Cadillac Escalade ESV vs Lincoln Nautilus

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was an extended version of the standard Escalade, featuring a complete redesign for that model year. It was notably longer at 226.9 inches compared to the regular Escalade's 211.9 inches, with a slightly lower height. This extension primarily enhanced cargo space, and the wheelbase was lengthened to 134.1 inches, improving stability and design proportions. The Escalade ESV boasted a luxurious appearance with chrome styling on various trim levels, while Sport models featured blacked-out accents. All versions rode on 22-inch wheels, with finishes varying by trim. The vehicle came equipped with standard luxury features like LED headlights, power-extending assist steps, and a panoramic moonroof, with additional packages available for further customization. However, the interior, especially in lighter color schemes, was criticized for its use of hard plastics and lack of unique dashboard trimmings, which detracted from its luxury appeal.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus, particularly in the Black Label trim, was an attractive SUV with 21-inch machined-finish wheels and a distinctive design. It featured a welcoming Lincoln Embrace lighting sequence and offered interior design themes like Chalet and Flight, with premium leather upholstery. The Black Label trim included nearly all available features, such as a simulated suede headliner and luxury floor mats, though some chrome-plated plastic pieces appeared cheap. The Nautilus was priced starting at $44,225, with the Black Label model beginning at $66,825. Our test vehicle included Ultra Comfort 22-way power-adjustable front seats with massage, making it ideal for long drives. The Nautilus was praised for its comfort and luxury, though some interior elements fell short of expectations.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV offered a choice between a 6.2-liter V8 engine delivering 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel inline-six engine producing 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and buyers could choose between rear-wheel drive (RWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD). The Escalade ESV's V8 engine provided sufficient power but lacked low-end torque for high-speed passing. The vehicle's weight ranged from 5,785 to 6,182 pounds, depending on the trim level. Fuel economy was estimated at 17 to 23 mpg combined for the traditional Escalade, with the RWD Escalade ESV averaging around 18 mpg during testing.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus came with a standard turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with front-wheel drive (FWD) and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Black Label trim featured a twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 engine delivering 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, requiring all-wheel drive (AWD). The Nautilus offered Comfort, Normal, and Sport driving modes, with the adaptive suspension adjusting accordingly. The V6 engine achieved an EPA fuel economy rating of 21 mpg combined, with a maximum highway range of 450 miles. During testing, the Nautilus averaged 25 mpg over 871.1 miles. The vehicle was praised for its quiet and comfortable ride, though the steering lacked engagement.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was designed as a spacious and comfortable people and cargo hauler. It featured standard leatherette seating surfaces, with leather upholstery available. The vehicle offered 12-way power-adjustable front seats, heated first- and second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel. Buyers could upgrade to 16-way power-adjustable front seats with massage functionality. The Escalade ESV provided ample legroom in the first two rows, though the third row was less accommodating for adults. Cargo space was generous, with 126.6 cubic feet behind the first row, 81.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and 42.9 cubic feet behind the third row. The hands-free power liftgate was convenient but occasionally unreliable.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus Black Label featured smooth leather, ambient lighting, and a quiet drive thanks to Active Noise Control. The front seats were heated and ventilated, with optional 22-way power adjustments and massage programs. Rear passengers enjoyed heated outboard seats and air conditioning vents, though legroom was tight for a midsize SUV. The Nautilus offered 37.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and 68.8 cubic feet with the back seat folded down. The hands-free power liftgate provided easy access to the luggage compartment.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was equipped with a 19-speaker AKG sound system, with an optional 36-speaker AKG Studio Reference audio system. It featured wireless charging, NFC phone pairing, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and seven USB ports. The vehicle's standout feature was a curved 38-inch OLED screen, providing crisp graphics and intuitive menu navigation. Cadillac's Super Cruise advanced driving assist system was available, allowing hands-free driving on select highways. While Super Cruise generally performed well, it occasionally struggled in certain conditions and required driver intervention.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Sync 4 software. The system offered over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 19-speaker Revel premium audio system. The Nautilus included Phone as a Key technology, allowing smartphones to unlock and start the vehicle. The infotainment system was praised for its intuitive interface and excellent sound quality.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV came standard with front automatic braking, front and rear park assist, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. Additional safety features included adaptive park assist, a head-up display, and night vision. The Escalade ESV received a four-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with a three-star rating for rollover resistance.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus featured Lincoln Co-Pilot360 1.0, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Black Label trim added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, and a surround-view camera system. The Nautilus received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with a four-star rating for rollover resistance.