2021 Cadillac Escalade vs 2020 Lincoln Navigator

Examining the 2020 Lincoln Navigator, its lustrous blend of chrome and meticulously crafted design elements highlighted its status as a premier luxury SUV. The distinctive front and rear styling, complemented by the Lincoln Embrace—a captivating exterior lighting sequence—welcomed drivers with a sense of occasion. Its lattice-type grille with an illuminated star centerpiece, along with the striking full-width taillights and black roof pillars, made for a memorable visual presence. The launch of the Reserve Monochromatic Package further enhanced its allure with color-coordinated features and 22-inch black-painted wheels, augmenting its upscale appearance.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade, influenced by the Escala concept, showcased a refined front layout while maintaining recognizable design traits at the rear with OLED taillights. This model transitioned to standard 22-inch wheels, elevating its stature and road presence. The array of trims, including the luxurious Platinum, coupled with optional advanced packages, pushed the Escalade's aesthetic into a dichotomy of sporty yet opulent, justifying its premium over its Chevrolet and GMC siblings. Inside, the choice between various leather and wood finishes in higher trims bespoke Cadillac’s commitment to luxury, albeit some plastic elements at lower touch points slightly diminished the overall impression.

The Navigator was powered by a robust 3.5-liter V6 twin-turbo engine producing 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, delivering vigorous acceleration and a refined driving experience though lacking the quintessential V8 rumble. Equipped with a 10-speed automatic and multiple drive modes, it was adept in various conditions, particularly excelling in towing with a capacity up to 8,700 pounds. However, its large footprint felt more at home on open roads, leveraging its adaptive damping suspension for a controlled ride, albeit less so on uneven surfaces.

Conversely, the Escalade offered a traditional 6.2-liter V8 and an optional turbo-diesel, both matched with a 10-speed automatic. The V8's 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque ensured brisk performance, and with new technologies like Dynamic Fuel Management, it aimed for efficiency. The ride quality benefitted significantly from a new independent rear suspension and Magnetic Ride Control 4.0, rendering the Escalade impressively nimble for its size, particularly in challenging terrains or urban environments, revealing a stark improvement over previous generations.

Entry into the high-set Navigator revealed a cavernous and meticulously appointed interior, with features like the 30-way Perfect Position seats setting a high bar in comfort. Spacious seating arrangements, especially the third row, highlighted Lincoln’s emphasis on passenger comfort, echoed by the generous cargo volumes available in both the standard and L versions.

The Escalade’s redesign brought significant enhancements in space utilization thanks to its new architecture. Increased legroom, especially in the third row, and a more accessible cargo area marked notable improvements. With standard and ESV models available, the cargo capacity was competitive, giving prospective buyers choices tailored to their space needs.

The Navigator’s technology suite, led by the somewhat dated Sync 3 system, still managed to offer essential services like smartphone integration and a Wi-Fi hotspot, albeit with some operational delays. The Revel Ultima audio system provided a rich auditory experience, enhancing the overall luxury feel.

Cadillac equipped the Escalade with cutting-edge technology to earn its high-tech flagship status. The expansive curved OLED display with high-definition clarity and various customizable features showcased Cadillac's push into modernity. Though some usability aspects require refinement, features like augmented reality navigation and an extensive AKG sound system rationalized its premium positioning.

Lincoln’s Co-Pilot360 brought essential safety technologies to the Navigator, ensuring a secure and intuitive ride with features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance, supported by excellent safety ratings from NHTSA.

Similarly, the Escalade delivered robust safety measures, including Cadillac’s standard ADAS suite and options for additional safeguards like adaptive cruise control in higher trims. It maintained a focus on safety despite occasional technology hiccups, which were set to improve with the future integration of Super Cruise.