2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 Cadillac Escalade

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was a departure from its predecessors, which often resembled dressed-up Ford Expeditions. While it shared some structural elements with the Expedition, the Navigator distinguished itself with unique design features, including a sophisticated turn signal stalk. Its elegance and understated style were evident in its rectilinear shapes, body-colour grille, and subtle chrome accents. The Pristine White model, with its black wheels and illuminated Lincoln logo, was particularly striking during winter tests. Inside, the Navigator impressed with its seven colour palettes and modern design elements, such as the layered wood trim and floating centre console. The materials were of high quality, and the Perfect Position seats offered unparalleled comfort with 30 different adjustments.

In contrast, the 2022 Cadillac Escalade made a bold statement with its unapologetic size and distinctive styling. Its front end, reminiscent of a diesel locomotive, featured a tall hood, vertical running lights, and horizontal headlights. The Escalade's design emphasized its bulk, with 22-inch wheels appearing small against its vast sheet metal. The Escalade offered different trim options for "sport" and "luxury" models, with varying exterior finishes. Despite sharing its architecture with other GM full-size SUVs, the Escalade stood out with its luxurious interior, although it lacked a cohesive design theme. While it offered leather upholstery, wood trim, and a panoramic sunroof, some materials appeared less premium compared to its rivals.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a remarkable twin-turbo V6 engine, producing 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD in Canada, delivered impressive acceleration and a thrilling sound. The Navigator's towing capacity was substantial at 3,765 kilograms, although its fuel efficiency was less impressive, averaging 13.8 litres per 100 kilometres. While the Navigator's adaptive dampers were standard, its suspension felt less refined compared to the Escalade's magnetic shocks and air springs. The Navigator excelled in highway refinement and power, with paddle shifters adding a touch of sportiness.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade offered two powertrain options: a 6.2-litre V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six diesel engine with 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD in Canada. The diesel engine impressed with its smooth power delivery and low torque peak, although the brake pedal felt overly firm. The Escalade's towing capacity was slightly lower than the Navigator's, at 3,629 kilograms. Despite its independent rear suspension and available air suspension, the Escalade's ride felt unsettled, with vibrations transmitted through the cabin. The Escalade lacked off-road capability compared to some of its GM cousins.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered a spacious interior, accommodating up to eight passengers with its optional bench seating. Its boxy shape provided ample cargo space, with 546 litres behind the third row, 1,627 litres behind the second, and 2,925 litres in total. The Navigator Reserve featured heated second-row seats and a three-zone climate system, although it lacked some advanced features found in German competitors. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with numerous adjustments and massage programs. Visibility was excellent, but parking was challenging due to its size.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade shared its platform with other GM full-size SUVs, resulting in a cavernous cabin. It offered the most first-row and third-row legroom among full-size luxury SUVs, with standard second-row captain's chairs and a power-folding third-row bench seat. The Escalade excelled in cargo space, with 722 litres with all seats in place, 2,064 litres with the third row folded, and 3,426 litres with all rear seats folded. However, the raised centre console limited storage space, and the front seats, while adjustable, felt less premium. Cadillac included dedicated buttons for seat heating and ventilation, enhancing convenience.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator featured a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which felt outdated compared to the Escalade's advanced displays. 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 voice recognition, but it lacked onboard apps and wireless updates. The Navigator included wireless device charging and a rear entertainment system with Roku streaming, offering some modern conveniences.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade boasted a cutting-edge 38-inch curved OLED display, comprising three screens. It featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. The display seamlessly integrated into the dashboard, with functional icons and physical toggles for climate control. However, the radio station carousel and rotary controller were less user-friendly. The Escalade's OLED screens provided excellent resolution for the 360-degree camera system, and it offered advanced features like night vision and augmented-reality navigation. The 19-speaker AKG Studio sound system, while impressive, required careful tuning.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with four stars for rollover resistance. It offered standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional inflatable rear seat belts added an extra layer of safety. However, the Navigator's adaptive cruise control lacked the advanced self-steering capabilities of some competitors.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade came equipped with standard driver-assistance features, including cruise control, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. Higher trims offered blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Super Cruise, a sophisticated driver-assist system, was available on most trims, providing hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways. While Super Cruise impressed with its smooth operation, the Escalade lacked published safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.