2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2021 Cadillac Escalade
Overview | |
MSRP$76,195 | MSRP$76,705 |
Listings623 | Listings284 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews8.2 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.7 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
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2021 Cadillac Escalade Reviews SummaryYouthful aspiration often translates into adult acquisition. When the first Cadillac Escalade went on sale and quickly became an American popular culture icon, the oldest Millennials were just getting their driver’s licenses, and the youngest weren’t born yet. Today, this “digital native” generation raised on rap music is turning 40, moving to the suburbs, and raising families. Plus, it is poised to inherit a reported $68 trillion from Baby Boomers by 2030, the largest wealth transfer in modern history. Despite suffering through the Great Recession and now a global pandemic, will Millennials spend their passed-down windfalls on a six-figure full-size SUV that gets 16 mpg? Some will, and in so doing, they’ll get a mighty impressive and technologically sophisticated, fifth-generation Cadillac on 22s. | |
2021 Lincoln Navigator Reviews SummaryFull-size SUVs like the Lincoln Navigator represent the smallest slice of the luxury SUV market. They're the heaviest, hugest, and fanciest people movers sold by mainstream automakers—and you can count them all on two hands. The Navigator, a popular nameplate since 1998, was redesigned in dramatic fashion for 2018. In its fourth model year, this Navigator still delights us as we test newer competitors costing at or above its $77,000 starting price. Foreign nameplates offer no equal to the Navigator, and it's not for sheer size or a desire to lift up Lincoln that we say this is one of the best American vehicles, among both trucks and cars, ever made. | |
No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine6.2L 420 hp V8 | Engine3.5L 450 hp V6 |
Drive TrainRWD | Drive Train4X2 |
Seating Capacity8 | Seating Capacity8 |
Horsepower420 hp @ 5600 rpm | Horsepower450 hp @ 5500 rpm |
MPG City14 | MPG City16 |
MPG Highway20 | MPG Highway22 |
Engine | |
Engine Name6.2L 420 hp V8 | Engine Name3.5L 450 hp V6 |
Torque460 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm | Torque510 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm |
Horsepower420 hp @ 5600 rpm | Horsepower450 hp @ 5500 rpm |
DrivetrainRWD | Drivetrain4X2 |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City14 | MPG City16 |
MPG Highway20 | MPG Highway22 |
Interior | |
Leather Seats | Leather SeatsStandard |
Seating Capacity8 | Seating Capacity8 |
Key Features | |
Navigation SystemStandard | Navigation SystemStandard |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall4 | Front Crash Overall5 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space25.5 cu ft | Cargo Space20.9 cu ft |
Curb Weight5635 lbs | Curb Weight5673 lbs |
Height76.7 in | Height76.4 in |
Length211.9 in | Length210.0 in |
Width81.1 in | Width93.8 in |
Wheelbase120.9 in | Wheelbase122.5 in |
Maximum Payload1636 lbs | Maximum Payload1620 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity8200 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity8600 lbs |
Standard Towing Capacity7700 lbs | Standard Towing Capacity6200 lbs |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $76,195 | $76,705 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 8.2 out of 10Read full review | 7.7 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
Summary | Youthful aspiration often translates into adult acquisition. When the first Cadillac Escalade went on sale and quickly became an American popular culture icon, the oldest Millennials were just getting their driver’s licenses, and the youngest weren’t born yet. Today, this “digital native” generation raised on rap music is turning 40, moving to the suburbs, and raising families. Plus, it is poised to inherit a reported $68 trillion from Baby Boomers by 2030, the largest wealth transfer in modern history. Despite suffering through the Great Recession and now a global pandemic, will Millennials spend their passed-down windfalls on a six-figure full-size SUV that gets 16 mpg? Some