improvement.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade featured a cutting-edge 38-inch curved OLED display, offering high pixel density and vibrant colours. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though some connectivity issues were noted. The AR navigation system provided turn-by-turn directions with superimposed arrows, while a 19-speaker AKG sound system was standard. The optional 36-speaker AKG Reference system delivered exceptional audio quality. The Escalade's technology impressed overall, though some user experience improvements were suggested.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system felt dated compared to the Escalade's advanced display. While it offered Bluetooth and SiriusXM, it lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system was good but not exceptional. The software was intuitive, with fast and accurate voice recognition. The Navigator included wireless device charging and a rear entertainment system with Roku streaming. While the technology was functional, it lacked the sophistication and features found in the Escalade.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade's safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. The Safety Alert Seat provided haptic feedback for potential hazards. Premium Luxury and Sport trims added blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The optional Driver Assist Tech Package included adaptive cruise control and rear emergency braking. However, some false alarms were noted during testing. The Escalade's size contributed to its safety, and the upcoming Super Cruise technology promised hands-free driving on select highways.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with four stars for rollover resistance. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional inflatable rear seat belts provided additional protection. While adaptive cruise control was available, the Navigator's self-steering capabilities were less advanced than some competitors.