2023 Lincoln Aviator 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 grand dimensions, reminiscent of classic Cadillac tailfins. The front end, with its tall hood and vertical running lights, gave the impression of a diesel locomotive. The Escalade's styling set it apart from other GM full-size SUVs, emphasizing its bulk. The vehicle 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 elements. Despite sharing its body-on-frame architecture with other GM SUVs and trucks, the Escalade maintained its luxury appeal, although its interior lacked a cohesive design theme. Leather upholstery, wood trim, and a panoramic sunroof were available, but the presence of cheap-looking plastic bits detracted from the overall luxury feel.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator, on the other hand, presented itself as an appealing three-row, midsize crossover with a modern Lincoln face and grille. The Aviator Grand Touring model combined a twin-turbo V6 with a hybrid system, offering impressive power and efficiency. The vehicle's design was complemented by the Lincoln Embrace lighting sequence, electric door handles, and ambient cabin lighting, creating an inviting atmosphere. Inside, the Aviator Grand Touring boasted a luxurious cabin with patterned metal trim, gloss black surfaces, and chrome accents. The materials were mostly high-end, with soft leather and a simulated suede headliner. However, some chrome detailing appeared cheap, and the key fob felt lightweight and plasticky. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Aviator's interior was undeniably fancy, though it leaned more towards Art Deco than Japandi style.

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 a 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 diesel engine, despite its lower horsepower, provided smooth power delivery and a lower torque peak, making it an asset for acceleration. The gasoline engine had a slight advantage in towing capacity, with a maximum of 3,629 kilograms, although it fell short of the Lincoln Navigator's capacity. The Escalade's ride was unsettled, with its body-on-frame construction and 22-inch wheels contributing to a less luxurious feel compared to unibody SUVs. It lacked off-road capability, making it less suitable for adventurous outings.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, as a plug-in hybrid, delivered impressive power with 494 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque. It offered 34 kilometres of electric driving range and averaged 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres in hybrid mode. The Aviator featured multiple driving modes, including Pure EV, Preserve EV, Conserve, Normal, and Excite, allowing for efficient power management. During testing, the Aviator achieved 35.8 kilometres of electric driving range, with a fuel economy equivalent to 1.4 L/100 km. The twin-turbo V6 provided ample power, but the drivetrain's responsiveness was sometimes unpredictable. The brake pedal exhibited inconsistent behaviour, common in electrified vehicles. The Aviator's Dynamic Handling Package with adaptive-damping suspension offered a smooth ride, but the vehicle lacked the fun-to-drive factor, focusing more on comfort and isolation.

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 excelled in cargo space, with 722 litres with all seats in place, 2,064 litres with the third-row seats 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 similar to those in GM cousins. Cadillac included dedicated buttons for seat heating and ventilation, enhancing comfort.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator prioritized comfort with features like a four-zone automatic climate control system, heated steering wheel, and massaging 30-way Perfect Position front seats. The second-row captain's chairs were roomy and supportive, but the third-row seat was less accommodating for adults, with limited kneeroom and legroom. The Aviator offered 519 litres of cargo space with the third-row seats in use, 1,183 litres with the third-row seats folded, and a maximum of 2,200 litres. The power-release second-row captain's chairs didn't slide forward much, making access to the third row challenging.

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 was well-integrated into the dashboard, with functional icons and physical toggles for climate control. However, the carousel format for changing radio stations was awkward, and the rotary controller felt like an afterthought. The Escalade's OLED screens provided excellent resolution for the 360-degree camera system, and the rearview camera mirror eliminated blind spots. Additional tech features included a head-up display, night vision, and an augmented-reality navigation system. The 19-speaker AKG Studio sound system was standard but challenging to tune.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring came equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, including Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Lincoln Connect services. However, it ran on the outdated Sync 3 software, which struggled with voice recognition. The voice command system, while innovative, was prone to accidental activation. The Aviator's Revel Ultima 3D audio system with 28 speakers delivered exceptional sound quality. Smartphone-related tech included wireless charging and the optional Phone As A Key digital key system. The digital instrumentation and head-up display were user-friendly, and the surround-view camera system aided parking. The Active Park Assist 2.0 system was available for automated parking.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade offered 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, providing hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways. However, safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available for this model year.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator featured a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic high-beam headlights, adaptive cruise control, road-sign recognition, and pedestrian detection. It also offered blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and evasive steering assist. The driver-assistance buttons on the steering wheel were unnecessarily complex. The Aviator received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.