will, and in so doing, they’ll get a mighty impressive and technologically sophisticated, fifth-generation Cadillac on 22s. | Full-size SUVs like the Lincoln Navigator represent the smallest slice of the luxury SUV market. They're the heaviest, hugest, and fanciest people movers sold by mainstream automakers—and you can count them all on two hands. The Navigator, a popular nameplate since 1998, was redesigned in dramatic fashion for 2018. In its fourth model year, this Navigator still delights us as we test newer competitors costing at or above its $77,000 starting price. Foreign nameplates offer no equal to the Navigator, and it's not for sheer size or a desire to lift up Lincoln that we say this is one of the best American vehicles, among both trucks and cars, ever made. |
Video | No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 6.2L 420 hp V8 | 3.5L 450 hp V6 |
Drive Train | RWD | 4X2 |
Seating Capacity | 8 | 8 |
Horsepower | 420 hp @ 5600 rpm | 450 hp @ 5500 rpm |
MPG City | 14 | 16 |
MPG Highway | 20 | 22 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 6.2L 420 hp V8 | 3.5L 450 hp V6 |
Torque | 460 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm | 510 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm |
Horsepower | 420 hp @ 5600 rpm | 450 hp @ 5500 rpm |
Drivetrain | RWD | 4X2 |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 14 | 16 |
MPG Highway | 20 | 22 |
Interior | ||
Leather Seats | Standard | |
Seating Capacity | 8 | 8 |
Key Features | ||
Navigation System | Standard | Standard |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | 5 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 25.5 cu ft | 20.9 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 5635 lbs | 5673 lbs |
Height | 76.7 in | 76.4 in |
Length | 211.9 in | 210.0 in |
Width | 81.1 in | 93.8 in |
Wheelbase | 120.9 in | 122.5 in |
Maximum Payload | 1636 lbs | 1620 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 8200 lbs | 8600 lbs |
Standard Towing Capacity | 7700 lbs | 6200 lbs |
Look and feel
CarGurus experts rate both the 2021 Cadillac Escalade and the 2021 Lincoln Navigator at 9 out of 10 for look and feel. The Cadillac Escalade, drawing inspiration from the Escala concept, sports an evident facelift with its new design. It now features standard 22-inch wheels, crisp creases, and its recognizable tall, vertical OLED taillights. The interior showcases standard leather, various wood trims, and advanced technology, ensuring luxury is felt in every corner. Pricing started at $76,195 when new, but for those seeking the pinnacle of luxury, the Platinum trim demanded $99,995. Test driving the Premium Luxury trim, complete with all bells and whistles, revealed a price tag of $102,310.
The Lincoln Navigator, while sharing its roots with the Ford Expedition, distinguishes itself with a unique design that resonates with luxury seekers. Its elegance and understated design, combined with high-quality materials and thoughtful interior details, justify its $92,000 as-tested MSRP. The Navigator exudes a unique luxury that is both subtle and substantial, making it a worthy competitor in the luxury SUV market.
Performance
The Cadillac Escalade and the Lincoln Navigator received ratings of 9 and 8 out of 10, respectively, for performance from CarGurus experts. The 2021 Escalade introduces a turbo-diesel option alongside the standard V8, providing both power and efficiency. Its improved ride and handling, courtesy of a new independent rear suspension and advanced technology like Magnetic Ride Control and Air Ride Suspension, set a new standard. The Navigator, with its twin-turbo V6, offers impressive power and a refined driving experience, though it lacks the Escalade's advanced suspension features, impacting its overall handling and ride quality.
Form and function
In the critical area of form and function, the Cadillac Escalade and the Lincoln Navigator demonstrate their prowess as top contenders in the luxury SUV market, but with distinctive approaches to utility and comfort. CarGurus experts commend the 2021 Cadillac Escalade with a perfect score of 10 out of 10, while the Lincoln Navigator receives an 8 out of 10, reflecting the differences in their design philosophies and practical applications.
