2022 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 Cadillac Escalade

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade made a bold statement with its imposing size and distinctive design elements. Its massive grille, LED daytime running lights, and taillights were scaled to match its substantial dimensions, evoking the grandeur of classic Cadillacs. The front end, with its tall hood and vertical running lights, resembled a diesel locomotive, emphasizing the vehicle's bulk. The Escalade offered different trim pieces for "sport" and "luxury" models, with the Luxury and Premium Luxury trims featuring bright exterior trim, while the Sport trim had darkened accents. Despite sharing its body-on-frame architecture with other GM full-size SUVs, the Escalade maintained its luxury appeal, although its interior lacked a cohesive design theme, with a mix of leather, wood trim, and a panoramic sunroof.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator underwent subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and a restyled front end. While the front grille drew comparisons to an Audi, the overall update was successful. 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 display enhanced the Navigator's tech appeal. The Navigator continued to offer standard and long-wheelbase styles, with the Reserve trim level available in Canada. The U.S.-spec Navigator Black Label, with its unique Central Park theme, showcased the model's luxurious interior options.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade offered two powertrain choices: a standard 6.2-litre gasoline V8 producing 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, and an optional 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six diesel engine with 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive in Canada. The Escalade's gasoline engine had a maximum towing capacity of 3,629 kilograms, slightly less than the Lincoln Navigator's 3,765 kilograms. Despite its truck DNA, the Escalade's ride was unsettled, with vibrations felt through the cabin, and it lacked the off-road capability of some GM cousins.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. It also had a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive in Canada. The Navigator's towing capacity ranged from 3,674 to 3,765 kilograms, depending on configuration. The adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview technology improved ride quality, and the electronic brake booster enhanced braking performance. The Navigator handled various road conditions with ease, including snow and mud, thanks to its four-wheel drive and ground clearance. Fuel consumption was rated at 13.2 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with the test vehicle averaging 12.6 L/100 km.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade shared its body shell and chassis with other GM full-size SUVs, resulting in a spacious cabin. It offered the most first-row and third-row legroom among full-size luxury SUVs, although the Lincoln Navigator provided more second-row headroom. The Escalade's cargo space was impressive, with 722 litres behind the third row, 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 lacked the luxury feel expected in a high-end SUV.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator continued to impress with its comfortable and adjustable front seats, offering heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain's chairs were also heated, ventilated, and massaging, enhancing passenger comfort. The third-row seat provided ample space and comfort, thanks to the independent rear suspension design. The Navigator's cargo space was generous, with 546 litres behind the third row, 1,627 litres with the third row folded, and 2,925 litres with the second row collapsed. The long-wheelbase Navigator L offered even more cargo capacity.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade featured a 38-inch curved OLED display, consisting of three screens: a 14.2-inch digital instrument cluster, a 16.9-inch touchscreen, and a 7.2-inch screen for trip-computer functions. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot. The display integrated well into the dashboard, with functional icons and physical toggles for climate control. However, the radio station carousel format and rotary controller were awkward to use. The Escalade's OLED screens provided excellent resolution for the 360-degree camera system, and it offered advanced tech features like night vision and augmented-reality navigation.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display, offering improved functionality and user-friendliness. The system supported Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay, and allowed users to save personalized settings. The voice recognition system was better than the previous model, although not perfect. The upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system featured Amazon Fire TV, providing access to popular streaming services. The optional 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system delivered exceptional sound quality.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade came with standard driver-assistance features, including cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on higher trims. Super Cruise, a sophisticated driver-assist system, was available as an option, offering hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways. However, safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available for this model year.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced new driver assistance systems, such as Intersection Assist, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. The surround-view camera system became standard. ActiveGlide, similar to Ford's BlueCruise, allowed for semi-autonomous, hands-free driving on approved highways. While the system performed well, drivers were required to remain attentive. The Navigator's safety features represented steps toward fully autonomous driving, but complete trust in the technology was not yet achieved.