2023 Cadillac Escalade vs 2022 Lincoln Nautilus

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus was an attractive SUV that managed to strike a balance between character and elegance without appearing awkward or overly plain. Its design was complemented by a welcoming Lincoln Embrace lighting sequence that greeted drivers after dark. The interior of the test vehicle featured light grey premium leather upholstery, with other colour options like sandstone, dark brown, and black available. Despite its overall decadence, some elements like the centre console design and chrome-plated plastic pieces appeared somewhat cheap. The Nautilus Reserve, the only model available in Canada, was priced at an MSRP of $59,800, excluding a $2,395 destination charge. The optional Ultra Comfort 22-way power-adjustable front seats with Active Motion massage, priced at $1,900, were a highlight, providing exceptional comfort for long drives.

In contrast, the 2023 Cadillac Escalade was a towering presence, nearly two metres high and requiring significant space to park. It was a motorized cargo container with three rows of leather seats and advanced technology, making it a showpiece for those who wanted to make a statement. The Escalade's design cleverly masked its size with thin LED lights and darkened chrome bits on the Sport Platinum trim. The interior was rich, featuring a 38-inch curved screen array and luxurious wood trim options. However, some elements, like the heated seat controls and shifter, were shared with cheaper GM vehicles, detracting from the luxury experience. The Escalade's interior was most impressive in the driver's space, leaving the rear rows less luxurious. Cadillac's future models, like the Lyriq, promised a more cohesive luxury experience.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus came standard with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive in Canada. An optional twin-turbocharged 2.7-litre V6 engine, producing 335 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque, was available for an additional $4,000. The Nautilus offered Comfort, Normal, and Sport driving modes, adjusting powertrain behaviour, steering effort, and adaptive suspension. The twin-turbo V6 had a fuel consumption rating of 11.2 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with a maximum highway range of 730 kilometres. The Nautilus excelled as a road-tripper, offering a quiet and comfortable ride with a 19-speaker Revel audio system. Despite its grace and athleticism on mountain roads, the steering lacked engagement.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade featured a standard 6.2-litre gasoline V8 engine with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, suitable for towing up to 3,629 kilograms. However, it felt heavy in passing situations, and the 10-speed automatic transmission was less responsive in Sport mode. The Escalade-V addressed acceleration with a supercharged Corvette V8, producing 682 hp and 653 lb-ft of torque. An optional 3.0-litre Duramax turbodiesel V6 offered better fuel economy at 10.5 L/100 km. The Escalade's 4WD system was rudimentary, with a centre differential locking torque 50:50 front to rear. The magnetic ride control dampers and optional air suspension improved manoeuvrability, but wind noise was noticeable at highway speeds.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus offered a luxurious interior with smooth leather, ambient lighting, and a quiet drive. The front seats were heated and ventilated, with a heated steering wheel. The optional 22-way power front seats provided exceptional comfort. Rear passengers enjoyed heated seats and air conditioning vents, but legroom was tight for a midsize SUV. Storage space was adequate, with a hands-free power liftgate revealing 1,055 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat and 1,948 litres with the back seat folded.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade boasted the most space-efficient interior among large SUVs, with 722 litres behind the third row, 2,064 litres behind the second row, and 3,426 litres with both rows down. The Escalade ESV offered even more space. The independent rear suspension allowed for generous headroom and legroom in every row. The controls were user-friendly, with a smart and fast infotainment system. An optional front console refrigerator and power-retractable side steps added convenience. The air suspension eased loading and unloading, and the tailgate's separate glass window was a practical feature.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Sync 4 software. It offered over-the-air updates, Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. The system included a connected navigation system, wireless smartphone charging, and a 19-speaker Revel audio system. The intuitive user interface and natural voice recognition system enhanced the driving experience. The Phone as a Key feature allowed the smartphone to function as a digital key.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade introduced automotive tech firsts, including a vast span of OLED screens across the dash. A front camera displayed a high-res feed of the road, overlaying directional arrows and street names. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a head-up display, and Wi-Fi hotspot capability were standard. Super Cruise, a $2,875 option, was the best hands-free highway driving system, using infrared eye-tracking cameras for driver monitoring. The Escalade also featured night vision with pedestrian detection and a 36-speaker AKG audio system. The front seats offered five massage modes, and the rear-seat entertainment system could stream apps.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus came with the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 1.0 suite, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Black Label added adaptive cruise control, lane-centring assistance, evasive steering assist, a surround-view camera system, and rear parking sensors. The Nautilus received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and was a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade earned four out of five stars from the NHTSA, with lower ratings for front-passenger protection and rollover resistance. Standard safety features included forward automatic emergency braking, a Safety Alert seat, rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a surround-view camera, lane-departure warning, and lane keep assist. Reverse emergency braking was optional, and Super Cruise and Night Vision were available.