2022 Lincoln Navigator vs 2021 Cadillac Escalade

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade and the 2022 Lincoln Navigator both exuded a powerful presence on the road, yet they each offered a different approach to luxury SUV aesthetics.

Cadillac’s 2021 Escalade drew heavily from its concept vehicles, most notably the Escala, which influenced the striking front-end design. The sleek 22-inch wheels, crisp body lines, and familiar tall, vertical OLED taillights gave the Escalade a contemporary yet instantly recognizable look. The base price started at $76,195 for a model with leatherette upholstery, a standard-length wheelbase, and rear-wheel drive. However, most buyers opted for the Premium Luxury or Sport trims, priced at $82,995 and $85,995 respectively. For ultimate opulence, the Platinum upgrade (priced at $99,995) provided semi-aniline premium leather and various wood trims.

Our Premium Luxury test vehicle, equipped with four-wheel drive and numerous high-end features, carried a hefty $102,310 sticker price. Inside, the Escalade showcased an array of leather options and wood trims, although the plastic lower dashboard and door panels were hard to overlook, especially at such a high price point. Despite some shortcomings, the Escalade’s cabin was undeniably luxurious and advanced.

Meanwhile, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator underwent subtle styling changes. New headlights, taillights, and a restyled front end, along with standard 20-inch wheels, modernized the SUV’s appearance. However, the new Audi-esque grille divided opinions, seeming less elegant than its predecessor. Inside, the Navigator dazzled with mid-century modern design elements and quality materials, featuring Lincoln’s Constellation instrumentation that simulated a twilight sky.

The 2022 Navigator came in Standard, Reserve, and Black Label trims, starting at $78,405. Our reviewed Black Label model, highlighted by the new Central Park theme and Manhattan Green paint, boasted a matching green interior and luxurious second-row captain's chairs. The total price came to $106,530, showcasing Lincoln's commitment to blending comfort with sophisticated design.

Both vehicles boasted formidable powertrains, but they took different routes to performance.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade offered a choice between a standard 6.2-liter V8 engine and a no-cost option 3.0-liter turbo-diesel inline-six. Most buyers preferred the V8 for its robust 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. With a combined fuel economy of 16 mpg, according to the EPA, the V8 offered a balanced blend of power and efficiency. Still, Cadillac’s turbo-diesel option, with 277 horsepower and the same torque as the V8, promised better fuel economy, akin to the Chevy Silverado's 27 mpg combined.

The Escalade's new independent rear suspension greatly improved ride comfort, while Magnetic Ride Control and 4-Corner Air Ride suspension provided exceptional handling. The Escalade handled various terrains and driving conditions impressively, although the brake pedal could have offered better modulation. The upcoming Super Cruise technology was expected to further enhance its long-distance driving appeal.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator continued with its twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering an impressive 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque through a 10-speed automatic transmission. Towing capacity ranged from 8,100 to 8,700 pounds, compared favorably to the Escalade. The Navigator featured a newly updated adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview technology, confidently handling varying road conditions.

Our test vehicle averaged 18.6 mpg on a route from Scottsdale to Payson, beating the EPA’s estimate of 18 mpg combined. The Navigator managed snowy and muddy terrains effortlessly thanks to its 4WD system and 9.7 inches of ground clearance. A new electronic brake booster improved the braking feel, making it a solid performer across the board.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade prioritized a spacious and functional interior. An independent rear suspension design helped to lower the floor, resulting in increased passenger room and cargo capacity. The front seats remained largely familiar in terms of space, but the second-row and third-row seats witnessed marked improvements. Heated second-row captain’s chairs and an available third-row bench offered enhanced comfort, while a longer wheelbase contributed to significant third-row legroom.

Cargo capacity in the standard Escalade was generous, providing 25.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 63 cubic feet with the third row folded down, and 109.1 cubic feet with both the second and third rows flattened. The extended-length Escalade ESV offered even more space, with 42.9, 81.5, and 126.6 cubic feet, respectively.

Conversely, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator continued to offer exceptionally comfortable 30-way power-adjustable front seats, along with newly massaging second-row captain’s chairs. Third-row passengers enjoyed ample space, thanks to Lincoln’s early adoption of an independent rear suspension. The Navigator's third-row seat remained one of the most comfortable.

Cargo space in the Navigator was also ample but slightly less than the Escalade’s. The standard model provided 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, which expanded to 57.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 103.3 cubic feet with the second row down. The Navigator L stretched that capacity to 34.3, 73.3, and 120.2 cubic feet respectively, offering more room for larger loads.

Cadillac’s 2021 Escalade was a technological wonder, featuring a 38-inch curved OLED display that boasted superior pixel density and color quality. Despite minor user experience improvements needed, the three-screen setup of a 14.2-inch instrumentation display, 16.9-inch infotainment screen, and 7.2-inch control panel offered a high-tech feel. AR navigation and advanced voice recognition augmented the driving experience, although voice control had limitations.

A 19-speaker AKG premium sound system came standard, with an optional 36-speaker AKG Reference system providing an immersive audio experience. Other tech highlights included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a full-color head-up display, and the impressive AR navigation system.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator also upgraded its technology with a new Sync 4 infotainment system displayed on a 13.2-inch touchscreen. The user-friendly interface, combined with physical controls for vital functions, made it easy to operate. Sync 4’s voice recognition had some limitations but was generally effective, and its over-the-air update capability promised ongoing improvements.

Rear-seat entertainment received a boost with the integration of Amazon Fire TV, offering access to popular streaming services. A new 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system provided exceptional sound quality, similar to Cadillac’s AKG system, ensuring a premier audio experience for all passengers.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade came equipped with a robust suite of safety features. Standard technologies included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and a Safety Alert Seat. Premium Luxury and Sport trims added blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, a rear camera mirror, and an optional Driver Assist Tech Package that enhanced high-speed emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. Notably, the Escalade would later offer Super Cruise technology for advanced semi-autonomous driving.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced several new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Road Edge Detection, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide for semi-autonomous driving. The new surround-view camera system became standard, while ActiveGlide allowed for hands-free driving on approved highways. These systems worked efficiently, though the need for constant vigilance increased stress, highlighting the current limitations of semi-autonomous technology.