Cadillac Escalade vs. Lincoln Navigator

Both models come well-equipped with standard powertrains that offer a commanding presence on the road, each generating over 400 horsepower. Their similarities continue, as the Escalade and the Navigator pair each of their respective engines with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This much power enables you to tow in excess of 8,000 pounds with either SUV when properly equipped.

Although starting out strong, the Lincoln Navigator starts and stops with a single engine offering. Meanwhile, the Cadillac Escalade offers you the power of choice with its available 6.2L Supercharged V8 DI engine that generates a beastly 682 horsepower and 653 lb-ft of torque. Better still, if you opt for the Escalade’s supercharged variant, you’ll be behind the wheel of the most powerful full-size SUV in the industry.

As before, the Lincoln Navigator makes the choice for you with its 4-wheel drivetrain (4WD) system. Although 4WD can provide substantial traction in extreme conditions or when heading off-road, the Cadillac Escalade’s standard rear-wheel drive is perfectly suited to your daily driving routines. It offers superior handling and acceleration, a more engaging ride, and improved fuel efficiency.

Once again, Cadillac allows you to choose the type of system that best suits your needs with the Escalade’s available 4WD drivetrain. The Escalade also offers available Magnetic Ride Control, a computerized suspension that essentially reads every inch of the road 1,000 times per second for a ride that’s supremely smooth.

You’ve set the bar high for all aspects of your life, and that standard certainly extends to your vehicle’s interior. With their upscale appointments and luxe furnishings, the cabins of the Escalade and the Navigator are the epitome of masterful craftsmanship. In keeping with your expectations, both models offer the following standard and available accoutrements:

• Power-adjustable front seats with memory and massage functionality
• Heated front- and second-row seats
• Ventilated front seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Tri-zone automatic climate control

To set the mood or commemorate the occasion, you’ll enjoy standard ambient lighting in either the Cadillac Escalade or the Lincoln Navigator with one caveat: The Escalade provides an impressive selection of 126 colors to capture every nuance, while the Navigator is limited to just seven shades.

During those extended road trips, ensure your sparkling water or your kids’ juice remains ice-cold by storing it in the Escalade’s console refrigerator with Freezer Mode. This amenity is only available in the Cadillac.

In-vehicle connectivity and entertainment are no longer luxuries but necessities. With both models you’ll enjoy many similar technologies to help you and your passengers remain informed and engaged mile after mile. Among their shared systems are:

• Wireless Apple CarPlay®/Android Auto™
• Wireless device charging
• 5G Wi-Fi® hotspot
• Built-in smart assistants (Google Built-in or Amazon Alexa Built-in)

The Escalade distinguishes itself by featuring an industry-first 55-inch pillar-to-pillar display for a true infotainment experience. The Lincoln Digital Experience includes a 48-inch display which, while impressive on its own, falls short of the Cadillac.

Proving their base trims are anything but basic, the Cadillac and the Lincoln include premium audio systems with speakers in the double digits. Although the Navigator has 28 speakers, the Escalade provides a more fully immerse listening experience with its available 36-speaker AKG™ Studio Reference audio system. To take your listening experience to completely new heights, choose the Escalade.

The Cadillac Escalade and the Lincoln Navigator are ready to help keep you safe with a variety of driver-assistance features that serve as a vigilant copilot, maintaining a watchful eye, even in those hard-to-see areas. Among their similar standard safety systems are brand-specific versions of:

• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Enhanced Lane Keep Assist
• Automatic Emergency Braking
• Forward Collision Alert
• Intersection Automatic Emergency Braking

Still, Cadillac goes above and beyond to offer an extra layer of standard protection for your novice driver by including Teen Driver and Buckle to Drive features. Once you arrive at your destination, only the Escalade’s Rear Seat Reminder will prompt you to check the back rows to ensure nobody gets left behind.

Want this same peace of mind when driving at night? Cadillac has you covered with the Escalade’s available Night Vision, which reads thermal imaging, so you’ll know when a pedestrian or an animal is crossing your path ahead. Unfortunately, the Navigator does not have a comparable system to offer.

Both models offer eyes-forward, hands-free technology to decrease driver fatigue on compatible highways: the Escalade’s Super Cruise® and the Navigator’s Blue Cruise. Still, there’s a telling difference: Cadillac’s Super Cruise® covers 750,000 miles compared to 130,000 miles for Lincoln’s Blue Cruise. Yet again, the Escalade goes the extra mile(s)—literally.