2022 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 Cadillac Escalade

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade made a strong first impression with its unapologetically massive presence. Its imposing grille, LED daytime running lights, and taillights were scaled up to match its size, with taillights that vaguely recalled the sky-high tailfins of classic Cadillacs. The front end, with its tall hood, vertical running lights, and horizontal headlights, projected an aura of a diesel locomotive, not a conventional car. This resulted in a distinct appearance from other GM full-size SUVs, which wasn’t always the case with past models. The test model's 22-inch wheels looked remarkably small against the vast expanse of sheet metal, further emphasizing its bulk.

The Escalade followed other Cadillac SUVs' patterns by offering different trims for “sport” and “luxury” models. The Luxury and Premium Luxury trims featured bright exterior trim and wheels, while the Sport trim had darkened trim, including a mesh grille. Riding on the same body-on-frame architecture as other current-generation GM full-size SUVs and trucks, the Escalade managed to harmonize its imposing bulk with its luxury aspirations. The interior, while luxurious with leather upholstery, wood trim, and a massive panoramic sunroof, lacked a cohesive design theme and had some cheap-looking plastic bits, falling short of the Lincoln Navigator's distinctively luxurious interior.

For the 2022 Lincoln Navigator, subtle styling changes were made, including new headlights, taillights, and updated wheel designs. The Lincoln Embrace nighttime welcome illumination sequence was also updated. The SUV's front end was restyled, although the new Audi-esque grille with the Lincoln star and chrome detailing was less elegant and lacked the previous model's presence. However, this minor misstep was overshadowed by the rest of the successful updates.

Inside, the Navigator dazzled with high-quality materials and a mid-century modern design theme. The new Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme echoed the twilight sky, adding a unique aesthetic touch. The updated Sync 4 infotainment system, with its significantly larger 13.2-inch touchscreen display, further enhanced the interior experience. The overall ambiance, combined with the luxurious features and thoughtful design, gave the Navigator an edge in the aesthetic race.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade offered two powertrain choices, both shared with other GM SUVs and trucks. The standard 6.2-liter gasoline V8 engine produced 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. A $100 option was GM’s Duramax 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six diesel engine, which produced 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and had rear-wheel-drive (RWD) and optional four-wheel-drive (4WD) drivetrains. The diesel engine, despite its horsepower deficit, provided smooth power delivery and a lower torque peak, benefiting stop-and-go driving situations. However, the Escalade’s very hard brake pedal did not inspire much confidence.

In terms of towing, the gasoline engine had a maximum capacity of 8,200 pounds, slightly more than the diesel's 8,100 pounds. However, both fell short of the Navigator’s superior towing capacity of up to 8,700 pounds. Despite its independent rear suspension and optional air suspension and Magnetic Ride Control dampers, the Escalade’s ride felt unsettled and un-luxurious, particularly in comparison to the Navigator and other luxury SUVs. Moreover, the Escalade lacked off-road capability compared to its GM cousins, missing equivalent models to the Chevy Tahoe/Suburban Z71 or GMC Yukon/Yukon XL AT4.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator continued with its twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing a robust 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided pleasing acceleration not just in terms of power but also through its auditory note. The Navigator’s towing capacity ranged between 8,100 pounds and 8,700 pounds, featuring Trailer Reverse Guidance technology that was easier to set up and use.

Lincoln's updates included an adaptive-damping suspension system with Road Preview, enhancing ride quality by preparing the suspension for road imperfections. The Navigator’s ride shrugged off pavement imperfections, thanks to the adaptive suspension. An electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel and response, addressing previous model complaints. Despite its nearly three tons of curb weight, the Navigator’s twin-turbo V6 effortlessly climbed elevations and handled snow and mud with 4WD, 9.7 inches of ground clearance, and suitable driving modes.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade, like its predecessors, was essentially a high-end version of other GM full-size SUVs, sharing its body shell and chassis with the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon. The extended Escalade ESV shared its platform with the Chevrolet Suburban and GMC Yukon XL. The standard Escalade measured 211.9 inches in length, while the ESV stretched to 227 inches.

The cavernous cabin offered the most first-row and third-row legroom among full-size luxury SUVs, though second-row passengers received slightly less headroom compared to the Navigator. Standard configurations included second-row captain’s chairs and a 60/40 power split-folding third-row bench seat, with an optional power-folding 60/40 bench seat for the second row. The Escalade excelled in cargo capacity, offering 25.5 cubic feet with all seats up, 63 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 109.1 cubic feet with all rear seats down.

Despite the spacious interior, some functional issues persisted. The raised center console lacked adequate storage space, and the 12-way power-adjustable front seats, albeit luxurious, felt generic compared to the Navigator’s more sophisticated seating.

On the other hand, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator’s 30-way power-adjustable, massaging front seats were exceptionally comfortable. Taking the time to adjust and save settings using the memory function resulted in an ideal driving experience. Second-row captain’s chairs, now featuring massaging, heating, and ventilation, provided superior comfort, and the updated Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system enriched the passenger experience. Third-row passengers continued to enjoy roomy accommodations, highlighting Lincoln’s focus on passenger comfort since 2005.

The Navigator’s storage space was generous, with the long-wheelbase Navigator L offering even more cargo capacity. By the numbers, the Navigator provided 19.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row (34.3 cubic feet for Navigator L), 57.5 cubic feet with the third row folded (73.3 cubic feet for Navigator L), and a maximum of 103.3 cubic feet (120.2 cubic feet in Navigator L), slightly less than the Escalade’s figures but still commendable.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade boasted a sophisticated infotainment system with a 38-inch curved OLED display comprising three screens: a 14.2-inch digital instrument cluster, a 16.9-inch touchscreen, and a 7.2-inch screen for trip-computer functions. The display was seamlessly integrated into the dashboard with well-arranged icons, blending functionality with aesthetics. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity were standard. However, issues like the cumbersome carousel format for changing radio stations and an awkward rotary controller persisted. While the natural language voice recognition lagged behind competitors, the 360-degree camera system and rearview camera mirror enhanced driving ease in the large SUV. Additionally, advanced features like night vision and augmented-reality navigation impressed, even though tuning the 19-speaker AKG Studio sound system proved challenging.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator’s new Sync 4 infotainment system, with its 13.2-inch touchscreen display, marked a significant improvement. The landscape-oriented screen, placed above the center air vents, offered dual data panels for simultaneous navigation and music viewing. Physical knobs and buttons for climate and audio controls ensured ease of use. Sync 4’s voice recognition, while not perfect, showed marked improvements over the previous system, and the over-the-air update capability promised further enhancements. The new Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV provided access to popular streaming services, enriching the passenger experience. The 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system delivered outstanding sound quality, making it a standout feature in the Navigator.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade came standard with extensive driver-assist technologies, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. The Safety Alert Seat provided tactile warnings. Higher trims offered features like blind-spot monitoring and trailer blind-spot monitoring. Super Cruise, a $2,500 option, was one of the most advanced driver-assist systems available, enabling hands-free driving on compatible highways. Despite some disengagement issues, it performed smoothly and naturally. However, the lack of safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA left a gap in the overall safety assessment.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced new driver assistance systems, such as Intersection Assist, Road Edge Detection, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. While some features were not experienced during testing, ActiveGlide, akin to Ford’s BlueCruise, allowed for hands-free driving on approved highways. Despite its effectiveness under specific conditions, the need for constant driver vigilance highlighted the current limitations of semi-autonomous systems. The new surround-view camera system enhanced visibility and safety during driving maneuvers.