2021 Cadillac XT5 vs 2022 Lincoln Navigator

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 showcased Cadillac's efforts to reclaim its status as a refined vehicle in the General Motors lineup. Updated in 2020 with 40 enhancements, including a new engine option, revised styling, and advanced technology, the XT5 carried these improvements into 2021. The SUV featured a snub-nosed exterior with distinct trim levels, standard LED lights, and 20-inch wheels. Inside, the XT5 offered a more upscale design than its GM sibling, the Chevrolet Blazer, with cut and sewn leather, natural wood, and carbon fiber accents, especially in the Premium Luxury trim.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator received subtle styling updates, including new headlights, taillights, and a redesigned front end with an Audi-esque grille. Despite this, the Navigator maintained its elegance and presence. Inside, the Navigator dazzled with quality materials and a mid-century modern design, featuring Lincoln’s Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme. The new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen and a host of other updates, including a new electronic brake booster and adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview, enhanced the Navigator's appeal.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 offered buyers a choice between a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 310 hp and 237 lb-ft of torque. The V6 was standard on the XT5 Sport and optional on the Premium Luxury trim. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, which was smooth when upshifting but clunkier when downshifting. The XT5 achieved about 25 mpg in various driving conditions, outperforming the EPA-estimated 21 mpg combined for the V6 AWD version.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator, powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivered a robust 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Navigator offered rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). The SUV's towing capacity ranged from 8,100 to 8,700 pounds, depending on the configuration. The Navigator's adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview and new electronic brake booster enhanced its performance, providing a smooth ride even on imperfect pavement. The Navigator 4WD achieved an average of 18.6 mpg during testing, slightly better than the EPA-estimated 18 mpg combined.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 accommodated four adults comfortably in two rows, though it technically seated five. The back seat offered good legroom but limited headroom for tall occupants. The front seats, while visually appealing, were less comfortable on long trips due to a hard bottom cushion. The XT5 provided 30 cubic feet of cargo space, though wheel bump-outs reduced the width. The SUV featured a cargo-management system and a hands-free programmable height liftgate, but small-item storage was limited.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator excelled in comfort with its 30-way power-adjustable front seats, which were heated, ventilated, and massaging. The second-row captain’s chairs also offered heating, ventilation, and massaging functions. The third-row seat provided roomy accommodations, thanks to the independent rear suspension design. The Navigator boasted generous storage and cargo space, with 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 103.3 cubic feet with the second row collapsed. The long-wheelbase Navigator L offered even more cargo space.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 featured a streamlined infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen housed in Piano Black plastic, providing haptic feedback. The system included a rotary controller on the center console, one-touch phone pairing, an eight-speaker Bose sound system, and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 4G LTE WiFi hot spot and a 14-speaker Bose Performance Series sound system were available. The XT5 also offered a rear camera mirror and a head-up display (HUD).

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen, offering two data panels for navigation and music details. The system supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and featured a voice recognition system. The upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system included Amazon Fire TV, providing access to streaming services. The Navigator also offered a new 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system, delivering an exceptional audio experience.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 included front automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-change alert with side blind-zone alert. The SUV also featured a rear-seat reminder, a rearview camera, and Cadillac’s Night Vision technology, which enhanced nighttime drivability. General Motors’ Teen Driver software allowed parents to limit certain vehicle features and monitor driving habits.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced several new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Road Edge Detection, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. A surround-view camera system became standard. ActiveGlide, Lincoln’s semi-autonomous driving technology, allowed for hands-free driving on approved highways. The Navigator also featured adaptive cruise control and other advanced safety technologies, enhancing driver confidence and safety.