The 2021 Cadillac Escalade's redesign has ushered in a new era of spatial luxury, markedly improving passenger room and comfort, primarily due to its new independent rear suspension design. This innovation allows for a lower cabin floor, contributing to the Escalade's spacious interior. Front-seat occupants enjoy a refreshed environment rich in high-tech controls and luxury trims, with standard and available features designed to enhance comfort, including heated and ventilated seats, and up to 16-way power-adjustable front chairs. The second-row seats provide generous leg support, and the introduction of a more accessible third row means adults can now enjoy ample space in every seat. This translates to a cargo capacity that starts at 25.5 cubic feet behind the third row, extends to 63 cubic feet with the third row folded, and reaches a voluminous 109.1 cubic feet with both the second and third rows down. Opting for the extended-length Escalade ESV increases these numbers to 42.9, 81.5, and 126.6 cubic feet, respectively.
The Lincoln Navigator, while not scoring as high, still impresses with its thoughtful design and functional space. The SUV's tall boxy shape is optimized for passenger comfort, easily accommodating six adults across its three rows. The standard layout supports seven passengers, but an optional bench can increase this to eight. Behind its third row, the Navigator offers 19 cubic feet for luggage, which expands to 57 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 103 cubic feet with the second row down. For those needing even more space, the long-wheelbase Navigator L model boasts 34, 73, and 120 cubic feet of storage behind the third, second, and first rows, respectively. The Navigator also features heated second-row seats and a three-zone climate system, though it misses out on some of the high-end amenities and the intricate adjustability of the Escalade's seating options.
In this comparison, the Cadillac Escalade takes the lead with its superior interior volume, cutting-edge design, and luxurious comfort features. However, the Lincoln Navigator remains a strong contender, offering a spacious and refined cabin that caters well to families and luxury travelers alike.
Technology
For technology, the Escalade receives an 8 out of 10 rating, while the Navigator gets a 7. The Escalade's tech suite is highlighted by a 38-inch curved OLED display, offering unmatched clarity and innovation. Despite some usability quirks, its advanced features, including AR navigation and an optional 36-speaker sound system, impress. The Navigator's technology feels outdated in comparison, with a smaller touchscreen and less advanced features, though it remains user-friendly and intuitive.
Safety
Both SUVs score an 8 out of 10 for safety. The Escalade comes loaded with safety features, including forward collision warning, emergency braking, and the innovative Safety Alert Seat. It also offers advanced driver assistance systems, enhancing its safety profile. The Navigator has been crash-tested with high ratings and includes standard safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist, although it lacks some of the Escalade's more advanced offerings.
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade is 8.2 out of 10, while the 2021 Lincoln Navigator scores 7.7. Based on these ratings, the Cadillac Escalade comes out on top in this head-to-head comparison.
Choose the 2021 Lincoln Navigator if:
- Seek a luxury SUV with a more understated elegance and a refined interior.
- Want a vehicle with a strong value proposition and comprehensive ownership benefits.
- Prefer the driving dynamics and power delivery of a twin-turbo V6 engine.
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Choose the 2021 Cadillac Escalade if:
- Value cutting-edge technology and innovation in your luxury SUV.
- Require superior cargo space and a more flexible interior layout.
- Appreciate a more modern and aggressive design aesthetic.
630 results
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CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade is 8.2 out of 10, while the 2021 Lincoln Navigator scores 7.7. Based on these ratings, the Cadillac Escalade comes out on top in this head-to-head comparison.
Choose the 2021 Lincoln Navigator if:
Shop Now- Seek a luxury SUV with a more understated elegance and a refined interior.
- Want a vehicle with a strong value proposition and comprehensive ownership benefits.
- Prefer the driving dynamics and power delivery of a twin-turbo V6 engine.
277 results
Choose the 2021 Cadillac Escalade if:
Shop Now- Value cutting-edge technology and innovation in your luxury SUV.
- Require superior cargo space and a more flexible interior layout.
- Appreciate a more modern and aggressive design aesthetic.
630 results
By: CarGurus + AI
At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.
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