2022 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, the Escalade maintained a familiar aesthetic, featuring standard 22-inch wheels, sharp creases along its body, and vertical OLED taillights. The SUV was available in various trims, starting from the Escalade Luxury at just over $90,000 CAD, with options for more luxurious trims like the Premium Luxury and Sport Platinum. The test vehicle, a Premium Luxury trim, was equipped with numerous features, including a 36-speaker AKG sound system and a Driver Assist Tech Package, culminating in a price of $119,988 CAD. Despite its high price, the Escalade justified its premium with a superior interior compared to its platform-sharing counterparts, the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator received subtle styling updates, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs, with a restyled front end that drew mixed reviews due to its Audi-like grille. Despite this, the Navigator's updates were largely successful, with the interior continuing to impress with high-quality materials and a mid-century modern design. The new Constellation theme for the instrumentation and infotainment displays added a unique touch, resembling a twilight sky. The Navigator also introduced a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a larger 13.2-inch touchscreen, enhancing its technological appeal. The test vehicle, a U.S.-spec Black Label model, featured a Central Park theme with a unique green interior, showcasing the Navigator's commitment to luxury and comfort.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade offered a choice between a standard 6.2-litre V8 engine and an optional 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, delivering robust acceleration and a satisfying engine note. The V8 also featured Dynamic Fuel Management technology, allowing it to operate on fewer cylinders to improve fuel efficiency, achieving a combined average of 14.8 litres per 100 kilometres. The turbo-diesel, while less powerful at 277 horsepower, matched the V8's torque and offered better fuel economy at 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres. The Escalade's ride and handling were significantly improved with a new independent rear suspension, Magnetic Ride Control 4.0, and 4-Corner Air Ride suspension, providing a smooth and controlled driving experience.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator retained its twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque through a 10-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain offered impressive towing capabilities, ranging from 3,674 to 3,765 kilograms, depending on the configuration. The Navigator's adaptive-damping suspension was updated with Road Preview technology, enhancing ride comfort by preparing for road imperfections. During testing, the Navigator demonstrated excellent handling and ride quality, even on imperfect surfaces, thanks to its adaptive suspension and 22-inch wheels. The SUV's fuel consumption was rated at 13.2 litres per 100 kilometres, with the test drive achieving a slightly better average of 12.6 litres per 100 kilometres.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade boasted a larger and more functional cabin, thanks to its new independent rear suspension and increased wheelbase. Front-seat occupants enjoyed standard heated seats, with ventilated and massaging options available in higher trims. The second-row offered heated captain's chairs or a bench seat, with improved leg support and sliding functionality. The third-row seat saw significant improvements, providing ample legroom and comfort for adults. Cargo capacity was generous, with 722 litres behind the third row, expandable to 3,426 litres with all seats folded. The extended-length Escalade ESV offered even more space, with up to 4,044 litres of cargo volume.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator continued to offer exceptional comfort with its 30-way power-adjustable front seats, featuring heating, ventilation, and massaging functions. The second-row captain's chairs were also heated, ventilated, and massaging, enhancing passenger comfort. The third-row seat remained spacious and supportive, benefiting from the Navigator's independent rear suspension. Cargo space was ample, with 546 litres behind the third row, expandable to 2,925 litres with all seats folded. The long-wheelbase Navigator L provided even more room, with up to 3,403 litres of cargo volume.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade featured a cutting-edge OLED display spanning 38 inches, offering high pixel density and vibrant colours. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though some user experience improvements were needed. The AR navigation system was a standout feature, providing turn-by-turn directions with augmented reality overlays. The standard 19-speaker AKG sound system was impressive, with an optional 36-speaker AKG Reference system available. The Escalade also offered a head-up display and a range of advanced audio features, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen, offering improved functionality and user-friendliness. The system supported Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay, with voice recognition capabilities that were generally effective. The Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system was upgraded with Amazon Fire TV, providing access to popular streaming services. The optional 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system delivered exceptional sound quality, further enhancing the Navigator's technological appeal.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. The Safety Alert Seat provided tactile feedback to the driver, while Teen Driver technology and a rear-seat reminder added extra layers of safety. Premium Luxury and Sport trims included additional features like blind-spot warning and lane-keeping assistance. The optional Driver Assist Tech Package added advanced features such as adaptive cruise control and rear emergency braking. However, there were instances of false alarms during testing, highlighting areas for improvement.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. Intersection Assist could automatically brake to prevent unsafe movements, while Active Park Assist 2.0 handled parking maneuvers autonomously. ActiveGlide, Lincoln's semi-autonomous driving technology, allowed for hands-free driving on approved highways, though driver attention was still required. The system performed well during testing, but the need for constant vigilance remained, underscoring the importance of driver engagement.